Rising out of PS Now’s ashes, Sony’s new PlayStation Plus has finally rolled out in North America. Split into three tiers, the service’s Extra and Premium subscriptions grant users access to hundreds of games covering a wide spectrum of genres. Yearning for a fright? PS Plus has plenty of horror delights. Want to play with a friend? Local co-op options are not lacking.
Unsurprisingly, role-playing games are not an exception, and that includes Western and Japanese projects. As the service’s library is so vast, here is a rundown of the best RPGs on PS Plus Premium and Extra.
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
While Final Fantasy is better known in North America, Dragon Quest is undoubtedly the king of RPGs in Japan. After a long stretch away from Western home consoles, the franchise made its international comeback with Dragon Quest 11, a glorious throwback to early JRPGs that proves the formula is not broken.
Dragon Quest 11 S adds a handful of quality-of-life improvements to the base game, along with a few neat additions such as a 16-bit mode. Offering a lengthy campaign, beautiful visuals, endearing characters, and straightforward but enjoyable turn-based combat, this Square Enix project might be the best JRPG on PS Plus Extra.
Trials Of Mana
The August 2022 PS Plus Extra line-up contained its share of goodies, but RPGs were not the month’s focus. Nevertheless, Sony’s service did not completely ignore fans of the genre, specifically those fond of JRPGs. A remake of 1995’s Trials of Mana, Xeen’s 2020 game is quite faithful to the original both in terms of gameplay and story progression. An argument could be made that this iteration is just a 3D rendition of Trials of Mana; consequently, as the 1995 title is hailed as a classic, the modern version is also pretty great.
Players get to pick three characters from six protagonists, all of which come with unique backstories and development. Trials of Mana utilizes a real-time combat system that starts shallow but blossoms nicely as the campaign progresses. Actually, that is something that extends to the entire game, as the campaign picks up considerable steam during its second half.
Mount And Blade: Warband
The cult classic Mount and Blade series is a franchise that combines elements from grand strategy war games, fantasy RPGs, and city management simulators to create a game completely its own. Gameplay is divided into two sections: one where players control their character on a world map to go from location to location, and one when confronted in combat that sees players command their personal army against their foe in third-person massive-scale warfare.
Mount and Blade: Warband is not the first game in the series, nor is it the most recent (which would be the early access Bannerlord). However, it’s arguably the most popular in the series, despite its very dated graphics. It’s worth trying if you want to play something that combines the strategic senses required of the Total War series with the directional combat of Chivalry: Medieval Warfare.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne is a dark fantasy RPG inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Bram Stoker, and other classical horror authors of the early 20th century. It is developed by FromSoftware, the same studio behind the Dark Souls franchise and recently-released Elden Ring.
Bloodborne was released as a PlayStation exclusive, though, and is included with PS Plus Premium and Extra. It’s one of the most challenging RPGs ever made, and its uniquely disturbing visuals paired with incredibly fine-tuned gameplay make it a classic every PlayStation owner should try at some point.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is not for the faint of heart. Warhorse’s RPG teleports players to a medieval kingdom that destroys the ill-prepared and the vulnerable, and surviving in Bohemia requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to overcome failure.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance prioritizes realism, and this extends to the progression system. Rather than selecting a class and focusing on that, the protagonist naturally grows depending on the skills they develop.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a massive game that, once upon a time, would have remained confined to PC. However, like JRPGs are nowadays more commonly found on computers, studios are also more willing to port isometric RPGs to consoles. Packed with all the DLC, the Definitive Edition is intimidating right from the gate, giving players the pick out of 16 classes. With more than a dozen regions to explore, Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a commitment that will consume someone’s life for potentially months.
Along with combat, which comes in two forms, this RPG also incorporates a kingdom-managing system that permits players to lord over regions and, eventually, the entire map.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
PS Plus Extra’s December 2022 line-up treated Yakuza fans well by adding Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Judgment. These three lengthy single-player games can readily keep someone busy for a couple of months. The Sega franchise had always incorporated some RPG mechanics, but Like a Dragon took a big step toward embracing that genre. In many ways, the game served as a new beginning for the long-running series, introducing a new protagonist and main location along with completely different combat.
The latter should hit home for old-school JRPG fans since Like a Dragon essentially adopts Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy’s turn-based battle systems. Obviously, the game adds its own twists, but the fundamentals are clearly inspired by those legendary properties. As fun as battles are, Like a Dragon would not be a proper Yakuza game if it lacked an engrossing narrative filled with lovable characters, shocking reveals, and emotional depth. The story delivers on all of these fronts, while the title’s side quests provide a nice change of pace and tone.
Dark Cloud 2
A PlayStation 2 classic, Dark Cloud 2 is a charming JRPG that has aged beautifully over the last two decades. As Max and Monica, players explore dungeons in search of items that allow them and their village to grow. Rather than leveling up the protagonists, Dark Cloud 2 ties progression to weapons; the more a sword or gun is used, the stronger it becomes.
Level-5’s portfolio is filled with great JRPGs, but even in that competitive scene, Dark Cloud 2 still manages to stand out as being something extra special. This PS2 title is one of the best RPGs on PS Plus, and nostalgia has nothing to do with it.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
South Park: The Stick of Truth and The Fractured but Whole are both on PS Plus Premium and Extra, and any fan of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s series owes it to themselves to play through these RPGs. Although not too far removed from its predecessor, the sequel fine-tunes just enough aspects to be a clear improvement.
The Fractured but Whole parodies superheroes, particularly their domination of the film industry. The grid-based combat system is solid, while the game looks exactly like the show. Hopefully, there will be future South Park games.
Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition
Obsidian is responsible for some of the best RPGs of the last two decades. While most of the studio’s projects are not on PS Plus, Pillars of Eternity 2 has somehow made the cut, which is surprising since the developer is owned by Microsoft. This isometric RPG has all the Obsidian trademarks: fantastic writing, gripping quests, and an immersive world that rewards exploration. Deadfire shakes things up by opting to tell a pirate-themed tale; in fact, the title is a direct reference to the game’s setting, an archipelago that can only be traversed via ship.
The main quest involves the awakening of a destructive god, leading to the player being sent on a mission to imprison the deity before they destroy everything. On the surface, this story is quite basic, but it goes to some unexpected places and builds momentum quite nicely. However, Deadfire shines the brightest when focusing on its world-building and secondary content. This universe is populated with colorful and nuanced NPCs with their own allegiances and secrets. They help make this expansive journey an unforgettable one.
Rogue Galaxy
PS Plus Premium loves a Level-5 PS2 classic, and while not as well-known as Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy is arguably just as brilliant as any of those games. This planet-jumping sci-fi epic dropped late in the PS2’s lifespan, and it shows through the game’s impressive visuals. Rogue Galaxy is not just pretty either, as the JRPG is built upon a deep real-time combat system that punishes button-mashers.
Narratively, there is a lot to love here, even if the story hits a few worn-out cliches. Similar to the gameplay, Rogue Galaxy weaves an ambitious tale that steadily expands its scope throughout the lengthy campaign. PS Plus Premium should be used to preserve games that might otherwise be difficult to come by, and this PS2 JRPG fits the bill perfectly.
Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard
Vikings: Wolves of Midgard is an isometric action RPG revolving around Norse mythology. Cast as a Viking or Shieldmaiden, players are put in charge of a village and spend their time going on missions to expand their control over the land. Generally, the gameplay loop amounts to “kill everything, everywhere,” but Wolves of Midgard at least makes this repetitive process fun.
With decent customization, responsive controls, and a solid loot system, Wolves of Midgard gets most of the basic right. While it does not reinvent the wheel or introduce many unique ideas to the action RPG formula, this game is a knowledgeable student of Diablo’s school of hack and slash role-playing mayhem.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls series has remained somewhat stagnant since the release of The Elder Scrolls Online almost eight years ago. Fans hold out for the eventual sequel to Skyrim, though, thanks to the everlasting playability of the Elder Scrolls franchise. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the game that popularized The Elder Scrolls series before Skyrim made it a household name.
While the graphics may feel dated in 2022, Oblivion’s story, gameplay, and overall atmosphere are still as impressive as they were on release. The music of the game is regularly praised as the best in the series, and the environments of Cyrodiil are as lush as they are teeming with secrets. If someone has only ever played Skyrim, they will like its predecessor too.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy 7 was a landmark release for the RPG genre, and the 1997 game holds up after all these years. That classic is without question one of the best JRPGs on PS Plus, however, the same claim can also be made regarding its remake. Square Enix has opted to retell this iconic story through a modern lens, one that provides a lot more than just a graphical upgrade. Utilizing an action-based battle system with a couple of turn-based options, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade delivers fast-paced and addictive combat across a plethora of playable characters.
Intergrade is the PS5 version that includes Yuffie’s “Intermission” DLC, and it is a substantial addition that features unique bosses and mechanics. The PS4 vanilla version of the game is also on PS Plus Premium and Extra, so a subscriber does not need Sony’s latest console to play this title. As Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second part of the remake initiative, is on the way, this is the perfect time for newcomers to jump into the first game.
Nioh
Nioh is a dark fantasy RPG that takes inspiration from Sengoku-era Japan, an era of Samurai, in creating a visually satisfying and patience-challenging world. It blends reality and fantasy to the point that the line between actual historical fact and mythological inspiration becomes blurred.
It’s not an easy game, though, and many fans have compared it to games like Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. If comparisons are to be made, Nioh is like a more colorful, more mystical Sekiro with slightly easier gameplay but a much more comprehensive narrative.
Star Ocean: First Departure R
A remaster of a PSP game that was a remake of a SNES title, Star Ocean: First Departure R is a modern throwback to a classic era of JRPGs. The original Star Ocean did not make it out of Japan, and while the PSP remake did earn a Western release, the PS4 remaster is the most readily available option on the market. While rough-around-the-edges in places, First Departure R is an impressive JRPG with enjoyable combat, an awesome narrative, and decent characters.
Even though some aspects of the package, such as the party members’ AI, leave something to be desired, this game is a must-play for anyone fond of SNES-style JRPG. PS Plus Extra does not have many titles reminiscent of that era, so First Departure R fills a unique void.
Disgaea 5: Alliance Of Vengeance
RPGs come in many styles and flavors, and the same holds true for JRPGs. Ranging from old-school turn-based classics to fast-paced action epics, PS Plus Extra and Premium highlight the genre’s diversity. Compared to other classifications, tactical JRPGs are less common since they are a bit more niche. That said, PS Plus covers this area with Disgaea.
The Premium tier has Disgaea 3, 4, and D2, all of which are rock-solid games with addictive combat and charming characters. However, Disgaea 5, which is also available with an Extra membership, is the franchise’s crown jewel. While the story is nothing to write home about, the fifth entry has by far the best gameplay in the franchise, and that includes Disgaea 6. The grid-based combat is accessible but also deep, mainly due to the game’s awesome class system.
Wild Arms 3
Even though the selection isn’t extensive, PS Plus Premium’s Classics Catalog has a number of old favorites from across PlayStation’s history. Wild Arms and Wild Arms 3 are both available as part of the subscription, and these JRPGs are considered classics for a reason. The original entry in the franchise has aged pretty well and is likely to hit the mark for fans of PS1-era RPGs; however, Wild Arms 3 is arguably the superior game of the two.
Visually and narratively, Media.Vision’s title is just as impressive nowadays as it was in the early 2000s. While conventional in many ways, the combat system is great for the most part and requires enough strategic thought to remain engaging throughout the majority of the campaign.
Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana
Nihon Falcom’s Ys has been a staple of the action JRPG scene for decades, particularly on PCs. Although not the first entry to garner attention in Western countries, Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana helped expand the franchise’s visibility since it features graphics that did not look as dated as its predecessors’ visuals. More importantly, the action JRPG has a fast-paced and awesome combat system that is accessible but also hides a fair amount of depth.
Set on a reasonably sized island filled with monsters to slay and discoveries to be made, Lacrimosa of Dana strikes a healthy balance of battles, character-building, and exploration. One of the most fun JRPGs on PS Plus Premium and Extra, Ys 8 should not be missed.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
The first Borderlands game defined a new genre, but other games in the series are what make it such a unique and long-lasting franchise. Borderlands 2 is included in the Handsome Collection alongside Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and while the standalone versions of these games are very “vanilla”, this compilation also comes with all DLC and upgrades on launch.
If there’s one DLC that needs to be experienced, it’s Tiny Tina’s Assault On Dragon Keep for Borderlands 2. This is a legendary DLC that combines Borderlands’ iconic looter-shooter mechanics with a fantasy world inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. 2022’s Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is essentially a full game inspired by this lauded DLC.
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Originally released during the PS3 era, Kingdoms of Amalur fell into obscurity due to a complicated behind-the-scenes situation, before making a resurgence through the Re-Reckoning remaster. The game is fondly remembered for its action combat system, which takes a few pages from the hack and slash genre. Players are encouraged to experiment with weapon types, and they are showered in loot.
Although its story is nothing special, Amalur’s Faelands is a vibrant world that is fun to explore. The game’s age does show in places, but the gameplay is still enjoyable enough to justify a recommendation.
Dragon Star Varnir
PS Plus has a couple of Compile Hearts projects, including Megadimension Neptunia VII and the Death end re;Quest games. The former is a decent representative of the developer’s most famous but also most polarizing franchise, while the latter walks the line between visual novel and turn-based RPG.
These games have their fans, but they might be too unapproachable for people unfamiliar with Compile Hearts’ releases; consequently, Dragon Star Varnir is a better pick since it is relatively short and self-contained. It is also a more well-rounded experience, offering a good story that does not come at the expense of gameplay. The turn-based combat system has a surprising amount of depth, and it ties nicely into the dark narrative.
Moonlighter
Role-playing titles can be stressful, both in terms of their narratives and gameplay. For people who want something a touch more relaxing and laid-back, Moonlighter is a valid option. The game is split into two sections: shop management and dungeon crawling. The latter serves as a way to acquire resources and loot that can be invested in the former.
This loop is addictive and rewarding, while still offering enough of a challenge to test players. Moonlighter’s pixel art style is gorgeous, and the visuals really bring to life the game’s setting and the monsters that populate its dungeon.
Child Of Light
Every once in a while, Ubisoft develops a game that makes people question “wait, is that really by Ubisoft?”. Child of Light might be the best example of this phenomenon. A turn-based RPG that incorporates platforming sections, this title is imaginative, endearing, and does not overstay its welcome.
As Aurora, players traverse the kingdom of Lemuria in order to defeat the Queen of the Night. Along the way, she meets a few quirky heroes who join her team, helping her fight off a colorful range of enemies. Child of Light is one of those PS Plus RPGs that can paint a permanent smile on a player’s face.
Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, & Fallout 4
The Fallout series has fallen slightly from its high graces following the release of Fallout 76, but the sheer quality of past titles in the franchise is the reason Fallout fans are holding out. The Fallout games from the early 2010s don’t look great compared to today’s graphics, but no one is going to deny that both Fallout 3 and New Vegas are deeper, more complicated games that give players tons of freedom to change the world as they see fit.
Fallout 4 is considered by fans to be a worthy addition to the franchise, though it wasn’t received as well on launch as it followed the huge critical success of New Vegas. If Fallout 76 or Fallout Shelter are the only games you’ve experienced in this franchise, you’re missing out on some of the best storytelling, environments, and combat systems of the 2010s.
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist Of Arland
PS Plus Premium subscribers have access to five Atelier games, all of which have their positives. For the uninitiated, this JRPG franchise revolves around alchemy and promotes a laid-back tone and pacing, a welcome departure from the world-saving epics that dominate the genre.
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland serves as a decent entry point into the license as it features a strong narrative that has a higher sense of urgency than most other entries. That said, it is still representative of the overall franchise, so people who enjoy this game are likely to appreciate the other titles on PS Plus Premium. As the combat is turn-based, Atelier Rorona Plus is an ideal pick for Premium’s Cloud Streaming.
