It has been almost 10 years since the PlayStation 3 was released and there have been many amazing games released for it. The PS3 library is huge and there are many well known games that have received praise from critics and fans alike. However, there are many games that – for whatever reason – don’t get the attention they deserve. These games are what’s commonly known as “Hidden Gems” and here are a few that you can enjoy on the PlayStation 3.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

This is an open world fantasy RPG which was elegantly designed in every way but unfortunately was completely overshadowed by another open world RPG known as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim due to the timing of its release. You start the game with your own custom character who has just returned from the dead and is now a being without a predetermined fate who is also capable of changing the fates of others. It’s a shame that this game wasn’t given the attention it deserved because while Skyrim is undoubtedly an amazing game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is a different take on the open world fantasy genre, one that delivers an entirely different experience. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning deters from the usual expectation of hyper realistic graphics in favour of a less realistic design with a more vibrant colour palette. As a result, characters have strongly accentuated features and environments are quite breathtaking. This game also has some of the best armour and weapon designs I have ever seen. I actually prefer Amalur to Skyrim in this particular aspect because while Skyrim’s armour sets are well designed, they never really had that “wow” factor, for me at least. However, due to the less realistic nature of the game, Amalur’s armour and weapon designs are magnificently over the top and unlike Skyrim, even the armour sets available to you at the beginning of the game make you look like a complete badass!

The easiest way to describe the combat in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is it’s like God of War with a multitude of weapon types, some of which are quite unique such as the faeblades and chakrams. I have been a fan of this game ever since I first played it years ago and I still love it to this day. The art style is beautiful, the design quality is amazing, the combat is fun and above all it has the most important thing a game could possibly have, charm.

3D Dot Game Heroes

This is a game that pays homage to action RPGs or the 80s by combining the old-school 8-bit style with modern 3d design to create a truly unique art style. The game itself is commonly compared to The Legend of Zelda due to its style of gameplay which sees you as the player exploring dungeons, fighting enemies and solving puzzles as you try to save Dotnia Kingdom from the forces of evil. The protagonist’s weapon is quite interesting to say the least. It’s a legendary sword which starts out looking like an ordinary sword but becomes incredibly massive as you progress. Although the game may look simplistic, it actually delivers good variety as well as providing enough of a challenge which helps it stay interesting. I’ve heard so many people refer to this game as “a love letter to retro gaming fans” and I completely agree with that description. This game takes all the quirkiness and charm of the old-school generation and let’s you enjoy it once again on the PlayStation 3. If you ever feel like taking a break from modern gaming while still being able to play it on a relatively modern console, this might the the game for you.

Brutal Legend

While 3D Dot Game Heroes was a love letter to retro gaming fans, Brutal Legend is a love letter to old-school metalheads! If you grew up listening to 70’s and 80’s metal music then this game is a must own. This isn’t just a game which tries to capitalize on the metal genre or nostalgia, it’s a well made, spectacularly well designed game that allows you to set foot in a world of pure heavy metal! This is an action adventure game in which you play as a roadie named Eddie Riggs, voiced by the one and only Jack Black who does an amazing job bringing the character to life. It also helps that the character is modelled to look similar to Jack Black himself. This game is very unique, not only due to the heavy metal themes but also due to it’s gameplay being a mix of action adventure and real-time strategy. It might feel a bit odd at first but once you get the hang of it, it’s insanely fun! Along side Jack Black, there are a few other famous metal musicians who make an appearance in this game. Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, Lita Ford and Rob Halford all have in game character models voiced by the legends themselves. Of course, as you would expect from Brutal Legend’s overall concept and impressive lineup, the game’s soundtrack is one of the most epic collection of metal tracks ever featured on any one video game. Brutal Legend lives up to it’s name. This is an incredibly well developed, brutally fun, legendary title which should be played by anybody who enjoys heavy metal.

Nier

Nier was an unexpected gem released back in 2010. Nobody was really looking forward to this action RPG known only as “Nier” but when it was released, it was shocking to say the least. The main focus of the game is in its characters and story so I won’t spoil it for you. What I will say is that the characters are very well developed and will emotionally pull you in. After spending some time getting to know the characters and their story, it’s nearly impossible to not care about them. The story also branches out and you will be able to reach different endings based on your actions. Besides the main story, there is also a variety of sidequests to enjoy during your playthrough. While some of the in game mechanics do leave a bit to be desired, the overall game as a package is nothing short of brilliant. On top off all that, the game has one of the the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard. The game’s soundtrack on its own can cause your heart rate to rise due to its sheer epicness. This is an incredibly unique game which isn’t afraid to test the boundaries of what an RPG can do. Nier provides an experience unlike any other RPG and if you’re an RPG fan, do yourself a favour and give this game a try.

Enslaved: Odyssey To The West

While most games have the epic final showdown be the main focus of the story, this game focuses on the journey from start to finish. Not unlike Nier, this game is also has a heavy emphasis on it’s story and characters. Enslaved’s story follows three main characters, Monkey, Trip and Pigsy on their adventure which takes place 150 years in the future, in a world ravaged by war and plagued by robots. Enslaved is a beautiful game. The graphics are vibrant and very well detailed. Besides that, this game had the best facial animations compared to any other game released at the time. Even when compared to newer games 6 years later in 2016, the facial animations in this game are still properly impressive. This is one game that is best experienced with as little prior knowledge about it as possible. I invite you to pick up a copy of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and just take the time to experience the journey. It’s best not to watch any gameplay footage or even video reviews if you can help it. Like I said, the fun of this game is in the journey so don’t spoil it before you get to experience it.

So, there you go, 5 hidden gems on the PlayStation 3. I seem to have chosen all RPGs this time but don’t worry, there are loads more hidden gems from other genres on the PlayStation 3. I’ll compile another list of PS3 hidden gems somewhere down the line that will include titles other than RPGs. Until then, enjoy your games and enjoy GamerLaughs!