The 3rd Birthday

About

The 3rd Birthday is an action RPG with a real-time combat system that mixes third-person shooting and tactical character switching. You play as Aya Brea in a near-future Manhattan overrun by monstrous Twisted creatures. The core mechanic lets you instantly switch control between Aya and her squad during fights, letting you coordinate attacks or defenses on the fly. Combat leans aggressive with quick aiming, dodging, and melee takedowns. The over-the-shoulder camera keeps things cinematic but occasionally falters in tight spaces. Progression involves unlocking new outfits for Aya by beating the game on higher difficulty settings. The game’s standout feature is its Overdive system which lets you take direct control of allies mid-battle. This adds layers to combat but can feel clunky during chaotic moments. Character interactions are voice-acted with occasional stilted dialogue. The story ties into the Parasite Eve series but stands as a self-contained action-focused tale. With a Metacritic score of 72 and 10 hours of average playtime, it appeals to fans of fast-paced RPGs with a light story. The PSP port feels dated now but remains a solid entry in Square Enix’s action RPG catalog.

Storyline

The game takes place in Manhattan, New York City ten years after the events of Parasite Eve II. The player takes on the role of Aya Brea, and must fight against mysterious "Twisted" creatures threatening the city.