The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Story as in a well written tale, or an excuse to do cool shit?
A lot of times, these are at odds with each other, and what ranks as good for the latter depends a lot more on pacing than on the quality of the writing.
I really like when games integrate story and gameplay. For example, in The World Ends With You, the story and the game are all about breaking down walls. It's the same thing in Persona 3. Kids are shooting themselves in the head because they need to dispel their outward personas and accept the reality of their inevitable death in order to be at their best.
When separated from the gameplay, the stories aren't really anything to write home about, but they're using the strengths of the videogame medium, not trying to emulate books or movies.
Breathe of Fire games have pretty good stories. I think maybe 4 would have to be what I consider the best, because it actually pulls in some elements from the other games, in a way that makes sense.
Valkyrie Profile for JRPGs. It's a tough call, but too many people have said Planescape for me to waste a post and just echo them.
If you don't like sad stories, don't even try to play VP, though. The storyline is a bit disjointed and spread out, but every minute of it is depressingly sad. The most depressing part of the whole thing
is that the character who you just KNOW is going to die, having been connected with half of the characters in the game and watching most of that half die, ends the game alive. Alive, and alone.
I really like FFX's plot, I'm just not sure what "Story" means. It has a weak translation and that really hurts it, and it's acted out like a bad anime but, overall I think it's really good for the PS2 generation.
Beck on
Lucas's Franklin Badge reflected the lightning back!
Posts
That's the answer most people will arrive at.
So I guess the question is what's the second best story in an RPG?
Yeah, short of people who have never played any wrpg, PST is pretty much recognized by everyone as one of the best RPG stories.
2nd best? IMO Kotor 2, even without the ending, simply because of kriea
And I'm probably alone here, but I really enjoyed the story of the first Fable. Going back a bit Final Fantasy IV had a great story, too.
If I had to go classic, either Lunar: The Silver Star or Final Fantasy VI.
A lot of times, these are at odds with each other, and what ranks as good for the latter depends a lot more on pacing than on the quality of the writing.
I really like when games integrate story and gameplay. For example, in The World Ends With You, the story and the game are all about breaking down walls. It's the same thing in Persona 3. Kids are shooting themselves in the head because they need to dispel their outward personas and accept the reality of their inevitable death in order to be at their best.
When separated from the gameplay, the stories aren't really anything to write home about, but they're using the strengths of the videogame medium, not trying to emulate books or movies.
So yah, my vote would go to Breathe of Fire IV.
If you don't like sad stories, don't even try to play VP, though. The storyline is a bit disjointed and spread out, but every minute of it is depressingly sad. The most depressing part of the whole thing
Thread over.
Phantasy Star 4 did a damn good job with its story progression if you ask me. I'm also going to throw in my 'vote' for Breath of Fire 3.
lovely poll thread
:hifive:
SNES - Chrono Trigger
PS1 - Xenogears
PS2 - FFX
I'm going to strongly disagree with you there. However, I still respect you due to the other games you listed.
I'm still kind of partial to Kotor1 myself since the whole thing was just so much like how a star wars movie should be.
I never asked for this!
FFX is a great RPG, but it sure as hell isn't great because of its story. It's the battle and level systems that make it a top-tier title.
And the person who asked about Masquerade Bloodlines, download the unofficial patch.
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x/7489/Vampire:+The+Masquerade+-+Bloodlines+Unofficial+5.2+Patch
Lunar was a great old school rpg, if a bit cliche.
On a similar note, Digital Devil Saga 1 & 2 had a great story too. Great characters who were voice acted phenomenally and great cutscene direction.
NNID: Glenn565
I never asked for this!
Do the Devee Dance of Joy!