There aren't that many. I would put Nippon Ichi's games on about the top teir of video game storytelling, even if they are just well above average with other media. Part of their charm is that they manage to sneak in some deep themes in their lightheartedness, while a lot of "mature" games come across as hamfisted and sloppy when they try to focus on those themes.

Princess gets kidnapped. Go fetch

No it isnt. You know it isnt

What he means is that games shouldn't have story at all, just a cause.

It is the perfect story for the audience their aiming at.

I kind of think icy isn't looking for a game but for an all-in-one entertainment pack. The problem is those won't be truly great at any of those things.

If you consider that only your uber genre can be call gamers, then yes. :P

There are many involving RPGs out there. A couple of action games too. Im not looking for perfection either. Also, im all for multiplayer party games. NSMB is quite good in this regard.

Okay, forgot about RPGs there, although their stories tend to be okay on average, since the flow of playing doesn't really lead to a tight, coherent plot.

As a whole, I dont think thats true. In any case, I enjoy gameplay too, so average story is better then bad or no story. Basicaly, the point was, if some dont like Mario it isnt necessarily because theres no blood/violence. Beside, you can take note that I respect other gamer that do not care for a story or human like being interactions.