We already published the list of best PS3 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS3 action RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS3 definitely has a great library of action RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS3 and action RPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Legasista
- Release Data: System Prisma/Nippon Ichi Software, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Legasista is a surprisingly good dungeon-crawling action RPG.
Despite the predictable story, expected anime tropes and overly lengthy cut scenes, the gameplay is solid.
The story-related dungeons are short enough that you can take care of a few of them in your spare time without getting overwhelmed, while the random dungeons are perfect for those with more time to kill.
#24. Dungeon Siege III
- Release Data: Obsidian Entertainment/Square Enix, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you like high-fantasy realms and you have like-minded friends who’ll play with you offline, Dungeon Siege III is definitely worth your time.
If you’re going to go it alone strictly for story and gameplay, then know that you’ve already played this game before in similar form, probably a dozen times.
#23. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Not only will the campaign last you around 15 hours or so, but the branching story gives you a good reason to return.
Furthermore, there are additional stand-alone missions to take on; a trivia game that will test your Marvel comics knowledge; and lots of costumes, audio discs, and dossiers to collect.
#22. Star Ocean: The Last Hope International
- Release Data: Tri-Ace/Square Enix, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Star Ocean: The Last Hope International is a great RPG and the inclusion of the original Japanese audio is always a welcome addition, especially when dealing with very Japanese characters.
Although Final Fantasy XIII is right around the corner, Star Ocean: The Last Hope International is a must-play for true RPG players.
#21. Costume Quest
- Release Data: Double Fine Productions/THQ, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Without question, the art and overall premise serve as Costume Quest‘s biggest hook, and these things are ultimately what drive the game and turn it into something much more than a superficial RPG.
Still, whether or not you can overlook its initial shortcomings is tied directly to how much you buy into its premise on a nostalgic and comedic level.
#20. Tales of Xillia
- Release Data: Bandai Namco Games, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Energetic combat and awe-inspiring settings make Tales of Xillia a highly enjoyable title.
It may not be the best in the series, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
This is a must-buy for Tales fans, a good entry point for newcomers, and an all-around excellent RPG.
#19. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
- Release Data: Raven Software/Activision, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
If you love comics, superheroes, or just want to experience a fun and challenging action RPG, Ultimate Alliance delivers the goods.
Sure, the levels and even the gameplay get a bit repetitive at times, but there is always great action and that is what really make this game rise above its predecessors and a total joy to play.
#18. 3D Dot Game Heroes
- Release Data: Silicon Studio/From Software, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The original Legend of Zelda and A Link to the Past are classics for a variety of good reasons, and both still hold up fairly well today.
The easiest way to view 3D Dot Game Heroes is as an unofficial, vaguely sequel in that series, and in that light, it comes off really well.
#17. Tales of Graces f
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games/Bandai Namco Games, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
With a combat system that you can’t get enough of and plenty of depth, this is an RPG you can easily sink 30+ hours into without thinking twice.
Overall, action JRPG fans should pick up Tales of Graces f and relish in its throwback to great times when the genre was alive and kicking.
#16. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
- Release Data: Capcom, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Dragon’s Dogma isn’t for everyone.
It’s a time consuming and often brutal title, and its original flaws still remain–but the inclusion of Dark Arisen is just enough to push this RPG up there with the best that the genre has to offer.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more rewarding, dynamic, and atmospheric adventure on the PS3.
#15. Dragon’s Dogma
- Release Data: Capcom, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Dragon’s Dogma has the scale and challenge of a great action RPG, but not the character or polish.
Nonetheless, if you can persist, there’s a lot to love here, and some great ideas that make you want to give it a chance.
#14. DeathSpank
- Release Data: Hothead Games/EA Partners, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
A strong sense of humor is the backbone for this quirky adventure, but there is more to this game than a few silly jokes.
The combat is simple, but there are so many spells and items to play around with that it stays consistently entertaining.
DeathSpank is so charming and endearing that it’s easy to lose hours while playing it.
#13. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue
- Release Data: Hothead Games/EA Partners, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue proves that some formulas don’t need a drastic overhaul to be fun.
The small tweaks liven up the gameplay, but it’s the goofy story and striking visuals that provide the most experience.
This adventure can stretch for more than 15 hours if you want, and there are so many characters to meet that things never get boring.
#12. Dragon Age II
- Release Data: BioWare/Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
A lot of improvements were made to the systems running the game, including, a better graphics, and a streamlined interface for combat.
This game is all about character development and keeping you invested in the story because you want to know what will happen to the underdog and his friends, soldiering on despite the odds being stacked against them.
#11. Dungeon Defenders
- Release Data: Trendy Entertainment, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Dungeon Defenders is a hybrid style tower defense game.
What makes this game unique is the great blend of RPG elements, tower defense, and 3rd person action.
With four different character classes that persist over your account and separate character pools for ranked and casual play, there is a ton of content for you to enjoy.
#10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
- Release Data: Big Huge Games/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a great mashup of Skyrim and the Fable series.
And since one of the studios responsible for the game has shuttered its doors, it’s a shame that there will probably be no sequel, so that makes it a unique RPG that you need to play if you get the chance.
#9. Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old Iron King
- Release Data: From Software/Namco Bandai Games, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Crown of the Old Iron King is a DLC to Dark Souls II and adds a new section to explore and a new mystery to uncover.
It’s been lauded as one of the hardest additions to Dark Souls II and if you love the Souls series because of its high level of challenge, you’ll want to check out this DLC.
#8. Dark Souls II: Crown of the Sunken King
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games/Bandai Namco Games, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This is another DLC to Dark Souls II, adding another area to explore and history to discover.
Crown of the Sunken King is like Blight Town on steroids, and any veteran knows to quake in fear at the mention of that place.
More Dark Souls and more bosses equal more fun to those brave enough to face the challenge.
#7. Dragon’s Crown
- Release Data: Vanillaware/Atlus, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Dragon’s Crown is a gorgeously animated 2D brawler/RPG hybrid and games of this type aren’t common anymore and that makes it stand out.
The art style and simple gameplay make this a fun little outing that you can take on in bite-sized chunks or marathon.
Overall, it’s fun, fast-paced and surprisingly deep.
#6. Diablo III
- Release Data: Blizzard Entertainment, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Diablo III is a continuation of Blizzard’s hit franchise and has made a lot of refinements to the formula.
The console has a streamlined interface and has simplified leveling to make this the most accessible entry yet.
With multiple skills to unlock, character classes to play, and mountains of sweet loots to gather there’s a multitude of reasons to keep playing.
#5. Dark Souls
- Release Data: From Software, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Dark Souls is the first game in the cult hit series.
The game is well known for its challenging combat, unique storytelling, rewarding exploration, and deep lore.
It’s an acquired taste, but once you feel the thrill of victory, you won’t look at games the same way again.
#4. Dark Souls II
- Release Data: From Software/Namco Bandai Games, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Dark Souls II is the sequel to the original Dark Souls, and it doesn’t pull any punches.
Combat is just as challenging and rewarding as the original with expanded character building options.
The land you roam is richly detailed and the lore is just as well crafted, moreover the bosses are epic and require all your finely tuned skills to master.
#3. Demon’s Souls
- Release Data: From Software/SCEI, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Demon’s Souls is the first game that the team who created Dark Souls developed, and the combat in this is just as difficult as the rest of the Souls franchise.
If you are a fan of Dark Souls, you owe it to yourself to play this game if you get the chance.
#2. Mass Effect 3
- Release Data: BioWare/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Mass Effect 3 is a thrilling conclusion to the mainline Mass Effect series.
The third game takes all the decisions that you’ve made throughout the previous games to determine the state of the game world and how your decisions affect your relationships with your crew.
You can’t miss the end of such an iconic series.
#1. Mass Effect 2
- Release Data: BioWare/Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Mass Effect 2 is the sequel to the original Mass Effect, and it took great strides toward making the franchise more inviting to new players without sacrificing the science fiction story that was set up in the original.
If you haven’t played this yet, you should do yourself a favor and pick it up.
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Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS3 action RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
