6 PlayStation 3 RPGs That Still Hold Up Today

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The PlayStation 3 didn’t quite live up to the incredible RPG library of the PlayStation 2 – which is understandable, considering how popular the PS2 was. But that doesn’t mean the PS3 lacked great RPGs! There were several truly excellent titles available, and many of them are still enjoyable today. With impressive graphics for their time, engaging stories, and solid gameplay, these RPGs remain worth playing even after almost twenty years.

Here are six PlayStation 3 role-playing games that are still enjoyable today. While Persona 5 was technically released on PS3, it’s primarily considered a PlayStation 4 game, so I’ve left it off this list.

6) Final Fantasy XIII

To be honest, Final Fantasy XIII isn’t one of the best Final Fantasy games. While it’s not terrible, it doesn’t quite live up to some of the older titles. However, it’s a visually stunning game for the PS3 and features a really interesting combat system.

If you enjoyed the atmosphere of Final Fantasy XIII, there are two follow-up games you can explore. While they aren’t typically ranked among the best Final Fantasy titles, they still hold up well and are fun to play in 2026.

5) Nier

The Nier series became incredibly popular with Nier: Automata, though many players don’t realize it’s actually a sequel to a game released in 2010. It gets even more complicated because the Nier series started as a spin-off from the Drakengard series. To add to that, Nier specifically continues the story after the fifth ending of the original Drakengard, even though Drakengard already had a sequel out when it first launched. Take a deep breath before continuing if you’re feeling lost!

Let’s be clear: Nier: Automata is a significant improvement over the original Nier. Still, it’s worth experiencing the first game to see the roots of director Yoko Taro’s unique vision. Nier allowed Taro more creative freedom, resulting in a truly unusual story for the PS3. Luckily, a 2021 remaster makes it accessible to play today.

4) Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

You don’t need to be a dedicated gamer to enjoy Ni No Kuni. While it’s a good game, the most impressive part of Wrath of the White Witch is how it looks. The game’s animated cutscenes were created through a collaboration between developer Level-5 and the famous Studio Ghibli.

The game’s cutscenes are beautifully animated, almost like watching a Studio Ghibli film. It’s visually stunning – easily one of the best-looking games ever made – and features a compelling story. Plus, the gameplay is fantastic, blending real-time battles with monster-collecting elements. If you own a PS3, you absolutely need to play this game.

3) Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas is widely considered the best game in the Fallout series, and it’s a truly exceptional game overall. While I wouldn’t rank it as the very best RPG from the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 era, it’s still an all-time classic that everyone should experience. If you haven’t played it yet, I highly recommend giving Obsidian Entertainment’s masterpiece a try.

Josh Sawyer is a consistently excellent game director. He’s behind acclaimed titles like Pillars of Eternity, Icewind Dale, and Pentiment – a track record many developers would envy. That’s why when I say New Vegas is his best work yet, it’s worth paying attention.

2) Tales of Xillia

While Tales of Xillia is now available on many consoles thanks to a 2025 remaster, it was originally only playable on the PlayStation 3 for over ten years. It’s wonderful that more people can enjoy it now, but those who played it when it first came out in 2011 experienced something truly unique.

Combat feels faster and more engaging than in most similar games, which keeps you constantly involved. The story also moves at a good pace, always introducing new characters and driving the plot forward. While the environments aren’t the most exciting, it’s a minor drawback. Fortunately, a remastered version of both this game and its sequel is planned, meaning they’ll eventually be available on current consoles.

1) Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles is a strategy role-playing game with deep, tactical gameplay. This classic from Sega, originally released in 2008, takes place in a fictionalized Europe inspired by the early years of World War II. While it doesn’t feature real countries or people, the game clearly draws inspiration from that historical period.

This Sega game offers a bit more freedom than most grid-based strategy games, allowing for creative tactics and fast-paced action. While the story is strong, the game’s presentation is truly exceptional. It has spawned three direct sequels and two spin-off titles, along with numerous adaptations. Thankfully, a recent remaster makes it just as enjoyable to play now as it was originally.

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2026-02-21 00:40