Yes, I definitely agree that a good storyline and fascinating environments are essential to a good RPG.

The one Japanese RPG that really did it for me was Chrono Trigger. While I realize it's something of a cliche to praise the game, it really was able to reach me despite a somewhat negative view towards "cute lil' Japanese games." I despite cute. How a society that privileges samarai honor and just bad-assism in general could be so obsessed with Ewoks and big-eyed star children is beyond me. What disturbed me is that even in seemingly mature Japanimation, there's a tendency to toss in some totally disruptive "cute" old man or "pookie" type "Aw, so cute!!" that totally ruins the mood. *&*(& the *& ponies.

However, even though it has a lot of "cute," Chrono Trigger does so many other things right that it remains a great game for both Western and Eastern gamers. The excellent, somewhat-dark atmosphere, coupled with a great combat system and amazing balance make for a masterpiece.

I've also played the first Final Fantasy on the NES, and have to admit I was unimpressed. It definitely felt over-stretched and extended just to make the game feel longer. I've heard that the other FF games are much better, but I haven't felt compelled to really explore them. The last time I was serious about trying one, I saw a cover of a young man wielding a sword that was about three times his size. I just chuckled at that and moved on. Again, I'm certain that this tendency is why the Nintendo is generally considered a kid's machine. I mean, I don't want to play a game that just might come with puffy stickers to be applied to my lunch pail.

I guess that Japanese RPG developers are willing to poke fun at themselves and go for "cute" even though it totally ruins the experience for someone hoping for a more mature experience. What's frightening is that even in anime films with adult-only content (Ninja Scrolls), you'll be stymied by some obligatory invasion of the cute or hopelessly trite.