Looking for a very specific type of RPG

persona 3 and 4 have about the same amount of characters as a modern ff game, so you might want to check those out. persona 3 has a better story and cast of characters, while persona 4 touched up the battle system to 3.

dragon quest 8 is one of my favorite rpg's. there are only 4 party members total (including your character) and a couple other main characters. each character gets enough time in the spotlight to shine.

Persona 3 and 4 have great character development. Lost Odyssey is also a very fantastic, more mature final fantasy type game. Also awesome. Best in the past couple of years for sure, go for those.

Persona 3 and 4 are good choices. WHATEVER YOU DO dont get Lost Oddysey. The game's main character thinks he is badass but that is far from the truth.

Valkyrie Profile on PSX (a PSP version; Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth; is also available), Valkyrie profile 2 on PS2, Valkyria Chronicles on PS3, The Last Remnant on Xbox360, Infinite Undiscovery on Xbox360, Odin Sphere on PS2 and Eternal Sonata on PS3.

If you intend to play The Last Remnant on Xbox360, remember to download the patch. Without it the game suffers from considerable slowdown.

Valkyrie Profile is a very unique RPG, but be very careful about purchasing the original PSX version, as the disc is known to not function with even the slightest damage.

Eternal Sonata is also available on Xbox360, however the PS3 version features extra content.

...but I'm looking for an RPG with just a few unique main characters that you can get attached to and a great storyline.

Odin Sphere would be a great choice if this is your primary concern.

Tales of Vesperia is quite awesome. Best RPG on the 360 for me. I think you'll get attached to characters. The main character, Yuri, is actually one of the coolest main guys I've ever experienced.

Persona 3 and 4 are also must-play games.

Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 and Nocturne those are some of the best rpgs for the ps2