Why Does Nothing Seem to Compare to Xenogears? Suggestions Please!

You are correct, Xenogears was, and still is, a great game. Not just a great game, but a great story. Games that have even come close to the level of storytelling and intrigue are very far and few between. One major difference between games of the Xenogears era and games of today is the length of time it takes to complete. Xenogears was about a 70 hour run-through with getting all the secrets, while today, they are much less. That being said, I might have a couple RPG's that interest you, Some of them are of the same style as Xenogears, where others follow a more action-oriented path in the battle system. I apologize in advance if you have happened to play any of these.

Dragon Age Origins (PS3) (If interested, go for the Ultimate edition, comes with expansion and all DLC)

The Mass Effect series (PS3) (Great series, despite the weak finale, has a trilogy edition, comes with all three and and some of the DLC)

Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1)

Star Ocean: The Second Story

Jade Empire (I know you didn't list an Xbox as one of the systems you have, but this game still has one of the greatest plot twists I have ever experienced. Might be on PC)

Dragons Dogma (PS3) (Not much of a story, but the battles can be very satisfying)

Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue (PS1)

Alundra (PS1/PS3) (Not really an RPG, more Zelda-like in play style)

The Witcher and the Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings (PC)

Star Wars: KotoR 1 and 2 (PC) (There seems to be a collection out where you get both in one box)

For now, that is all I can think of that might satisfy your craving for a really great story. Hopefully your recovery goes smoothly enough where you can at least enjoy one of these titles.

Well, there's always Xenoblade, which is made by the same people. It's an amazing game, my favorite of this console generation. And it should take 70- 75 hours to beat. It's on the wii BTW.

haha I made a post similar to this a couple weeks ago, except mine was about final fantasy 7. I think it has to do with the fact that FF7 was my first RPG, perhaps xenogears was yours. For some reason FF7 is a part of me. Anyways, look at my thread, its probably a few posts down the list, or even the top of the 2nd page on this board. Its called "Cant find an RPG of this gen worth playing" or something like that. You will see everyones answers. 

My best advice is to google good rpgs, check them out on youtube, and see what may suit you.

I did this for hours and eventually set on Tales of Vesperia for xbox 360, although I dont think that was on your list of consoles, but there is Tales of Graces for Ps3. People suggested Persona 3 and 4, but I have never played them. 

You know, if there was one RPG I could play right now, it would be Xenoblade on the WII, but I dont have one and you have to go on ebay and spend about $100 to get the game, because it is out of print. I would say it is worth it though. I'll spend a lot of money on a very long, spectacular game.

I have also heard great things about Valkirya Chronicles.

Unfortunately, it seems that the classic RPG has died and evolved into something that doesn't have that same charm. I am currently playing FF7 here and there, FF8 sometimes, trying to get perfect games (getting every item).

I play Tales of Vesperia but stopped because it got a little repetitve, but it is a really great game. Ni No Kuni is supposed to be an awesome game, but it is a little kiddy feeling. I played a demo of it though and enjoyed it thoroughly.

If you are thinking about a Tales of game, wait a few days for Tales of Xillia, the newest addition to the series. GTA V is coming in a month or so. 

Aside from all the old RPG's, I have been trying to force my way through FF13 and 13-2 to see just how bad they are, and so far 13 is mediocre, but not terrible, can't recommend it unless you are a diehard FF fan.

Hmmm, other than that, The last of us is a good survival horror game for PS3. ME and my cousin play multiplayer on it, its pretty fun, a nice strategy 3rd person shooter game.

That's all I've got. Oh, FF14 is coming this month, which is a MMORPG, like World of Warcraft. Skyrim is apparently really good too, but that is also a MMORPG. 

Aside from all that, you will have to wait for PS4/Xbox One for hopefully a comeback of great RPGs. Xenoblade 2, Final Fantasy 15, etc

Good luck. Just remember, you probably didn't LOVE Xenogears at first, it probably grew on you, then ultimately became the greatest game you ever played. FF7 was ok to me at first, and as I went deeper into the game and finally finished it, I realized just how much I loved it. There is an awesome game that will suck you in, sometimes you just need to be patient and give them a chance. This game will be different from Xenogears though, and that is fine because you don't want to play the exact same thing you just played.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will likely try one of these. Man, I wish Xenoblade Chronicles was not so scarce. I kick myself daily for not buying it when it came out. (Note to self: next time a critically acclaimed RPG comes out, buy a few copies and keep them in its original packaging) Does anyone have any experience with The Last Story for Wii? It actually looks quite promising. The reviews were good overall. Thanks!KnoxTN1611

Last Story is also very good. Although far from a typical JRPG. It combines the "cinematic style" of recent action games with RPG.  The battle system is in real time, and it plays out more like an ARPG.  Additionally, rather than exploring a large overworld, you basically explore a single (although large) castle town inbetween quests and story missions.  Overall, it's quite a good game, with a great story, cast and soundtrack.  Just know that it's nowhere near as long as other RPGs, clocking in at about 25 hours for most people (from what I've seen and my personal experience).  If you're interested, I'd suggest reading a bit mroe about it before deciding, because it is decidedly different.  But I really enjoyed it, although not as much as Xenoblade.

(Note to self: next time a critically acclaimed RPG comes out, buy a few copies and keep them in its original packaging) KnoxTN1611

It's not just about whether it's critically acclaimed or not, it's about how many copies they print! (which you don't always know at the time). You're not gonna struggle to afford copies of skyrim a few years down the line!

You really made things hard for yourself when you stipulated 'deep storyline' (or however you phrased it). Not so many of those in gaming! Especially in recent times.

Personally, the games that have pulled me in (in the way you describe) the most in this last generation were Mass Effect 1 and 2. (ignore 3, it's not an RPG) The depth of the storyline is debatable but the characters are brilliant (especially in ME2) and the universe is every bit as good as anything from Star Wars or Star Trek. It's essential to get the DLCs as well! 

If you're willing to relax the requirement on the sophisticated plot, I think there are plenty of RPGs that do the other aspects pretty well:

Tales of the Abyss (PS2/3DS) - great characters and character development, brilliant world design.

Skies of Arcadia (DC/GC/Wii) - simple but likeable characters, huge world and great mood.

Dragon Age: Origins (PC version) - despite the fact that it's such a blatant LOTR ripoff, it's such a deep world with engaging characters.

Radiant Historia (DS) - very likeable characters and a very easy game to get into. Complex plot, awesome battle system.

Crisis Core(PSP) - you didn't mention it!? Very good story on the whole, Zack is one of the most likeable FF leads. Get ready to cry.

To The Moon(PC) - little gem of a game that's just 95% story. Not many games can make me cry.

Hope these help!

Persona 3 (PS2) is one of my favorite games and a great RPG.  If you're looking for a strong story, I would check it out.  Persona 3 FES (also PS2) has an optional epilogue that can add another 20 or 30 hours to the already 70 hour main story, too.

Great list. This is pretty much exactly what I would suggest, game for game. Xenogears was really awesome, its one of those games that just magically hits all of my erogenous zones; giant mechs, 19th century philosophy, nihilistic villians, arachaeology, a dash of Empire Strikes Back, great music, and a pinch of Jules Verne.