Once I finally get around to playing Pathologic, it will probably be Russian games.
I guess they count as Western though?

Better writing is a plus, for sure, but I think games need to do a better job at combining story with gameplay. Bioshock does this really well, albeit it is lacking in its writing and plot. Same with Portal.

Games like Hotel Dusk, Undertale, and NIER all have exceptional writing, especially when it comes to characterization, but they lack in fluid gameplay and story connection that bioshock and portal shine with.

Here's a couple

The Swapper- Pretty philosophical story, blended well with the gameplay. Basically about discovering alien lifeforms that are sentient like humans, and listening to their views on consciousness.

Richard and Alice- Another philosophical story that explores morality in an apocalyptic setting, no zombies, just climate change. Does morality really exist?

Yeah I like artsy fartsy stuff like this. Definitely not for everyone.

@Treflis: I just got Brothers in arms hells highway. Is it necessary to play the first two in order to feel any attachment to the characters? Otherwise I'll wait to play them. Cause I want to get the most out of the story.

Holy crap. Someone else on this website knows about Pathologic. I haven't played it, but I really really want to. I've heard that someone, I dont know if its icepick lodge, is re-translating it. I'd like to wait for the better translated version, but I'm tempted to just get it now and deal with some awkward dialogue.

Dark and subtle you say? That's right up my alley of tastes

-Texhnolyze (GOAT)

-Fullmetal alchemist 2003--seriously. It's a shounen, but a mature one at that. Goes deeper into topics such as racism and religion than brotherhood, so it's less about "saving the world with our friends" typical shounen fair. In fact Edward is a pretty messed up character in 2003, realistically.

-Mushishi

-Ergo Proxy-Has one cute character, but it fits the show, trust me. Supposed to contrast the dark world they exist in.

-Berserk

-Monster (GOAT)

-Requiem for the Phantom--Has one character who is cute, but it's only superficial. Her actions arent cute, and later she grows up.

And attack on titan is definitely overrated. 6/10 at best. It solely relies on shock factor. If you actually think about the show critically, you will realize this and lower your praise for it.

@Legend002: Also your tastes aren't that bad. FMA is one of my favorite anime. I actually like it more than brotherhood, but they're both great. Elitism can get to people's heads and make them feel above others simply cause the shows they like have better writing and characterization. Personal enjoyment should be taken into account as well. The shows you listed are a good balance between entertainment value and mature subject matter.

My favorite anime is Texhnolyze, but I am certainly not going to blame anyone for disliking it because of its slow pace and oppressive atmosphere.

High quality shows on crunchyroll would be

-Galaxy Express 999

-Shin Sekai Yori

-Mushishi

-Kaiji

-Kemono no Souja Erin

-Time of Eve

-Mononoke

-Humanity has declined

-Rose of Versailles

-House of Five leaves

-Champion Joe 2

Note-I have not seen all these shows, but I watch a lot of critical anime youtubers, so I know what's quality stuff. This list does not really take into account your personal taste, so some of these you may find slow and boring. Simply objective quality.

Since I think video games have the capacity to be art, and I like a good story, it is very important to me. Story is pretty much the most important aspect in any form of entertainment for me (anime, movies, games). Especially a good moral dilemma to back up the story to get me thinking. The story can't just be mindless lore or solely rely on plot twists.

However, I also believe a video game should take advantage of its unique medium, and allow the player some important interaction, whether it's to make choices that affect the story, or just interact with the world, enhancing the atmosphere. Some games that do this very well are Bioshock 1, NIER, Hotel Dusk: Room 215, and The Swapper. They all blend their stories with gameplay incredibly seamlessly, and are intellectually engaging.

Bioshock 1/Infinite

NIER

Hotel Dusk: Room 215

The Swapper

9 hours 9 persons 9 doors