Grand epic RPG vs Smaller storylines.

[Occams_Razor]

I find I like a smaller, more focused story better. I generally find myself more pulled in to the plot, and want to continue the game just to see what happens next, as opposed to just playing it for fun. I tend to be more immersed if the story is focused and compelling.

That isn't to say that I don't love games that are a little broader and more open. Skyrim(and the whole Elder Scrolls series) has a story that is all kinds of unfocused, but I still sunk tons of hours into those games, because the story isn't exactly what I'm there for.

 

[Terratina.]

I miss "Darklands". Old, ancient game that begins with party of some heroes sitting in the inn, agreeing to go together just for the sake of adventuring. Good days.

Don't you know that it's available on GOG?

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Anyway, look at Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer for my answer. A seemingly small scale story that opens up to the entire realm of Faerûn, hell you travel all over the place yet the story has an intimate feel to it.

Bastion is another good example of good storytelling as well.

 

[JesterRaiin]

I miss "Darklands". Old, ancient game that begins with party of some heroes sitting in the inn, agreeing to go together just for the sake of adventuring. Good days.

Don't you know that it's available on GOG?

Sure. Here it is.
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/darklands


Still, i must warn you - it's really, really ancient game...

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

Some games suit epic stoylines, some don't, so it's really just a game by game basis for me.

However, if I had to say what the best formula for a game story was, I'd go for a tight and contained plot, but set in an epic and expansive universe.

This basically sums up all my thoughts to a tee.

However, lately I've noticed myself leaning towards games with a more tightly focused plot.
Lets put it this way (And I may get crucified and flamed to death for this, but here goes).

I played Skyrim for quite a few days (Didn't have anything else on hand), retrying different builds, following a bunch of quest lines and just generally exploring. Ultimately, I grew bored very quickly, I wanted to like it, I really did, but there was no spark, nothing really held my attention or amazed me.

Then I bought Spec-ops The Line. Short single player campaign, gameplay felt brutal and vicious, aside from a few unresponsive control issues, I grew used to it. Seeing the plot through to the end with all the various endings, I felt emotionally drained, I felt satisfied, I was told a good story with a great twist. I can put the flaws aside for the sheer emotional weight created by the plot and subtle details sprinkled throughout the game.

 

[Muunokhoi]

How about Neverwinter Nights 2 the focus was purely set within a small area and had a very character focused story. If that isn't your cup of tea you could try its expansion Mask of the Betrayer that story could be played out or you could just say fuck it and eat the soul of anything that looked at you wrong.

 

[Sangnz]

As much as a lot of people hate it Dragon Age 2 (I actually like it) was more about personal story lines than a big save the universe plot.
Adventuring to make enough money to get your ancestral home back and help your family get out of the slums
Helping save a single city against a Qunari threat (not even an army and most of that is political shenanigans)
Get mixed up in the infighting between two rival factions in the city.
In fact you never really leave the city of Kirkwall and its immediate surroundings at all apart from the deep road expedition.

Those are the "big" plot arcs in a nut shell, the rest of it is really the personal stories of your party members and your own personal triumphs and tragedies.

Downside is copy paste dungeons, I didn't find it so bad but apparently people are very sensitive and the ending is a bit of a clusterfuck.

 

[Tallim]

Planescape Torment is the most selfish storyline I've ever played I think. Everything is about you, because screw the world. Which might possibly be why it is so good

 

[Blitsie]

Nier ?

Very true.
An idea of "saving the world" pops in now and then, but it's mainly just a coincidence that the main character's actions to save his daughter helps the world.
There's also a very small group of characters, two who come along with him permanently, and they're all very well developed and explained.
There was also a book called the "Grimoire Nier" that explained some extra stuff but sadly it's Japan exclusive.

I love how Nier had a nice twist on the cliché though. (endgame spoilers, obviously)

Spoiler

The truly bad person here is you and it's your actions in the end that result in humanity's extinction. Quite a shocker since you spend the whole game believing that you are fighting the good fight and being the hero for trying so hard to save your beloved daughter.

Anyway

I feel the Witcher series also did this small story setting quite well, lots of grey areas and the lack of a truly good or evil side really gave this nice reality to the series.