Aw, crap. This is gonna be difficult. These things change around constantly, so this list is my top 10 as of now. It might be different even as early as tomorrow, who knows. Two games are lumped together in two places because I really can't decide which is better.

10. Vagrant Story



- amazing art style, with late PS1-graphics that are impressive to this day
- incredible plot with a very dark atmosphere and complex characters
- very unique gameplay

9. Xenogears



- one of the best plots in an RPG. A love story spanning 10,000 years with heavy gnostic themes? Yes, please
- interesting battle system
- definitely one of the most ambitious games I've played

8. The World Ends With You



- amazingly original art style
- gameplay that is one-of-a-kind, utilizing both of the DS's screens like no other RPG
- a rich, character-driven story, very memorable

7. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories



- best-written story in the entire series, introducing a number of interesting plot threads while crafting a very engrossing character arc for Sora
- the card system is much better than people give it credit for
- you get to play as Riku and his arc is just amazing, very relatable to me, a person who has struggled with certain issues in the past

6. Chrono Trigger



- an unforgettable classic with a gripping plot and memorable characters
- best implementation of ATB system thanks to double and triple techs
- fantastic presentation - the graphics and music are the best on the SNES

5. Dragon Quest VI



- criminally overlooked!
- great story, if goofy, about finding yourself and your place in the world, with very cool characters
- the dual world gameplay and job system are incredibly fun to utilize

4. Final Fantasy XII



- a stellar plot that really elevates FF way higher than your standard JRPG
- incredibly immersive battle system
- amazing art direction and voice acting

3./2. Bravely Default



- a love letter to old school FF fans with a deconstruction of the classic FF plot and very likeable cast
- best implementation of the FFV job system in a non-SRPG
- godly music, possibly best soundtrack of all time

3./2. Bravely Second



- retains many of the good things about the first game - cool characters, job system, etc., with more jobs that are unlike anything we'd seen in FF
- the gameplay is even more refined, making it one of the most user-friendly games I've played
- The Fourth Wall Won't Protect You

1. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance



- surprisingly deep and meaningful story
- the various races and jobs work together so well
- also, best job system much?