In my opinion, 'Grand Theft Auto V' has one of the best stories. It weaves together the tales of three main characters - Michael, Franklin, and Trevor - in a complex and engaging way. There are heists, family drama, and a lot of action that keeps the story going. 'GTA: San Andreas' is also great. It has a more classic gang - related story that follows Carl Johnson as he returns to his hometown and gets involved in various criminal activities while dealing with corrupt cops and rival gangs. 'GTA IV' also has a strong story with Niko Bellic's journey in Liberty City.
I would also put 'Pokemon Sun and Moon' high up. It had a very different and refreshing story. It focused on the Alola region's unique culture and the trials instead of the traditional gym battles. The story was more about the player's journey of discovery and friendship in this new region.
Well, for me, 'Final Fantasy IX' has a wonderful story. It takes us back to the roots of the series in some ways, with a more medieval - fantasy setting. The story of Zidane and his friends trying to save the world from an ancient evil is full of heart. Then there's 'Final Fantasy XIII'. While it got some mixed reviews, its story of Lightning and her fight against fate is quite interesting. And 'Final Fantasy IV' is a great one too. Cecil's journey from a dark knight to a paladin and his quest to save the world is a great narrative.
Some of the Assassin's Creed games that are often considered high in terms of story are Assassin's Creed II. Ezio's story arc is very engaging, starting from his family's tragedy and his journey to become a master assassin. It has a rich historical backdrop set in Renaissance Italy.
For 'Final Fantasy VI', the large ensemble cast is a huge highlight. Each character has their own arc that weaves into the overall story. The fall of the Magitek Empire and the rise of Kefka is a very dramatic part of the story. In 'Final Fantasy IV', Cecil's transformation is not only a gameplay mechanic but also a central part of the story. The different kingdoms and their politics add more layers to the narrative. 'Final Fantasy VIII' has the interesting concept of drawing magic from enemies, which is linked to the story. The relationship between Squall and Rinoa also has its own charm.
Sleeping Dogs. The story follows an undercover cop in the criminal underworld of Hong Kong. It has a great mix of action and a deep narrative that delves into the protagonist's struggle between his loyalty to the police and his new - found connections in the criminal world.
The main series in chronological order of story is GTA:III, GTA: Vice City, GTA: San Andreas, GTA: Liberty City Stories, GTA: Vice City Stories, GTA IV, GTA: The Lost and Damned, GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony, GTA V. However, different games have different settings and storylines that are not always directly sequential but are set in the same 'GTA universe'.
One way is to look at the character development. In Halo: Reach, for example, we see the growth and sacrifice of the Noble Team members. Another aspect is the world - building. Halo games like Combat Evolved introduced us to the vast and complex Halo universe. Also, the plot twists matter. Halo 2 had some unexpected turns with the Arbiter's story.
I'd say 'Majora's Mask' is number one. It has a really deep and thought - provoking story. 'Ocarina of Time' is second. It set the standard for Zelda stories with its great characters and plot. Third would be 'Twilight Princess'. It has a darker and more complex story compared to some other Zelda games.