To introduce you to the team we've put together here at Push Square, we asked each team member for two PS3 games they considered absolutely essential. Here, editorial director Damien McFerran talks about two of the console's finest RPGs.

Demon's Souls

Demon's Souls

The sequel Dark Souls may have gone multi-format, but the original game was resolutely PS3-only. The gaming equivalent of being tripped over, kicked in the ribs and spat on — repeatedly — it's hard to see Demon’s Souls’ appeal on paper, but after just an hour of play it becomes clear. The insanely sadistic challenge is there to sort the true gamers from the casual players, and nothing feels more empowering than defeating a particularly difficult end-of-level boss with your wits, reactions and cunning alone. Yes, the sequel's more forgiving bonfire save system arguably makes for a more enjoyable experience, but Demon's Souls remains an essential PS3 purchase.

Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles

From the moment the first screenshots broke cover, it was obvious that Valkyria Chronicles was going to be special. Set in a fantastically-realised WW2-style fantasy world, this turn-based strategy RPG has tanks, rocket-propelled grenades and some truly lush cel-shaded visuals. It’s spawned two sequels (both on PSP) but the PS3 original remains the best game in the series; it can also be picked up for next to nothing, which shouldn't be taken as an indication of its quality. If you like games like Advance Wars and Fire Emblem, this is a must-have.