I am looking for excellent RPGs...

No turn-based? Heh, you're cutting yourself out of a very large portion of the RPG market there, good sir. Also,  is it just FF games you're not after, or does that also expand to Square-Enix in general? (gotta ask, many aren't fans of them). If not, maybe you'd like Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. Has a slow start, but overall a fairly decent action-based system.

If you don't mind the odd Strategy RPG,  I'd recommend Disgaea or its sequel. The customisation extends very deeply in this series, and there's literally an infinite number of sidequests (ie. randomly generated dungeons for each item). Plus it's just funny, in an off-beat kinda way.

I have nothing against Square-Enix.  I just don't like the turn-based games much. 

No turn-based? Heh, you're cutting yourself out of a very large portion of the RPG market there, good sir. Also,  is it just FF games you're not after, or does that also expand to Square-Enix in general? (gotta ask, many aren't fans of them). If not, maybe you'd like Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. Has a slow start, but overall a fairly decent action-based system.

 

If you don't mind the odd Strategy RPG,  I'd recommend Disgaea or its sequel. The customisation extends very deeply in this series, and there's literally an infinite number of sidequests (ie. randomly generated dungeons for each item). Plus it's just funny, in an off-beat kinda way.

Jagazaar

The best Action RPGs for PS2 come from tri-Ace. So check out:

Star Ocean 3
Radiata Stories
Valkyrie Profile 2

VP2 is not entirely action, but it's not like FF at all so check it out anyway. It's also the most beautiful game on the PS2 IMO. For RPG standards, these games have great replay value. Star Ocean 3 has some pretty bad graphics at times, though.

Tales of the Abyss is also a great game, if you can stand the horrible framerate on the overworld. And when I say horrible, I do mean horrible. It's also full of loading times. I love the story and characters, but if you don't have enough patience, it might not be for you.

The highest rated Japanese Action RPG on GameSpot is probably Kingdom Hearts II, but since you really have to start with the first game, I'll recommend that one.

Haven't played any Western RPGs on PS2, so I can't recommend those.

U can give Rogue Galaxy a try...

Tales of... series is also the ones you can try. (No Turn-based thing)

Star Ocean 3
Radiata Stories
Valkyrie Profile 2

SoulSlayer_

Those are great suggestions for action RPGs, as is Tales of the Abyss. Also consider Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud 2, and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner.

I am currently reading reviews on some of the games you are all suggesting.  Thanks for the recommendations.  It sounds like Valkyre Profile 2 seems to be a good look.  I don't  have patience for any games that have bad load times, framerates, or bad graphics.  I like tight controls, good graphics, good gameplay, and story as evidenced in my collection of PS2 games that are non-RPG. I already own Okami... One of the best PS2 games out right now.  Remember, no turn-based games.  Are there any other recommendations. 

I am a big playstation fan, but if you want the best non-turnbased current gen RPG, go out and buy Morrowind GOTY and an Xbox. I bought an Xbox just for Morrowind, and I never regretted it.polarguy2000

I just read the review for this.  It was a real positive review.  But, I am not too sure about going out to purchase an Xbox.  I guess what I am saying is that Im not looking to purchase another last-gen console.  As great as the review was, it won't influence me much.  I may rent it.  I appreciate your recommendation...  Add me to your friend's list.

I am a big playstation fan, but if you want the best non-turnbased current gen RPG, go out and buy Morrowind GOTY and an Xbox. I bought an Xbox just for Morrowind, and I never regretted it.polarguy2000

I enjoy Radiata Stories a lot.

Champions of Norrath it's ok too.

I just read the review for this. It was a real positive review. But, I am not too sure about going out to purchase an Xbox. I guess what I am saying is that Im not looking to purchase another last-gen console. As great as the review was, it won't influence me much. I may rent it. I appreciate your recommendation... Add me to your friend's list.

[QUOTE="polarguy2000"]I am a big playstation fan, but if you want the best non-turnbased current gen RPG, go out and buy Morrowind GOTY and an Xbox. I bought an Xbox just for Morrowind, and I never regretted it.mrvic87

[QUOTE="SoulSlayer_"]

Star Ocean 3
Radiata Stories
Valkyrie Profile 2

Silvaryn

Those are great suggestions for action RPGs, as is Tales of the Abyss. Also consider Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud 2, and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner.

I just read the review for this.  It was a real positive review.  But, I am not too sure about going out to purchase an Xbox.  I guess what I am saying is that Im not looking to purchase another last-gen console.  As great as the review was, it won't influence me much.  I may rent it.  I appreciate your recommendation...  Add me to your friend's list.

 

[QUOTE="polarguy2000"]I am a big playstation fan, but if you want the best non-turnbased current gen RPG, go out and buy Morrowind GOTY and an Xbox. I bought an Xbox just for Morrowind, and I never regretted it.mrvic87

I cant stress enough how enjoyable Morrowind was to me.  I was sick of the typical RPG (as it seems that you are), but I read about this one and decided to try it out. 

The leveling system is very unique, the open-ended storyline is fantastic (since you arent in a linear storyline, you can pretty much do what ever you want....but there are consequences), the graphics were great, and it is a LOOOOOONG game so you wont have to get another one for a while.

...long story short, I had never played an RPG like it.  It is a unique game, and (IMO) the best RPG ever made for the current gen.   My copy of Oblivion (the next game in the series) for the PS3 in on it's way and I cant wait.

I understand not wanting to buy an xbox just for this game, but if it is a price thing, I bet you could get one dirt cheap on Ebay ( i just looked, and there are several under $100).  If not, someone else suggested that you could get in for PC....and that is a good alternative too.

After reading what you wrote Dark Cloud 2 popped into my mind almost immediatly, lots to do, lots of customization, a great graphical sty le, lengthy, with a good battle system.  But also, to be completely honest, as far as RPG's go, you can't rule out Final Fantasy games, they're consistantly good.  I wasn't really into Star Ocean 3 much, I liked Star Ocean 2 much more.  You may want to try out Tales of the Abyss though.

I went to Gamestop yesterday and picked up Onimusha Dawn of Dreams.  I wanted to pick up a RPG game but didn't get a chance to read this thread to make a decision.  I did see Valkyrie Profile 2 and Final Fantasy XII(standard and a limited edition) available.  I hesitated getting FFXII because I was unsure if it really wasn't turn-based (I saw some posts from people suggesting RPGs that were clearly turn-based early yesterday afternoon).  I didn't want to ask the sales associate because they always say a game is good. 

As far as the Xbox, money isn't the issue at all (I could get a PS3  in my living room today if I really wanted to).  I saw some for $100 dollars at the store but again, not a real fan of it.  I have a very good pc and I sensed a lot of passion in the way you described Morrowind.  I may consider picking it up.  Thanks.

[QUOTE="mrvic87"]

I just read the review for this.  It was a real positive review.  But, I am not too sure about going out to purchase an Xbox.  I guess what I am saying is that Im not looking to purchase another last-gen console.  As great as the review was, it won't influence me much.  I may rent it.  I appreciate your recommendation...  Add me to your friend's list.

 

[QUOTE="polarguy2000"]I am a big playstation fan, but if you want the best non-turnbased current gen RPG, go out and buy Morrowind GOTY and an Xbox. I bought an Xbox just for Morrowind, and I never regretted it.polarguy2000

I cant stress enough how enjoyable Morrowind was to me.  I was sick of the typical RPG (as it seems that you are), but I read about this one and decided to try it out. 

The leveling system is very unique, the open-ended storyline is fantastic (since you arent in a linear storyline, you can pretty much do what ever you want....but there are consequences), the graphics were great, and it is a LOOOOOONG game so you wont have to get another one for a while.

...long story short, I had never played an RPG like it.  It is a unique game, and (IMO) the best RPG ever made for the current gen.   My copy of Oblivion (the next game in the series) for the PS3 in on it's way and I cant wait.

I understand not wanting to buy an xbox just for this game, but if it is a price thing, I bet you could get one dirt cheap on Ebay ( i just looked, and there are several under $100).  If not, someone else suggested that you could get in for PC....and that is a good alternative too.

You should get Kingdom Hearts 1&2, Dark Cloud 1&2 and Rogue Galaxy

Rogue Galaxy looks good too... you didn't help! (lol) You only made it harder.  I like that you an fuse your weapons together to form new ones.  Is there a limit to what you can fuse in that game?  I'll pass on Kingdom Hearts... Too cartoony for me.

You should get Kingdom Hearts 1&2, Dark Cloud 1&2 and Rogue Galaxy

khggame

I am a big playstation fan, but if you want the best non-turnbased current gen RPG, go out and buy Morrowind GOTY and an Xbox. I bought an Xbox just for Morrowind, and I never regretted it.polarguy2000

5 good RPG's that arent turn based...

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts 2

Star Ocean 3 Till the End of Time

 Final Fantasy XII (Its not turnbased)

I'm not sure if these games are even RPGs but Jak 2 and Jak 3 and Jak and Daxter the Precurser Legacy. I guess Precurser Legacy would be more of a platformer

I didn't get any responses in time so I decided to get Star Ocean and Dark Cloud 2.  I started with Star Ocean over the weekend and I've been hooked ever since.  I really bought it to create and fuse weapons and items together.  I am up to the part where I am getting ready to travel to Aquios.  I just received the communicator to start making inventions.  I'm a bit confused as to how you can hire a team of inventors.  I didn't get a chance to play DC2 yet but thanks for all of the recommendations.  I am not so sure about FFXII since I saw so many used versions in the store.