Finally some obscurities have emerged from this topic, that Xbox Action RPG looks cool as hell, I want that now. Koudelka and Knights in the Nightmare are solid picks. Not because Koudelka is a great game, mind you, but is basically the sum of its parts, the atmosphere and storyline is strong in that one to offset the weak battle system. Knights in the Nightmare is a great game though, more people should try it out.
I think I actually enjoy the more niche, unknown JRPGs than I do the actual well known ones like FF, DQ etc.
Here's some of my picks anyway:
Growlanser series (PSX/PS2/PSP) - Still the best work from the same guys who would later create the Devil Survivor series and previously made the Langrisser series. Very talented (and underrated) team of developers. This series on the surface just looks like your usual anime JRPG but actually playing them tells a very different story. Some of the best combat and design I've seen in any JRPGs. The combat scenarios get intense. Fans of tough JRPGs with tactical gameplay will love these. I think Wayfarer of Time is the best game on the system and possibly the most underrated JRPG I've ever played.
Gungnir (PSP)
I love games from the developer Sting and I think this might be my favourite. Fans of Tactics Ogre and FFT should check it out. Came out right at the end of the PSPs life in NA/EU and ultimately was forgotten about. It's pretty hardcore with its difficulty throughout and is made for those wanting a more challenging SRPG with experience in the genre. Also the story is morose and bittersweet, which was a surprise considering the art style conveyed on the cover.
Generation of Chaos: Pandora's Reflection (PSP)
Another Sting game, another obscurity. This game was like the perfect storm of Ogre Battle (base conquering) meets a rhythm based combat system. Plus the visual style is psychedelic and gothic as hell. Really fun game, one of the very last RPG releases on the system.
Black Rock Shooter (PSP)
Possibly the only Imageepoch game I've enjoyed playing. An Action RPG that is light on the "RPG" but really one of the best "Action" games for the system. Combat system is fun enough throughout and was short and sweet.
Rondo of Swords (Nintendo DS)
Definitely one of the toughest SRPGs I've ever played but ultimately one of the best on the DS. Once you get into it, it'll stick with you until you finish it and provides a really interesting twists on the SRPG formula with its puzzle like gameplay as opposed to the usual take on the genre. Sadly forgotten and obscure. From the same devs as The Dark Spire, another obscure JRPG on the system that I have not played yet.
Lost Dimension (Vita/PS3)
This game is all forgotten about now. I thought this was a really solid turn based/action hybrid RPG that used positional strategy gameplay well and was a fun game to play. Fans of RPGs with hybrid systems should enjoy this game from former members of Atlus (including those who made Strange Journey). Very underrated, imo.
Mercenaries Saga 2 (3DS)
A surprisingly good FFT/TO clone that is cheap off the 3DS eShop (cost me like a fiver). Even with its bargainous price, the game is long and the game has good depth to it. I am looking forward to getting the next game in the series as well. If you're in the mood for a FFT like game, you can do a lot worse.
We actually tried this 7 years ago. JRPGs which most people probably REALLY never heard of.
Dark Half:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=392608
Radia Wars:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393743
Emerald Dragon:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=394886
Oriental Blue:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=963706
It died after that because as it turns out, no one really cares about games they never heard of!
I plan to play Dark Half at some point for sure, since it sounds fantastic and only just recently got a fan translation into English.
