why recommend a game if you havent played it? DTG the answer is none.

The people slamming NSMB clearly haven't played it. Elsewise they would have experience the oscar-worthy dialogue themselves.

hotel dusk, phoenix wright games, most rpgs etc....

Hotel Dusk and Phoenix Wright, no question.

Distant third is TWEWY.

Trust me on these.

I'd also suggest buying Elite Beat Agents if you're into narrative and how it can improve gameplay. I'm very serious.

This post is the right answer.

Also, let me add, that if Disgaea ports nicely to the DS(it's releasing soon), it will be right up there with Dusk and Wright, in the narrative department, and shouldn't be overlooked or marginalized, as the original Disgaea still stands strong as one of the best narratives on the PS2, which is quite an exceptional feat.

There's still hope in the world...

Yes, once again, those(Ace Attorney and Dusk, that is) stand head and shoulders above most of the pack, when it comes to narrative, for all consoles, ever. Very few games ever reach the quantity or quality of the narratives avaialble in those games, and they are both "must play" games on the Nintendo DS, for anyone who enjoys a "good story."

Them being, basically, "books on game" are what allow them to flesh out their characters and story to such exceptional levels. Excellence.

Yes, I think that too (I would consider the PW series the best "next-gen game" if they were compiled), but what's amazing is how Capcom have turned the series with the Apollo Justice... I mean, all the charisma of the roster is gone =(

Well, I actually disagree. I enjoyed Apollo Justice, and I feel new Phoenix and Trucey are fantastic. I miss Edgeworth, but he's getting his own game.

Maya and Pearls were always my favorite characters, and yes, I miss them a lot.