I was really ,really engrossed by Jeanne D'Arc, which was a PSP exclusive title, made by Level 5 (the same team as White Knight Chronicles) - it explored an alternate history war of the roses scenario where the historical figures were gruesome, power hungry demons and the like. It was an incredibly deep game, but it was more of a tactical roleplaying game than a straight Final Fantasy game.
Some of the best RPGs are on hand held consoles. The Bravely Default titles on 3DS / 2DS are just Final Fantasy games with other names - which is great if you want to game on an obscenely small budget. From what I've played (will have a review of Bravely Default at some point!) - it is a bit grindy.
There's nothing that really evokes the mood, atmosphere, soundtracks, and gameplay of Final Fantasy that springs to the top of my mind at the moment.
I was a huge fan of xenogears and the first Xenosaga before I saw the direction they were headed in. And Mother series! Aside from that....just chrono trigger but time travel gives me a headache
Thanks for the recommendations!
I never touched Xenogears, but I've always wanted to play it. I have still have my PS3 which can play PS1 discs, but that's a rare, rare game to find!