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.
Here are a few recommended novels about being reborn as bandits:
1. " Rebel Bandit Soldier ": The protagonist is a modern special forces soldier. He traveled to the Anti-Japanese War and became the leader of the bandits. In the face of the war, he has to take responsibility, expel the Japanese pirates, and revive China!
2. " Reborn Female Bandit ": The protagonist accidentally entered ancient times after a car accident. By chance, he occupied a mountain and became a mountain bandit.
3. " The Fate of the Phoenix: The Survival Rules of a Bandit Girl ": The protagonist suddenly becomes a bandit, robbing houses, occupying the mountain as the king, and getting involved in the struggle for imperial power.
These novels all used the protagonist's rebirth as a bandit in the mountain stronghold as the background story, showing their growth and struggle in a special period. I hope you like these recommendations!
" Lady Shanzhai " was an ancient romance novel written by the author, Yu Yan. The story was about the female protagonist, Mu Han, who fled to the village to take refuge because of rumors, but was forced to marry the groom. She had thought that she was going to live the life of a thief on the mountain, but she found that her husband was not a dirty and messy man, but a pale-faced scholar. The plot of the novel was compact and full of adventures and love. If you like time-travel novels, you can consider reading The Counterfeit Lady.
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.
In my opinion, Halo: Reach has a great story. It's a prequel that really sets the stage for the Halo universe. The story of Noble Team and their sacrifice is quite moving. Halo 3 also has a strong story as it ties up many of the plotlines from the previous games. And Halo: Combat Evolved started it all with an engaging story that introduced us to the Flood and the Covenant.
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.