Trying to limit games to those that don't have the cliche "save the world" plot will give you a very limited selection. But if you just want to talk about games with good plots and story lines (without limiting it to those that I previously mentioned), then you'll have quite a few. FF 7, 8, and 9 are worthy, imo. The MGS series is also a great one (even though the 2nd was... average?). I saw someone mention Okami. That's a great one. I have to say the word that came to mind when I finished it was epic. That's how good it was. Those are a few. There are others, but I'm kind of in a rush.

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. I thought that it was great in the way it told the story. Bully had a really unique and fun story. The Max Payne games were pretty cool in terms of story. I can't think of many others at the moment.

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Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. I thought that it was great in the way it told the story.

yea me too, when it was Indiana Jones.

"Hip-hop was set out in the dark. They used to do it out in the park"

If it's a game with great plot and storytelling it's definitely the Suikoden and Dragon Quest/Warrior series. It's my personal favorites.The rest would be the Legend of Dragoon, Thousand Arms, Radiata Stories, Jade Cacoon and Dark Cloud 2.

http://stayreward.com/index.php?share=108674

Xenosaga Series! I have to say that it had one of the most original plots i've seen. the story/setting/plot elements/characters are all truly diverse, more so (by far) than any other game i have played. especially if you take the time to read the in-game logs (or whatever they're called. can't remember). it's one of those games where you can really get wrapped up in.

also, Tales of the abyss (even if it is the typical "save the world", as is Xenosaga, but they are both awesome). I think i played ToA over like 5 times. 🤣

there are other awesome games too, but i though i would just mention Xenosaga cause no one else did 🙂

The Elder Scrolls 4 😮 blivion
Final Fantasy Series
Neverwinter Nights
F.E.A.R.

Xenosaga was a good story you just had to be able to tolerate the game play to see the entire story, although as a prequel to Xenogears as it was first marketed it was disappointing

Quote from Burningdragon

Xenosaga was a good story you just had to be able to tolerate the game play to see the entire story, although as a prequel to Xenogears as it was first marketed it was disappointing

yeah, Xenosaga was actually pretty nice. It had a pretty nice story and fair gameplay.

Don't only look straight, look also to the sides, usually the essential isn't in front of you, but beside you.
-7

Eh depends on which episode of Xenosaga, number 2's gameplay mostly annoyed me, but I think the biggest problem I had with the series is I am a huge fan of Xenogears and when they said they were doing a prequel I figured it would have something to do with Xenogears, but they just used a few names and thats it.

Planescape: Torment

The end.

I really liked the original Fable, the plot was kinda interesting.

Quote from thezombieking

I really liked the original Fable, the plot was kinda interesting.

Although I liked the game, I have to say that the plot and storytelling aren't very good at all in Fable. Especially for a fantasy title.

This signature was recovered from Hades to serve in my rotting armies.

FF series from part VI on
MGS series

We weep for a bird's cry, but not for a fish's blood. Blessed are those with a voice.

Can't remember the last few commercial games that fell into this category. The only one I could recall was Last Scenario(non-commercial game) which resembled more a visual novel in terms of writing, storytelling and characterisation. Yep, all the cast was made up of various ethnicities, nationalities and ages. The military strategies were sound and didn't come off as half-arsed. And once you get past a certain plot point, everything turns around and kicks all the RPG cliches in the butt. And the entire plot was actually done by 1 guy. Really amazing. 😮

http://www.scfworks.com/ls.php

I think if I ever have the time to play console games again, I'd likely look up the suggestions in here. 🙂

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Quote from x0mbiec0rp

I only had major issues with Genis. It sucks going without a party mage just because he's so **** annoying.

Yeah, he was pretty much too annoying to use. For me, Colette was worse though. In fact, once I got all the characters, I stopped including them both in my party entirely along with Lloyd. It was more fun to play as Sheena (especially once you get her swimsuit alternate costume).

genis wasn't as that bad because of his magic(i turned off the characters voices outside of battle), but collete was out of party as soon raine got light magic.

sheena/presea tied for my favorite though(attractive ninja vs super strong loli rei)

but on topic, i just found this freeware japanese(translated) platformer called cave story. platformer, like the old marios only with guns and cool characters.
http://www.cavestory.org/downloads_1.php