If you include Trails in the Sky then this is my favorite JRPG series ever. Each series of games focuses on one area with their own arcs but there is a chronological order to it all. It has an epic length story that has time to grow because of its length but it never feels overly long or drawn out because it's split into multiple games none of which are short themselves, but it kept me from burning out. The lack of a narrative rushing to its climax REALLY helps. Nothing ever feels forced. And even though the games have an anime aesthetic I really think it's best to think of the series in terms of epic fantasy like Malazan or Wheel of Time.
