Best Plot/Story Rpgs of recent time

Oh, why not. Dragon Quest 8 has an intriguing story, if not just a wee bit cliche`. I'd say though, as far as recent RPGs go, it does sport some of the best character development I've seen in a long time.

The nameless hero does actually have some relevance to the story, especially in the Epilogue which is nameless hero-centric. Jessica gets her own introduction, as does Angelo (both get intros similar to the first 3 Wild Arms games, though not quite so separated), but Yangus's background remains somewhat of a mystery for a while. It's not really known why he follows teh "guv" around through all this dangerous mess until a good ways into the game.

PC character development aside, the NPCs are really where the character development shines. The NPCs have an unbelieveable amount of depth to them, and don't simply exist to continue the story, not the majority of them anyway. Meeting new people was always a pleasant experience, and there were times when I felt like I had to check up on them just to make sure they were allright. Ah well.

Far as the story goes, it's a bit cliche. Stuff happens to a castle, one guy is normal for some odd reason (which you don't find out why until you beat the game and play the Epilogue quest) and that means he has to go save the castle he's been serving since ever. Yadda yadda yadda. Like I said, this game is mostly about the characters in it, and their personalities are likeable and really make the game feel well-made, which it is.

I'll also just lightly toss in my opinions for Wild Arms 3 and 4. Both are fantastic games with excellent stories and great gameplay.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Having restarted Valkyrie Profile on my PSP, I'd have to put this in there -- also, technically now it fits into the more recent RPG releases.

Valkyrie Profile tells a dozen stories all wrapped up in one battle-maiden package. Each of the characters has some sort of tragic past (Yumei ftw ; to deal with, and here comes Lenneth to recruit them into a battle between the gods. It's like...

"Hey, I just died. Can I have some peace, yo?"

"No, actually, you can't. Sorry, but you're gonna be immortal and fight in a battle. Kthx."

Won't ruin anything for any of those unfortunate many who've yet to play the game, but it does have some fairly serious heart-wrenching plot twists. And you know VP2: Silmeria's gonna be just as emotional as the first.

How ya doing, buddy?