I mean, I grew up with those story-driven JRPGs. I love them, and I miss them a lot. The truth is, though, that there aren't many good ones around anymore. Sure, there's been a handful over the last two years or so, but it looks like most of that generation's developers have moved on and this generation is into different things. I don't necessarily think one is better or worse; just different.
I'll agree to that. There's very few that come out anymore, and a lot of the ones that do kinda suck. Thing is, it's not that there's less of a demand for those games. There's still that same niche market. Though it's actually a fairly sizable niche market. However, since the gaming market as a whole has expanded, that same niche market is now smaller by comparison. So then, the sales are much lower compared to bigger mainstream titles. And with the increasing cost to develop games, it's harder for companies to make their money back.
THAT SAID. New "Tales Of" game coming out. Tales of Graces. Haven't had a chance to pick up any of the earlier titles, though I've heard so many great things. Definitely picking up ToG. Also, Disgaea 4.
As for ./Hack. Man, those games were fun. I'll admit, the level design was pretty lackluster. But I loved the way the leveling system was set up. So much fun. And the Story was pretty cool. At least, I seem to remember it being cool. I admittedly was about 15 when I played it. I also never got a chance to finish the whole series.