Editorial: The Lack Of PS3 RPGs Is Disturbing

Before anyone takes the headline too literally, I would just like to clarify that I'm not necessarily referring only to the PlayStation 3. I'm just really disappointed in the overall lack of role-playing games this generation.

Look, I know we'll never again see the days of the original PlayStation, when RPGs were a super big deal and Squaresoft was essentially Godlike according to fans of the genre. I'm not really even asking for a return to the days of the PS2, when we at least saw plenty of RPGs in the second, third, and fourth years of the system's existence. All I'm asking for are a few RPGs here and there that I may wish to play; yes, we had Valkyria Chronicles and a few other gems last year, but in looking at 2009 and beyond, I had really hoped to see some RPGs on my "most anticipated" list. A decade ago, such a list was almost entirely comprised of RPGs! Now, I'm lucky if I can find one or two to add, and it's not only disappointing, it's a little worrisome...is the RPG dying out amidst this new explosion of technology and hectic insanity?

This will be the third year of the PS3's existence and thus far, I really just keep looking forward to Final Fantasy XIII. I'm definitely interested in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, which releases later this month (looks like Champions of Norrath for the PS3!), and Demon's Souls, which hasn't yet arrived in North America. Another one is White Knight Chronicles, which I really can't wait for, either, but after that, I'm scraping the bottom of the RPG barrel. Fellow fans, don't you remember playing all the Suikoden, Wild ARMs, Vandal Hearts, Legaia, and Lunar titles, along with individual gems like Vagrant Story, Chrono Cross, Star Ocean: The 2nd Story, Thousand Arms (shut up, it was good), etc, etc, etc.? I played many of these within a three-year span... Then there was the PS2, and while it took a little longer, my RPG collection for that console is still pretty damn impressive.

The point is, after two years with each of the previous two PlayStations, not only did I have more RPGs to play, but there were many more on the immediate horizon. The PS3...? Hey, I'm not complaining with what I have. I love the system and the exclusives thus far have been incredible. I very much enjoy playing great titles, regardless of the genre, but I always have a soft spot for the RPGs, which appear to be extremely scarce. I suppose I could just lose myself in something like the Disgaea games, but that's not really what I'm looking for, and besides, I don't have that much time on my hands. It's just that, Square-Enix doesn't appear to be doing anything for us, my much-awaited Suikoden VI may never exist, and what the heck happened to Legaia and Wild ARMs, and for that matter, a Legend of Dragoon sequel? Oh yeah, I know: no more turn-based allowed. I've got only one response to that-

Whatever.

3/6/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (62 posts)

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aaronisbla
Friday, March 06, 2009 @ 10:51:12 PM
Reply

Legaia 2 was really amazing when i first played it, one of my fav rpgs on the ps2

2 up, 0 down

Yogi
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 6:17:28 AM

/agreed

AMAZING game, sadly went almost unnoticed.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:52:36 AM

I loved it. Did everything in it. :)

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JiggleBeetz
Friday, March 06, 2009 @ 10:56:19 PM
Reply

yea i understand how you feel i love RPG"s being immersed in a fantasy world where i can witness every little detail of my favorite character's growth is just a great experience. I really hope that square can come through on the RPG front i don't have any for my PS3 at the moment

2 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:02:28 AM
Reply

I miss old-school turn-based jrpgs.

4 up, 0 down

AwRy108
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:12:14 PM

Buy a PS2, then.

0 up, 2 down

ZubraZap
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:25:00 AM
Reply

You not playing the new Disgaea? Yeah Valkyria looks amaZing yet isn't enough for a valid PS3-RPG roster.

Dude..Ben, Chrono Cross, sh*t yes!

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Neurotoxiny
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 1:40:48 AM
Reply

I dunno, I thought Folklore was great, and I haven't bought Valkyria yet but the demo was good.

I also miss those turn based rpgs... I have the second, third and last disk for Legend Of Dragoon. I lost the first disk, so I can't start it over again though :(

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Kevadu
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 3:57:13 AM
Reply

What about more western RPGs? OK, they're not turn-based, but Oblivion and Fallout 3 are both great. I also have high hopes for Dragon Age: Origins.

And as I believe somebody else mentioned, you left Disgaea 3 off your list.

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Acehiroku
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 4:11:13 AM
Reply

Can someone pleeeeeease remake Xenogear !! Remember ? The complex story RPG with awesome characters and soundtracks ? I want it for my PS3

Last edited by Acehiroku on 3/7/2009 4:11:43 AM

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 4:18:31 AM
Reply

I feel your pain Ben, RPGs are my favorite genre when it comes to consoles and I find myself replaying old RPGS due to the lack of games this generation. I really don't enjoy western RPGs (fallout3, oblivion, mass effect). I miss the old days and I think with new technology for some unknown reason the rpg gravy train stopped chugging along.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/7/2009 4:19:53 AM

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cLoudou
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 6:07:56 AM

I'm also not into western rpg.
I need a new turn based rpg fix, is Persona 4 turn-based, thinking of getting even though I never played any previous installments

0 up, 0 down

Kevadu
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 1:57:34 PM

You don't need to have played previous games to enjoy Persona 4. They're thematically related but not story related. And Persona 4 is a fantastic game!

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Yogi
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 6:16:05 AM
Reply

IMO should have not listed 'star ocean: 2nd story' as an "individual gem" seeing as how 'Star Ocean: Til the End of Time" was released on the double (yea, i refer to the PS2 as "the double"). No Xenogears nod?

Of course, as always, love the editorial. Keep doing what you do Ben, we all love ya for it!

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:53:31 AM

Thanks. :) And I listed it as an individual because I was talking about the PS1 in that part of the article.

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Riku994
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 6:52:51 AM
Reply

Ben I'm sorry but you and I both know that a LoD remake or prequel would be a much better idea than a sequel. There's not much they can do with a sequel, but theres a whole Dragon Campaign and Dart's 5 year adventure that was never completely explored in a manner than you can say "oh, I know EXACTLY what happened there." I think a remake would be the best, but if not, a prequel would do me for a long time.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:54:08 AM

I don't "know" a remake would be better. I just want another LoD, whether it's a sequel or not.

0 up, 0 down

Robochic
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 9:03:08 AM
Reply

Agreed, Where are all the RPGS, Man i hope they make another baluders gate :)I'll just have to play all my old PS2 RPG games

0 up, 0 down

Ves
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 9:23:47 AM
Reply

I've been waiting for Valkyria Chronicles to get on stock again in Europe but nothing happens. And if it's on stock, it's for a ridiculous price.

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:35:31 PM

Same in Canada. What's up with the new 70 dollar price tags?

0 up, 0 down

Gone
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 9:33:33 AM
Reply

There was an article about a year ago that said RPGs take up too much time (70 hrs FF7), so publishers wanted causal games that people could just pick up and play for an hour. That's why they came out with the Nintendo Wii. When Final Fantasy comes out then the RPG business will pick to compete.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:56:00 AM

Who said FFVII takes 70 hours? You can beat that game in 30 hours if you were so inclined. Heck, you can do just about everything there is to do in 70 hours, including beating the WEAPONs.

I was always sick of that argument about length. I mean, RPGs are NEVER for the casual gamers anyway, so why do we even CARE? The hardcore RPG fans like myself WANTED all that length; we were sad when it ended! I couldn't have been happier to put 120 hours into Saga Frontier, and I was VERY disappointed when Lunar: SSSC only turned out to be about 15-20 hours.

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Alienange
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:37:52 PM

Agreed. RPGs are for the hard core. It's what we grew up playing. Every hour was savored. You want Madden then go ahead, it's good. But don't skimp on RPGs because the casual crowd "doesn't get it."

0 up, 0 down

crapreviews
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:51:38 AM
Reply

Isnt Scared 2: Fallen Angle an RPG? that's coming out near the end of the month.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:56:46 AM

Yeah, I mentioned it.

0 up, 0 down

crapreviews
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 11:09:06 AM

oh sorry lol. i must be going blind.

Oh well more mention of this game cant hurt. :P

0 up, 0 down

coldbore
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:53:30 AM
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im not the biggest RPG fan, the only RPG's i ever liked were fallout 3 and the pokemon games for the gameboy, thats about it

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:39:43 PM

Pokemon for DS kicks major butt. You try it or only GB+GBA?

BTW, Kudos for putting Pokemon and Fallout 3 in the same sentence.

0 up, 0 down

SplendidBlended
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 11:11:43 AM
Reply

The lack of RPG's IS disturbing.
Especially for someone who bought a PS3 because she thought she would be getting lots of RPG's to play. I mean, I didn't really know much about this stuff, but taking one look at all the ones the PS2 had I just assumed...

Also, I just think it would be really great if someone made a game like Myst, or Riven for PS3.
I mean... damn. That would be very bad ass in my opinion.

I guess I just feel like playstation has been a bit stuck on the same genres for a while now...

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:19:13 PM

Don't feel bad. We ALL assumed that, including me. Both the PS1 and PS2 were the best RPG systems available in each of their respective generations, so it would stand to reason...

It just didn't happen. :(

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 11:25:56 AM
Reply

I blame a few things:

Wii
Guitar Games
Western Rpgs

0 up, 0 down

SplendidBlended
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 11:39:50 AM
Reply

I also just feel like there is so much more they could be doing with video games these days. So many different types of games they could make, and yet they stick to the same thing over and over again because that's what everyone will buy.
I just think Playstation could try something new, or different from what they're used to.
I mean, am I the only one who thinks a Harvest moon type game with amazing graphics and online play would be fun? Doesn't everyone like to grow virtual vegetables?

I guess I'll just keep hoping for more games like LBP in the future.
I know a lot of you guys love this game even if you don't get to blow peoples heads off in it. [:

Last edited by SplendidBlended on 3/7/2009 11:43:51 AM

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 11:47:42 AM

Sometimes I see innovation or a step in a new direction as a problem. I loved the formula used in rpgs during the mid 90s to early 2000s I could play these style of games over and over. What did innovation and a step in a new direction get us? Final Fantasy XI which is nothing but garbage IMO.

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Alienange
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:42:08 PM

@Cobra - you try Lost in Blue 1, 2 or 3? You like Harvest Moon you'd probably like those. I was really surprised how good they were. Not rpgs per se... but different for sure.

0 up, 0 down

BeezleDrop
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:02:20 PM
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It would be breath taking if they brought back Xenogears, Chrono trigger (for the next gen), and Wild Arms for the PS3. Oh yes and Breathe of Fire.

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Ultimadream
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:11:56 PM
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It really its were getting all the fu**ing First person shooters...... i hate them. Theres no excuse for no Star Ocean 4, Fallouts not really an RPG in the true sense of the word.

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Totalz
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:13:27 PM
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I love Oblivion and Fallout, they nearly make up for theatrocious lack of next gen. RPGs, and I'm really looking forward to White Knight Chronicles and FFXIII.

1 up, 0 down

AwRy108
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:14:35 PM
Reply

The JRPG genre isn't a money maker in the US like FPS's, 3rd Person Shooters, and Actions games. Right now, SONY is most concerned about making money and selling consoles, so JRPG's aren't at the top of their list at the moment. When the PS3 gets a larger install base, I'd expect a few more JRPG's; but, as a whole, the genre is a pretty stale one, so I wouldn't cry too much if there's not a flood of them.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 3:00:12 PM

How do we know it isn't a money maker if they won't make any? Theres a few mediocre titles for 360 but sole owners of an xbox machine have never been the audience for RPGs.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/7/2009 3:00:40 PM

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Alienange
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 12:43:19 PM
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Bring on White Knight Chronicles. I'm getting it day one to satisfy my need for JRPGing.

2 up, 0 down

shindelion
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 2:00:08 PM
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Ben i was a bit surprise to know you played lunar. I thought only a hand full of people played it including myself. also i would love to see a next Vagrant Story.

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 4:07:07 PM

Played both Lunar: SSSC and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. OWN both. Played SSSC at least three times. ;)

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Riku994
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 2:01:16 PM
Reply

I do believe that once WKC, FF13 and FFv13 hot, the rpg section will start growing. I also agree that the length of rpg's is what makes them great, and I'm excited that WKC will apparently take 100 hours, plus the online play which im sure will be fine despite Famitsu's less than appropriate scoring. I just wish sony would wise up and do SOMETHING with LoD, but IMO Ben a remake or prequel would be best. I'm sure they'd find something to do with a sequel but a prequel/remake just makes more sense to me.

0 up, 0 down

ZubraZap
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 2:34:15 PM
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I love the Breath of Fire series. Breath of Fire 3 is one of my favorite PSX RPGs.

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shindelion
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 3:43:52 PM

I love all of Breath Of Fire also. 3 is my fav but i just love 4 with the combo system. part 5 was ok, need a new BOF.

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 3:06:06 PM
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So why did they (SE) abandon so many beloved series that would have done well? Why have the good games been replaced with this...this junk? Me love me PS3 collection but there's just two RPGs in it and one is Western. It's so sad to see the genre that I got into on the NES go the way of the dodo. I WILL buy WKC even if they say it sucks, and I can only hope the massive sales of FFXIII (more on the PS3 side) shows the industry that RPGs are NOT dead and ARE top sellers, provideded they are GOOD!

1 up, 0 down

cheng
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 4:47:52 PM
Reply

Erm...where's shadow hearts1 & 2!???
I still remember yuri's arm got cut off by a little flying thing in the beginning, and he just attached it back, i was like WTF lol...and my favourite battle system was either the shadow hearts or grandia 2's, and i ABSOLUTELY love grandia 2(best battle BGM). Anyway i assure u all that the games market will flourish with rps starting the year 2018!!

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 5:22:01 PM

Oh YEAH, I forgot about Shadow Hearts. And I loved Covenant and From the New World on the PS2...some of my favorite RPGs.

0 up, 0 down

smileys_007
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 5:14:48 PM
Reply

damn.. i hope that there will be a suikoden VI. i really miss that game..

0 up, 0 down

shindelion
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 5:38:44 PM

i miss that big time my friend. loved part 3,heard way back there was a rumor about part 6.

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shindelion
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 5:37:16 PM
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WILL WE EVER HAVE THOSE GOOD FUN AGAIN!? it's purely FPS coming out, most of my rpg friends are going to World of War craft for their fix. the game i use to love that was like world of war craft was Midway Gauntlet. Anyone played that. i own the 64 and ps2 version way back, all lost due to moving, sigh. the Company's forgot about us, maybe we should make our own. I'm an animator and modeler need a story boarder and some coders. I feel like we are being starved and fed food we force to get use to.

Last edited by shindelion on 3/7/2009 5:43:01 PM

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shindelion
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 6:17:56 PM

typeo "we are force to get use to"

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yzzlthtz
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 7:11:05 PM
Reply

Did anyone try Enchanted Arms? The first hour was hard to stomach, but after that it's a pretty decent turn-based RPG with neat strategy elements...
Disgea 3 is indulgent, and Valkyria Chronicles is great....
Oblivion and Fallout 3 are good plays, but in a decidedly American RPG genre...
The loss of Star Ocean and Dragon Quest from the playstation is pretty sad. The Final Fantasy 13s might make up for it... but Sony should have secured more RPG titles for the first 3-4 years of the ps3.

I'm honestly very much looking forward to Sacred 2....I loved games like Champions of Norrath on the PS2.

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shindelion
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 7:39:07 PM

I only busting my butt on Disgea 3. man i love those type of games. Would be nice if SE give us a next gen Final Fantasy tactics eh?

Last edited by shindelion on 3/7/2009 7:40:06 PM

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 8:02:44 PM

Yeah, I reviewed Enchanted Arms. It was okay...just nothing I could really get into.

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rezenu
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 9:25:48 PM
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I agree. It is disturbing. Either Sony needs to make their own rpgs or Square needs to stop releasing rpgs on the wrong console.

The PS3 has been shafted for a good while and it's absolute bullshit. :/

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 10:11:07 PM
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You got me thinking, I'm having fun with KZ2 but I need to play an RPG, or rather, probably replay an RPG any recommendations for PS2? I probably own 90% of them so don't be shy.

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jdt1981
Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 9:33:11 PM
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I agree it seems to be taking waaay too long for quality RPGs to come out this gen. Last gen. the PS2 was launched in NA in 2000 and FFX was released in 2001, here we are in our third year with the PS3 and fourth with the 360 and FFXIII is still a year or two away for NA and EU. When we were this deep into last generation we already had a bunch of really good RPGs like FFX, FFX-2, KOTOR 1&2, Jade Empire, Fable and Deus EX to name a few.

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maxpontiac
Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 10:13:38 PM
Reply

Some of you might find this hard to believe, but Fallout 3 was first RPG type of game.

I enjoyed it very much, and have to agree with you Ben.

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LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 08, 2009 @ 11:00:40 PM
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I strongly disliked Fallout3, Fallout3 is not a true Fallout game, its simply an Oblivion game with a different setting.

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jokoutomo
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 @ 1:48:50 AM
Reply

WE INDONESIA PEOPLE DEMAND MORE RPG FOR PS3 !!!

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ClassicRPGfan
Saturday, April 11, 2009 @ 8:26:30 PM
Reply

MAN I LIKE U!! lol, duude exactly my thought for a looong while, its been a while since i've felt the real rpg feeling, ffx was the only one i really like unfortunatly on ps2, playstation just had me hooked while playing xenogears, star ocean:the 2nd story, legend of dragoon, chrono chross, ff7-8-9, maan i was happy when i heard u say em again, WAKE UP SQUARESOFT!!! ok i gotta calm down, although i really hope something big comes back, specially for squaresoft

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