Since we are discussing favorite RPG's, let's talk about some of mine.
Tales of Phantasia, back when it was rom hacked with a translation and before it was released officially. For a game that started on the SNES, the text sprites and environments were super detailed and beautiful - I remember marveling at the first village and how crisp everything looked. The battle system is also superb.
Going into that, Tales of Symphonia is also a good game, though Dawn of Time wasn't as good as the original.
Chrono Cross was a game you either loved or hated. I was the former. The music is simply amazing, and while everyone may have had something to complain about the tremendous amount of characters, I didn't mind at all and loved having variety. This is one of those few games where I must have had at least a dozen or more playthroughs in a short amount of time.
Radical Dreamers - the pseudo side story sequel to Chrono Trigger, which inspired Chrono Cross. This text RPG still puts you in a role of Serge as he, Kid, and Gil travel to Viper Manor. I remember this being quite creative and I loved the rom translation done for this. A must play if you really liked both CT and CC.
Skies of Arcadia. By far one of the best RPG's for the dreamcast and a beautiful port for the GC. Exploration has to be one of the greatest aspects of this game. I remember days when I would just ride my airship and fly around all day without a care in the world. Very fun.
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete. This is a very straightforward game with characters that you'll love and a story that, while generic, is executed quite well. Unfortunately, I didn't care much for its sequels.
Dragon Quest VIII. Another straightforward game, but very epic in feeling, and the level system is reminiscent of older RPG's. Fights are difficult, but not impossible. I personally have a lot of satisfaction beating battles at a lower level by using tactics and strategy rather than overleveling, and this is one of those games that reward you that way. If I recall, the same developers who created Chrono Trigger came together to make this game, and I think it shows.
Baten Kaitos Origins. Beautiful voice acting, great battle system, and story was executed well. I personally hated the first game, and I'm glad they made the improvements in this game to make it one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had. Definitely a must play.
Now for some RPGs that I hated.
Final Fantasy 12 is horrid. The story is boring, two of the characters had nothing to do with the story and were added because of demographics, the music was pland, and the gambit system made things very dull. Nobuo also made a love song at the end of the game, in which none existed? It was awkward as hell. I wish they kept Basch the main character like they planned originally.
Eternal Sonata. Terrible and redundant linear level design. Battle is too easy and boring. Characters tend into wander into philosophical monologues that you don't care much about. Hell, one character's death scene took 20 minutes because she went into a long boring speech, and when she finally drops, she finds it a good idea to talk for another 5 minutes. The music is good, at least.
Baten Kaitos. HORRID voice acting. Card battle system was difficult to use. The story was decently okay. I would have liked to continue playing this but the first two flaws made it intolerable to play.
