Which is better in an RPG?

[Wolf Kanno]

Both are equally important. Now I believe that you can have one without the other. Grandia has a pretty weak story but quite possibly the greatest battle system ever conceived in an RPG. Star Ocean falls into this category (though I would argue that their plots are good if a little unorthodox) Hell even Pokemon has a rather addicting gameplay style.

On the other hand, I've played RPGs with less than tolerable gameplay because of the stories. Thousand Arms has quite possibly the worse combat system ever in a game, and I had a hell of a time finishing it. But it's story and characters were just too intriguing for me to abandon it. Vagrant Story is another example of excellent plot and ill received gameplay.

Now when both are actually combined, you get an unbelievable experience. Now to be honest, if I had to have a greater emphasis on one over the other... I would say gameplay cause it is an RPG. Though when it comes down to it, it's story that brings me back to a game. I still replay FFVI, FFT, and Xenogears on a regular basis cause I love their storylines and characters. Sure I know all of it, but it's like rereading a good book, each time you walk away with something different.

[MecaKane]

yar yar RPGs need to be fun to play in between the story parts, but saying you only like the gameplay to spite people who like Xenosaga or don't like Dragon Quest is pretty sad.