Where are the PS3 RPGs?
The PS3 has really started to deliver awesome games recently. But since the launch of the system, the RPG genre has been surprisingly lite.
Future Releases: Beyond 2008
The two giants are of course Final Fantasy XIII and White Knight Story. Besides those, NCSoft is working on PS3 exclusive MMORPGs and there are tons of other RPGS scheduled for ‘09 or tenatively scheduled for late ‘08 (I’m skeptical). I’m sure some of these will be great, but until we see more details it’s hard to say which ones.
Recent high quality PS2 titles
After the PS3 launched in late 2006, many of the Sony exclusive RPGs have still stuck with the PS2 rather than moving up to the PS3. This includes Persona 3 (and the upcoming Persona 4), Rogue Galaxy, Final Fantasy XII, Odin Sphere, Valkyrie Chronicles, Disgaea 2. Sure, most PS3 owners can play these in BC mode, but most of us would prefer PS3 native software.
Japan-only PS3 exclusive RPG-like titles
Japan has several high quality hybrid RPG-like titles including Disgaea 3, Valkyrie Chronicles, and Yakuza 3
Cross platform titles
PS3 got a very high quality but late port of Oblivion. PS3 also gets a simultaneous release of the upcoming Fallout.
PS3 Exclusives available in Western Territories
The only title worth mentioning is Folklore, and that’s more of an action RPG.
Am I missing anything? Can anyone guess when the quality RPGs will really start to roll in?
I´m waiting for KZ2, and thats not out before feb 09 .. Now that is a loong wait 
May 26th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I’m looking forward to Fallout 3. Bethesda did a great job on the PS3 port of Oblivion, and I’ve always been a Fallout fan.
I’m currently playing Overlord: Raising Hell and it is a pretty good game…not really a complete RPG but has lots of RPG elements, and has a good fun factor. I don’t expect it will take long to complete the game though.
May 26th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I’ve been sticking to my PS2 and PSP RPGs lately, not really a whole lot on the PS3 yet, as you mentioned.
I’m really looking forward to White Knight Chronicles and, of course, FFXIII…but I’m really not expecting them anytime soon. I just hope the PS3 doesn’t lose Sony’s “reputation” as having the consoles with the largest RPG library.
What’s funny, is right at this point, I’m kind of wishing I bought a 360 instead of a PS3. But, then again, I’m a huge RPG fan and bought the system pretty much for that purpose. The “big” games of this year like GTA4 and MGS4 don’t really interest me.
Let’s hope the RPG outlook of the PS3 improves later this year and into ‘09.
May 27th, 2008 at 2:39 am
this generation does seem to be plagued by a lack of variety in genres so far
where are the RPGs, where are the action-platformers… i want more games like ratchet&clank and uncharted! but all we get are driving games and shooters…
May 27th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Kinda reminds me of the original PSOne launch.
RPGs were my favorite genre then also but the first 18 months we had nothing. Then Beyond the Beyond (Which I bought and finished and enjoyed at the time due to it being the only RPG) and Wild Arms. Once FFVII came it seemed we had a steady supply then.
But at least we have Disgaea 3 shipping in August.
http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2008/022708a.html
Valkyria Chronicles sometime in Fall ‘08
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x58g6m_valkyria-chronicles-us-trailer_videogames
Hopefully we hear something solid at E3 concerning X Edge and WKS, along with the NCSoft titles.
Either that or I’m going to need to pick up a DS again for my RPG fix, I’m currently playing Suikoden again.
May 27th, 2008 at 4:54 am
RPGs are probably in the very same place as the hyped-up killer titles that were supposed to make the PS3 an instant hit overnight. So far very little of the promises has materialised - on any front.
I feel cheated.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:08 am
You missed out Enchanted Arms. Mind you, that game sucked!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I intentionally didn’t mention Enchanted Arms and other junky titles.
It seems like the consensus is that the PS3 is getting a really slow start. We will get a few decent RPGs later this year (Fallout + probably Disgaea/Valkyrie + a few others) but the real heavy weights aren’t until 2009.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am
must say i am not a fan of the genre but it is lacking for sure. fallout does interest me though. i hear you get a dog in that game. awesome.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Well don’t forget Eternal Sonata and Tales of Vesperia are both coming to the PS3 as well. Tears of Tiara and possibly Record of Argarest…maybe Lords of Vermillion..any of the NCSoft games coming out (which all remain unamed)
But yes…the big hitters are going to be a waiting game…..and I shall do exactly that while I bitch and moan and pout.
I’m still wondering why White Knight Story fell off the radar…it went from 75% complete playable at TGS to where the hell is WKS?
May 29th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I don’t buy ps2 games since I got my ps3, unless a great game ends up in the bargain bin for like 5€ or so.
I’m eagerly anticipating the next gen jrpg’s that were showcased and White Knight Story in particular
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
You can add Tales of Vesperia. It’s coming to PS3 too according to this sight.
http://darkzero.co.uk/game-news/tales-of-vesperia-coming-to-ps3-too/
Unfortunatly, the PS3 version of Namco Bandai’s: Eternal Sonata PS3 is “Japan only”. Unfortunatly if you live outside of japan.
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Oops. Forgot link to last part of previous post.
http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/06/02/namco-bandai-eternal-sonata-ps3-japan-only/