I cast my vote for Chrono Trigger and MGS2, simply ‘cause they’re both solid and two of my favorites (and everyone else’s, I know, lol)
The stories have a lot of twists - CT has a lot of optional content that affects the game route, and MGS2 is just a mind bender from start to finish. With some great stealth and bosses along the way, of course.
As for the runners up?
MGR:R had some of the best gameplay in any game I’ve played - to the point where it’s my favorite Platinum game. But I think a game that’s good for a group playthrough should have both really good gameplay and a story that has lots of discussion potential, and MGR only has one of those. If I were basing my vote off of gameplay alone, MGR would’ve gotten it. Its story is serviceable and fun, but there’s not a lot to discuss with it, I feel.
In retrospect, maybe I should’ve voted for TWEWY. The game always appealed to me when I was young for its innovative systems, but I never got it. After looking for it in game stores for years, I finally picked it up just before COVID struck. I haven’t gotten very far in it, so it would’ve been a good chance to play it with everyone else.
Also agreed that IX would’ve been a good option.