We already published the list of best PS3 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS3 JRPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS3 definitely has a great library of JRPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS3 and JRPGs, 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. Hyperdimension Neptunia
- Release Data: Compile Heart/Idea Factory, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
At the end of the day, while it does have some flaws in the technical side and slightly outdated visuals, Hyperdimension Neptunia still holds up decently well as an RPG or even a JRPG.
The cutscenes, music, character uniqueness, and simplistic gameplay are enough to hold this game in a place with the rest of the series.
#24. Cross Edge
- Release Data: Compile Heart, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Cross Edge had a lot of potential to be great.
Its best features are its rewardingly complex battle system and its clean and equally nostalgic 2D presentation.
In the end, however, Cross Edge feels like a gift aimed squarely at the hardcore JRPG crowd.
#23. Mugen Souls
- Release Data: Compile Heart, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
For deep and amusing combat, Mugen Souls is a great purchase.
It’s not the longest JRPG out there, but there’s enough content to want to come back and play a second time, and there are nearly endless character customization and optional dungeons to explore.
The only question is whether you’re able to handle the more obscene moments in the game.
#22. Mugen Souls Z
- Release Data: Compile Heart, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The game itself is a nice improvement over the original and maintains its lively soundtrack and solid voice work both for the Japanese and English tracks.
The game still looks a bit too blurry during gameplay and the map variety is still lacking, but if you liked the first game, you’ll really enjoy the sequel.
#21. Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2
- Release Data: Compile Heart, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Hyperdimension Neptunia MK2 is easily a better game than its predecessor, though it’s still not going to be for everyone.
The game is slotted into a very niche market, a market where people love anime and moe-infused girl characters.
Don’t like this? Then you’ll hate this game, simple.
#20. Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory
- Release Data: Compile Heart/Idea Factory, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory is a solid, deep, and well written RPG that shows what the genre is all about—namely, the story.
It is a great, subtle and layered commentary of the video game industry that doesn’t take itself seriously.
And due to the hardcore reputation of the developer, this is a game for fans and is full of fan service.
#19. Trinity Universe
- Release Data: Idea Factory/Nippon Ichi Software, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Trinity Universe is certainly a much better effort at a crossover RPG than Cross Edge.
The graphics are nice, the story line is amusing, and the battle system remains deep without resorting to being too complex to grasp.
Overall, Trinity Universe is a good choice for RPG fans who don’t mind a heavy dose of humor in their games.
#18. Ar tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel
- Release Data: Gust/NIS America, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Overall, Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel is a decent game for people wanting a solid JRPG.
A couple of nagging flaws keep this game from fully reaching its potential, but even with those, there is still plenty to enjoy here.
It provides good balance between humor and drama but is killed at times by awkward dirty jokes.
#17. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Overall, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is a different game to any other in the franchise.
Your enjoyment will depends on whether you liked the previous two titles, with close followers of the story arc much more likely to appreciate the closure that this installment provides.
There are flaws, but the combat, characters, and time system all provide plenty of entertainment.
#16. Enchanted Arms
- Release Data: From Software, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
While you can finish Enchanted Arms in about 40 hours, it will take you considerably longer if you spend the time to find all of the golems in the game.
If you have the patience for it, though, you’ll find that Enchanted Arms is a solid addition to the PlayStation 3 library, even if it isn’t a very original one.
#15. Fairy Fencer F
- Release Data: Compile Heart, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As far as most Japanese RPGs go, Fairy Fencer F is fine.
The combat system is quite good, as it provides depth without feeling too overwhelming.
It allows players to easily grasp all of the systems that are introduced rather early in the game.
Overall, RPG fans will enjoy the game, as it is still fun despite some of the obvious flaws.
#14. Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star
- Release Data: Gust, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star is a unique title that tries to do something new.
JRPG fans should definitely check it out at some point, if only as a filler between bigger things.
And if getting to know characters inside-out is something that you’re looking for, then you might want to consider this.
#13. Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland
- Release Data: Gust, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland is a game made for those who enjoy collecting materials and spending hours upon hours synthesizing items, looking for just that perfect mixture.
Those looking for deep combat or a deep story should look elsewhere as this game will most likely not hold your attention.
#12. Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk
- Release Data: Gust, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Ayesha is a fun, yet simplistic entry in the long running franchise.
The story is solid and the characters are well developed if you invest your time in them.
And if you can get over the fact that the game is missing a lot of content that previous entries had, then you are still going to have a good time.
#11. Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland
- Release Data: Gust, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Meruru is a niche title.
Those who love Japanese-style games or who get a kick out of playing with crafting systems will absolutely be in love the second the game starts.
There are a few minor faults, for sure, but if Atelier Meruru has what you’re looking for you’re going to have a hard time putting it down.
#10. Resonance of Fate
- Release Data: Tri-Ace/Sega, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
It can take more than 60 hours to play through the entire adventure, and if you do every side quest along the way, you can push that number much higher.
The exciting combat and quirky story make this game incredibly difficult to put down once you get sucked in, and there is always a new challenge waiting for you.
#9. Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland
- Release Data: Gust, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The game really shines in its alchemy system and ends up becoming an addictive title as you continuously craft new items and level up quickly.
Running out to new locations, gathering up materials, building new stuff, and then opening up more areas makes this more fun than you would expect
While it’s not a top-tier game, it’s a solid effort.
#8. Final Fantasy XIII-2
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
More than just an update to a well-established formula, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is vital and modern, and deserves to be the blockbuster it was designed to be.
Emotionally engrossing, technically dazzling, and deeply playable, Final Fantasy XIII-2 delivers the goods, and is highly recommended.
#7. Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea
- Release Data: Gust, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The lack of a time system may frustrate some longtime fans, but it works in the game’s favor and allows for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The new alchemy system and the life goals system make it an extremely fun game to play, and it’s an excellent choice for casual or hardcore RPG fans.
#6. Eternal Sonata
- Release Data: Tri-Crescendo/Bandai Namco Games, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Eternal Sonata is a truly unique experience even for a JRPG, a genre that’s renowned for quirky and crazy stories.
The gameplay is centered around a traditional RPG turn-based battle system blended with an action-oriented phase after an initial tactical phase.
With an engrossing narrative and clever battle mechanics, Eternal Sonata is a game well worth picking up.
#5. Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
- Release Data: Gust, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This title is a fun character-driven RPG with central mechanics based on creating and refining items to create something to explore the ruins.
With an addictive gameplay loop and compelling personal narrative, this part of the Atelier franchise is a worthy addition and has been enjoyed by fans of JRPGs for years.
#4. Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland
- Release Data: Gust, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland is a mashup of storytelling and game mechanics.
It has traditional RPG elements, a crafting system, and visual novel storytelling.
Between the combat, the personal story, and the addictive crafting elements, you’ll have a game that will suck you in and keep you invested.
#3. Final Fantasy XIII
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
All the characters are well thought out and each has a compelling part to play in the plot and it’s fun to watch them interact together.
When you combine all that with the amazing graphics and you get hours of fun that are a feast to the eyes and a joy to play.
#2. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel
- Release Data: Falcom, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
With a deep story filled with compelling characters and an enjoyable combat system that rewards exploring the relationships with your classmates, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel is a great game that will keep you interested from beginning to end.
If you like a good story and rich combat you’ll definitely enjoy this game.
#1. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
- Release Data: Level 5, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is an RPG that combines traditional turn-based combat with the familiar system.
With its surprisingly deep combat system and its cutscenes animated by the famous Studio Ghibli, there’s a beautifully rendered world to explore.
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See also: Best PSP Games & Best PS Vita Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS3 JRPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
