Are there any games out there (for the PS2 or gamecube, please) like Tales of the Abyss? I really love the writing, characterization, political complexity, and character relationships. I also really like the battle style--not taking turns like Final Fantasy but also not fighting alone. Are there any other games like that out there?

"If you think being eaten by a carnivorous tree is something that only happens to someone else, then think again."
--Shades of Grey, by Jasper Fforde

You could start with any of the other Tales games, obviously. However, if you're only asking PS2 and Gamecube, I can't really think of too many others, but I'm mostly just thinking battle system.

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

Other battle systems are fine, too. What I would really like is an interesting, complex story.

"If you think being eaten by a carnivorous tree is something that only happens to someone else, then think again."
--Shades of Grey, by Jasper Fforde

Odin's Sphere
Xenosaga
Suikoden III & V
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
Dark Cloud 2
Grandia 2, 3, Xtreme
Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2
Rogue Galaxy
Radiata Stories
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Some of these recs are based only on story while some are based only on gameplay.

bump. If it helps, one of the things that I liked about tales of the abyss were the powerful female characters who didn't just go around in bikinis. I'm a girl gamer so that's always annoyed me. I don't really care about battle system anymore, but voice-acting is a plus. Ps2 or gamecube, please. Any other suggestions?

"If you think being eaten by a carnivorous tree is something that only happens to someone else, then think again."
--Shades of Grey, by Jasper Fforde