The Final Fantasy series is good, but other RPG series are equally good.

Example 1: Xenogears, which I enjoyed even more than any other Final Fantasy game with the possible exception of Final Fantasy Tactics. Xenosaga is also good, and I have high hopes for the rest of the series.

Example 2: Dragon Warrior/Quest series, a great series and especially popular in Japan, where, as I understand it, the government regulates the release dates so as to not have them coincide with school days.

Final Fantasy isn't the ONLY good RPG out there, but it does have quite a bit of clout.