One of the top ones is Xenogears. It has a very deep and philosophical story. It explores themes of reincarnation, religion, and the nature of humanity. The story is told through multiple layers, including flashbacks and different perspectives, which makes it really engaging.
I think 'Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch' has an amazing story. It combines the beautiful art style of Studio Ghibli with a heartwarming and adventurous story about a young boy on a quest to save his mother and another world. The characters you meet along the way are charming and the overall narrative is very engaging.
One of the most well - known is Persona 4. The story revolves around a group of high school students in a small town. They start to investigate a series of mysterious murders that are related to a strange TV world. The story is deep, with a lot of focus on character relationships, self - discovery, and the battle against the dark forces within the TV world. It's a great mix of high school drama and supernatural mystery.
The 'Xenosaga' series for PS2 has some really deep and complex RPG stories. It's set in a science - fiction universe and deals with themes like the nature of existence, religion, and the relationship between humans and machines. The story is told over multiple games and is full of twists and turns, with a large and diverse cast of characters.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a classic. Even on PS4, its open - world story is amazing. You can be anyone from a mage to a thief and your choices impact the story. There are so many side quests and the main story of the Dragonborn is epic. Another is Tales of Berseria. It has a story centered around Velvet, a young woman seeking revenge. The characters in the game are all very interesting and the story is full of twists and turns. Then there's Dark Souls III. The story is more of an environmental one. You piece it together as you explore the desolate world, learning about the cycle of fire and the history of the lords of cinder.
The 'Mass Effect' series on PS3 also has a great story. You can shape the story through your decisions as Commander Shepard, dealing with various alien races, intergalactic threats, and moral dilemmas. It's an epic space - opera - like story.
One of the best is 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt'. It has a complex and engaging story filled with moral choices. The main plot of Geralt searching for Ciri is intertwined with various side quests that are like mini - stories themselves. Another great one is 'Persona 5'. It combines a high school life simulation with a deep, dark metaverse adventure story. The characters are well - developed and the story deals with themes like rebellion against a corrupt society. And 'Final Fantasy 7 Remake' also stands out. It has a rich story with iconic characters like Cloud and Sephiroth. The story builds on the original's foundation while adding new elements and expanding the world.
Final Fantasy X has an amazing story. It's about a young blitzball player named Tidus who gets thrown into a world very different from his own. The themes of love, sacrifice, and the battle against an ancient evil are really well - developed.
One of the best story RPGs on PS1 is 'Final Fantasy VII'. It has a complex and engaging plot about a group of heroes trying to stop an evil corporation from destroying the planet. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of twists and turns.
Persona 5 is also known for its excellent story. It combines high school life with a supernatural heist - like plot. The characters are well - developed, and the overarching story about fighting against the corruption in society through the Metaverse is really captivating. It also has a unique art style that complements the story well.
Suikoden II. It tells a story of war, friendship, and betrayal. The political intrigue in the game is fascinating. You build an army and experience the story from different perspectives. The relationships between the characters, both the main ones and the large cast of recruitable characters, are what really bring the story to life.