Metacritic Games

Wild Arms 3 (Playstation 2)

During desolate times on the "Sea of Sand", Drifters venture across the vast lands of Filgaia searching for fortune and adventure. Amidst the deserts lie cities erected from eroded rock and scavenged wood. Towns that a few call home provide rest and solitude for the many travelers of the barren wasteland. Tales of mystic relics that harness unmatched powers spread across the land. While some vision the items as treasure, others have deciphered a secret bringing unlimited power. Meanwhile, one object of mythical stature attracts four Drifters to a common place. These four strangers discover the strength in working as a team. Shortly thereafter they learn of an ancient prophecy determining the future of their eroded homeland. Setting aside their differences, they roam the lands and unlock the knowledge and mystical forces making their adventure their destiny. [SCEA]

Sony Computer Entertainment America
Role-Playing Game
Players: 1
T (Teen)
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Released October 8, 2002

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

78 / 100

Critic Reviews

95 GameReviewer
Exceptional battle systems, enemy encounter rates, an 'epic journey' with more twists than a pretzel and a creatively represented story... This is bound to be loved by both RPG fans and those few who hated RPG's for the obnoxiously random enemey encounters.
91 Gaming Age
A no-brainer recommendation. The story moves along nicely, and the battles load quickly and provide you with enough strategy to stay reasonably interesting.
90 GamerWeb Sony
Well-presented, deep and involving.
90 Gamer's Pulse
The graphics are superb, the gameplay is fun and the overall package is amazing.
87 GameBrink
Although the plot wasn’t a very outstanding feature, the gameplay outside and within battles remain strong and clearly define the game.
87 GameSpy
I loved Wild ARMs 3. It's a wonderful example of a great sequel and a great game, and I would recommend it to any fan of console RPGs. Since Squaresoft did the translation, even the purists should have few gripes.
85 GameZone
With a wonderfully crafted story, great characters and an immense world to explore, gamers will be spending hours with this one.
83 Game Over Online
Those looking for a good title who want creativity, good storylines and a solid dose of anime, can’t go wrong with Wild Arms 3.
82 Media and Games Online Network
It incorporates a lot of the traditional RPG elements while adding in some interesting and unique visual presentations of the action.
82 TotalGames.net
That said, there is no doubt that this is a fantastic game that contains believable characters (surely a rarity in the world of RPGs) and although occasionally stuttering in a fit of lost focus, manages to both charm and delight with its fresh locales and gung-ho attitude.
82 netjak
More RPGs could take a good lesson from the Wild Arms franchise, with the focus being on fun experiences while playing, instead of storylines that take up way too much brain power and taking the focus off of the gameplay.
80 eToychest
With a ton of side quests, the game easily takes 30+ hours to complete, and it stands as one of better choices for gamers interested in a new role-playing experience this time of year.
80 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Cool characters and inventive locales also make a difference. [Nov 2002, p.283]
80 Thunderbolt
Like its predecessors, simply doesn’t have the presentation strength or storytelling depth to match up with the very best in its genre. But with an interesting array of puzzles, a likeable cast, and a unique Western motif, the game is able to set itself apart, however superficially, from the Final Fantasy clones of the world.
80 GamePro
A solid mix of visual flair, musical excellence, and story-driven gameplay.
80 PSM Magazine
It's excellent gameplay pulls through in the long run for a solid role-playing experience. [Nov 2002, p.44]
79 IGN
It's probably worth picking over "Legaia 2," the other noteworthy RPG release of the moment.
78 Game Informer
The sound, on the other hand, makes me cower in a corner, trying to find a warm place. [Nov 2002, p.122]
78 Gamers' Temple
While the excessive combat and frustrating search system can make the game trying at times, overall it is not a bad title. If you enjoy Japanese-style console RPGS, this one is definitely worth a look.
75 Game Revolution
Things have definitely improved and the dramatic graphics will certainly capture your eye, but when it comes right down to it, this game embraces more classic gameplay devices than it probably should.
75 GameSpot
Because of its great looks, gameplay twists, and good cast of characters, Wild Arms 3 should appeal to most anyone who likes games of this type.
75 GameNow
Might not bring much new to the table (aside from its gorgeous cel-shaded graphics), but it's such a stellar example of this traditional style of RPG'ing that it's worth a look. [Nov 2002, p.74]
70 Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Just isn't interesting enough to overcome its retro-tinged, formulaic gameplay. [Nov 2002, p.196]
70 Electric Playground
Despite the repetitive combat and other shortcomings, I found Wild Arms 3 to be pretty engrossing.
70 PSX Nation
Worth the forty bucks IF “Legaia 2” or “Suikoden III” left you hungry for more.
70 GameCritics
It does everything an RPG should do and does it pretty well, but the lack of innovation is a bit disappointing.
70 Eurogamer
A charming and entertaining Japanese RPG which adheres to the conventions of the genre far too much for its own good, but will still provide many, many hours of entertainment.
70 Yahoo! Games
It's likely to be dwarfed by some of the mega-games already in the pipe, but is well worth a lengthy tour by RPG enthusiasts.
60 G4 TV
The story line is in-depth and the development of the characters is well thought out. But the flaws hold this title back from being a top contender in the RPG genre.
60 Play Magazine
Look past the shaky dialogue and you'll find a strong RPG that will especially satisfy fans of the series. [Nov 2002, p.60]

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