Storyline > Gameplay

[Jonathan Meer]

Illusion of Gaia.

Maybe it's a nostalgia thing. That game makes me jellied.

EDIT: I'm just going to assume you've never played any of the following:

Beyond Good & Evil

any MGS game

Bioshock

Mass Effect 1/2

Dragon Age: Origins

Half-Life 1/2

Kingdom Hearts (if you're into that weird japanese mystical shit)

FFX (if you're into that weird japanese mystical shit)

Persona 1/2/3/4 (I've never played these but I've heard nothing but rave reviews)

Metroid Prime (it's...not quite story in the sense of the others, but if you're willing to blur the line between narrative and atmosphere, it simply doesn't get better. There are no characters except yourself, the silent protagonist, but it is a beautiful, beautiful thing)

Shadow of the Colossus (seriously. Fucking seriously. This game reached a certain point that simply hasn't been touched since)

Batman: Arkham Asylum (FUCK YEAH. FUCKING FUCK YEAH)

Mother 1/2/3 (Another that I haven't played, though I plan to when I have more time. Old JRPGs, though hardly your typical FF-clone)

Deus Ex (...ish. For it's time, it was great, though I don't think it's aged so well.)

System Shock 2 (commonly known as the spiritual predecessor to Bioshock)

Dead Space (as with Prime, atmosphere is the most striking character here; the story is actually a bit bland-ish, but the game sings with detail and legitimacy)

Infamous (Not the BEST story around, but pretty neat, and a bit of a different take. Definitely a worthwhile ride)

The Witcher (Haven't played; heard it's great)

Phantom Brave (PLAY IT. As far as story goes, fuck Disgaea. Phantom Brave trounces it hands down.)

Borderlands (if, again, you're willing to blur the line between narrative and atmosphere, this one's a winner. And it's fucking fun)