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[rubik's dude]

Some of the stuff I like:
-Yakuza series
-Deadly Premonition 1/2
-Some Final Fantasy (VI through XII, and XVI)
-Some oldschool JRPGs (Lunar, Xenogears, etc.)
-Metal Gear Solid (4 was my personal favorite--the more story, the better)

Examples of stuff I'm not looking for:
-Choose-your-own-adventures with blank-slate protags (Witcher, Mass Effect, Disco Elysium, etc.)
-Games with a lot of anime influence (unless they're oldschool) or too much fan-service (Persona, Tales of, etc.)
-Visual novel/interactive movie/puzzle games (Ace Attorney, 999, Heavy Rain, etc.)
-Passive or environmental storytelling (Soulsbornering, The Last Guardian, Silent Hill 2, etc.)
-AAA games from western studios (Last of Us, Spiderman, God of War, etc.)

Not saying the bottom stuff is bad, I'll still play and enjoy games like those. I'm just currently looking for something along the lines of the stuff up top. Anyone have any good recs?

 

[Danjin44]

too much fan-service

I guess NieR Automata is out of question for you?

 

[adamsapple]

Legacy of Kain games.

 

[rubik's dude]

I guess NieR Automata is out of question for you?

Yeah I gave it a try but it just wasn't for me. I did like the first game, though (I played the papa Nier edition).

 

[The Infectious Paradox]

Not sure this totally relates, but if you never played Max Payne one and two they absolutely hold up even with the old graphics

 

[rubik's dude]

Legacy of Kain games.

Heard of them, but never played. I'll check em out, thanks!

Not sure this totally relates, but if you never played Max Payne one and two they absolutely hold up even with the old graphics

I've actually played 1, 2, and 3. They were definitely a trip!

 

[adamsapple]

Also, Deadly Premonition rep!
Made a thread about it just the other day.

https://www.neogaf.com/threads/rttp-deadly-premonition-the-best-bad-game-ever.1680032/

 

[The Infectious Paradox]

Heard of them, but never played. I'll check em out, thanks!

I've actually played 1, 2, and 3. They were definitely a trip!

I've just scratched the surface of this game but it's very story rich

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

Have you played Prey? Also :

 

[rubik's dude]

I've just scratched the surface of this game but it's very story rich

This sounds absolutely up my alley, thanks!

Have you played Prey? Also :

I haven't, I'll definitely check Prey out, thanks!

I have played Xenogears, though. Great game. I've played the Xenosaga trilogy and XBC1 as well. Xenosaga skirted the line for me on the anime/fanservice front, but I did enjoy the story a lot.

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

I haven't, I'll definitely check Prey out, thanks!

It's so good. Talking about the recent Prey, btw just in case.

I have played Xenogears, though. Great game. I've played the Xenosaga trilogy and XBC1 as well. Xenosaga skirted the line for me on the anime/fanservice front, but I did enjoy the story a lot.

Completely agree with you there. Xenosaga as a series stands far below in the shadow of Xenogears as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Wolves hunt in packs]

Sleeping Dogs.

Not sure if it falls under something you less enjoy, it has a set character tho, named Wei Shen, and you will play as an undercover cop, gameplay is like gta without guns (there are some areas you can use guns but it's limited), combat is fun and you will eat a lot of pork buns.

 

[rubik's dude]

Sleeping Dogs.

Great game, I really enjoyed the story a lot. Having Hong Kong as a backdrop was cool, too.

 

[Rush2112]

So basically you like weeb shit.

 

[Fbh]

Not sure if it fits but the only one that comes to mind based on what you said here is Triangle Strategy

The story setup is fairly generic (several medieval fantasy nations in conflict over resources) and it is very choice heavy. But it doesn't have a blank-slate protagonist, the choices are actually meaningful and I liked the slightly more mature and grounded tone. There's no power of friendship and bonds and all the usual JRPG tropes, and you won't always be seen as the hero even if you do what you think is right.


Guardians of the Galaxy was fun too, though it is a western AAA game.
It was a fun story with likable characters that have some great chemistry with each other, and it actually managed to merge comedy and drama way better than any of the MCU stuff. It actually felt a bit similar to the Yakuza games in that regard.

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

Not sure if it fits but the only one that comes to mind based on what you said here is Triangle Strategy

The story setup is fairly generic (several medieval fantasy nations in conflict over resources) and it is very choice heavy. But it doesn't have a blank-slate protagonist, the choices are actually meaningful and I liked the slightly more mature and grounded tone. There's no power of friendship and bonds and all the usual JRPG tropes, and you won't always be seen as the hero even if you do what you think is right.

Triangle Strategy is so excellent. I liked it so much I went through it 4 times straight to see the variations.

 

[EruditeHobo]

Completely agree with you there. Xenosaga as a series stands far below in the shadow of Xenogears as far as I'm concerned.

Couldn't even get through the first game, and never went back.

Xenogears just casts a long shadow.

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

Couldn't even get through the first game, and never went back.

Xenogears just casts a long shadow.

They kind of get better.. and kind of don't. I still have all 3 but.. no interest in replaying them.

 

[Fbh]

Triangle Strategy is so excellent. I liked it so much I went through it 4 times straight to see the variations.

Yeah it's great. It's the first choice based game where the story felt like it had some big variations based on my choiced, and it ended up going in a direction I totally didn't expect at the beginning.
I ended up Making an alliance with Aesfrost, and joining forced with Gustadolph, who I totally thought was going to be the main villain of the story

 

[rubik's dude]

So basically you like weeb shit.

I guess I do lol. It seems a lot of my favorite games are made by Japanese developers, but with more western inspired stories or settings.

Not sure if it fits but the only one that comes to mind based on what you said here is Triangle Strategy

I do like Final Fantasy Tactics, so I'll definitely check this out, thanks!

Guardians of the Galaxy was fun too, though it is a western AAA game.
It was a fun story with likable characters that have some great chemistry with each other, and it actually managed to merge comedy and drama way better than any of the MCU stuff. It actually felt a bit similar to the Yakuza games in that regard.

If it's anything like Yakuza, then I'm definitely interested. I'll check this out as well, ty!

They kind of get better.. and kind of don't. I still have all 3 but.. no interest in replaying them.

Xenosaga 2 was *rough* lol.

 

[Guilty_AI]

I heard Octopath 2 is great if you like oldschool JRPG/FF

 

[Fbh]

If it's anything like Yakuza, then I'm definitely interested. I'll check this out as well, ty!

To not give you false expectations, I'll say it's really different in terms of gameplay, structure and even tone.
But it reminds of Yakuza in how they manage to blend comedy and drama in an effective way. Like the Yakuza games (and unlike the MCU movies) it actually allows itself to get serious at times and doesn't feel the need to constantly undercut the tension with an out of place joke.

 

[IAmRei]

So basically you like weeb shit.

the games OP mention are not even close to weebs

 

[rubik's dude]

To not give you false expectations, I'll say it's really different in terms of gameplay, structure and even tone.
But it reminds of Yakuza in how they manage to blend comedy and drama in an effective way. Like the Yakuza games (and unlike the MCU movies) it actually allows itself to get serious at times and doesn't feel the need to constantly undercut the tension with an out of place joke.

I like the sound of that, and that is actually one of the reasons why I love the Yakuza games.

Although I didn't mention it in the OP, that's also why Saints Row 2 is one of my favorite games. Surprisingly, the story had a lot of heart and some very heavy hitting moments, and while the game was very goofy, it knew when to get serious. A trait future Saints Row games lost.

 

[Digital-Aftertaste]

It is a horror game but if you are looking for games with good stories you could go for the Silent Hill 2 remake? Its environmental story aspects are inspired by the main story and not as important or relevant as the main story itself.

 

[Metnut]

I’d give Witcher 3 and the Mass Effect games another look. The Mass Effect games are more linear than you probably and the big set pieces/plot points of the game are largely similar. The player choice elements are exaggerated for these games.

Witcher 3 (and Cyberpunk) are open world but the storylines are pretty much straightforward. You do quests and story plays out. Both stories are excellent and among the best in gaming.

 

[NanaMiku]

If you like MGS, try Ace Combat.
Some people describe Ace Combat as MGS but planes.

For old-school JRPG, I recommend Ar tonelico trilogy. But the fanservice is so heavy.

 

[rubik's dude]

It is a horror game but if you are looking for games with good stories you could go for the Silent Hill 2 remake? Its environmental story aspects are inspired by the main story and not as important or relevant as the main story itself.

Oh yeah I do like Silent Hill 2, and I actually played through the remake recently. I was just looking for something with a little bit more of a focused narrative for my next game.

I’d give Witcher 3 and the Mass Effect games another look. The Mass Effect games are more linear than you probably and the big set pieces/plot points of the game are largely similar. The player choice elements are exaggerated for these games.

Witcher 3 (and Cyberpunk) are open world but the storylines are pretty much straightforward. You do quests and story plays out. Both stories are excellent and among the best in gaming.

Yeah I've played through the ME trilogy previously, and I do like the Lovecraftian story around the Reapers. I enjoyed Cyberpunk for the gameplay, too (not the story so much).

For the Witcher 3 though, I just can't get into it. I've tried on a few different occasions, but I'm not a fan of starting on the third game without having played the other two, and the other two just aren't my jam.

If you like MGS, try Ace Combat.
Some people describe Ace Combat as MGS but planes.

For old-school JRPG, I recommend Ar tonelico trilogy. But the fanservice is so heavy.

Shit I always thought the Ace Combat games were just flight sims. Did a quick Google search, I didn't realize they had an actual compelling narrative as well lol. I'll check em out, thanks!

 

[NanaMiku]

Shit I always thought the Ace Combat games were just flight sims. Did a quick Google search, I didn't realize they had an actual compelling narrative as well lol. I'll check em out, thanks!

Personally, I recommend 4-5-0 (the PS2 era), if you can get those three, try that first.
AC7 is pretty good, it's a return to form after Assault Horizon.

 

[Quartermuncher]

Yeah it's great. It's the first choice based game where the story felt like it had some big variations based on my choiced, and it ended up going in a direction I totally didn't expect at the beginning.
I ended up Making an alliance with Aesfrost, and joining forced with Gustadolph, who I totally thought was going to be the main villain of the story

How do you all feel about DioField Chronicle? Stylewise its another tactics ogre/triangle strategy but an rts

Also the story in that is great. 10 out of 10 ending at least

 

[64gigabyteram]

why not GTAIV? Probably the best GTA game story-wise (everything-wise really, but people aren't ready for that)

ah, that falls under #5 of the games not to recommend. hrmmmmm

 

[{insert code here}]

Tactics Ogre.

 

[64gigabyteram]

Tactics Ogre.

Your PFP gave me the best idea for OP

 

[rubik's dude]

Your PFP gave me the best idea for OP

Love Deus Ex! Played 1, 2, and 3. Never got around to the 4th one though. Heard it wasn't great.

 

[rubik's dude]

why not GTAIV? Probably the best GTA game story-wise (everything-wise really, but people aren't ready for that)

ah, that falls under #5 of the games not to recommend. hrmmmmm

I actually like GTA IV a lot. It's my favorite GTA story. I've tried V but I couldn't get into it.

 

[{insert code here}]

Love Deus Ex! Played 1, 2, and 3. Never got around to the 4th one though. Heard it wasn't great.

I think Mankind Divided didn't quite get a fair shake from reviewers because of politics but IDK for sure. I own it but haven't played entirely through it yet.

I'm going to play the story mode at some point. I got the deluxe edition when it had a thick discount on steam. I've only played the VR-style missions (forgot what they're called) and had a lot of fun with those. They reminded me of the MGS VR-missions from MGS 1 & 2.

 

[SpiceRacz]

Opinions are always split on these games. I played through them last year and thought they held up really well. I’m pretty sure this is the style of game you’re looking for, assuming you haven’t already played them.

 

[rubik's dude]

Opinions are always split on these games. I played through them last year and thought they held up really well. I’m pretty sure this is the style of game you’re looking for, assuming you haven’t already played them.

I have! They were great. They also felt like a Yakuza prototype, which was cool.

Never got around to 3 though.