360
Tales of Vesperia
But the best version to play BY FAR is the extended PS3 version. It has copious amounts of playable Flynn, and that makes me happy. Oh right, and my favorite combat system I've ever played. I've played over 500 hours on the PS3 alone, and I'm still finding new quirks to the combat system. Even still, the 360 version is pretty good.
PSP
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
FFVII: Crisis Core
It is truly real-time action combat, trust me.
Nayuta no Kiseki a.k.a. Nayuta Endless Trails
Absolute hidden gem; highly recommend. Translation patch
here.
Phantasy Star Portable 2
Maybe? It has its die-hard fans, but I don't think the game has aged too well. Still, action combat all the same.
Tales of Eternia
It's an old Tales game from the PSX days. Its age shows, but I could still get enjoyment from it. Don't expect a polished game, though, and understand the game WILL pull some bullshit on you from time to time. Even still, I liked it overall.
Symphony of the Night
Why is a PSX game here? Because the entire game is an easy unlockable in Dracula X Chronicles for the PSP. You've probably already played it in some form, but it's here nonetheless.
If you're alright playing a Japanese game:
Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3
Only play this if you become a fan of the Tales series, or a superfreak like me. Go for Abyss first.
Tales of Phantasia X and Narikiri Dungeon
Two games, one hot UMD. It's in Japanese, but the combat makes it worth it. Besides, there exists a story translation for Phantasia at least that you could conceivably follow.
Tales of Rebirth
Incredibly unique combat system, but it hardly does any evolving over the course of the game. Also in Japanese.
PSVITA
Tales of Hearts R
Like it a lot. Fast-paced, combo-centric combat that's easy to pick up and difficult to master. Same could be said of most Tales games, to be honest.
Ys: Memories of Celceta
3DS
Kingdom Hearts 3D
Maybe play Birth by Sleep first to see if you're a fan of this kind of game.
Tales of the Abyss
Recommended to play before Vesperia. Great story, characters, and combat (if this is your first Tales game, that is.)
GBA
Boktai 1+2+3
I can't stress how wonderful I think these games are. Every year around summer time they get a replay from me, and they've held up astoundingly well over the years. I am a true and total nut for Boktai.
Megaman Battle Network Games
Have not held up as well. Combat is very interesting, but balance can be easily broken with a smartly constructed Folder. Or even a competently constructed one. You'll understand if you play it. A newcomer might find more substance in it than I, having played the series to death.
Legacy of Goku 2
Out of the 3 part GBA DBZ RPG franchise, this is the only one worth revisiting, but man is it worth it. Not sure how much mileage you'll get out of it if you're not already a DBZ fan, though.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Does this count as the type of RPG you're looking for? If so, it's splendid. Tight controls and simple yet challenging combat make this game timeless. IGN/10, too much gamewanking.
DS
Lunar Knights
It's Boktai, but on the DS. Best combat out of all the Boktai games, but it loses a little something in world and character charm (not to mention the lack of Solar Sensor). Still, an eternal favorite of mine.
PC
Akiba's Trip
(clunky combat. It's stiff and unpolished, but the game's got so much genuine style and cheese that the combat does produce quite a few satisfying moments. I do recommend, but remember this: to actually pull off a power attack, hold Guard while doing it. You'll thank me later.)
Final Fantasy Type 0
(lacks proper balancing, pacing, meaty challenge, or a decent camera, but it's still got somewhat satisfying action combat.)
Secrets of Grindea
(An indie game in early access? Yes. It's not done yet, but play the infinity tower mode and you'll find some of the most satisfying 2D action combat I've ever seen, much less from an indie game that's not even finished. Just... keep it in the back of your mind for when it's fully released.)
NOT TALES OF ZESTIRIA OR BERSERIA
Considering how many Tales games are on this list, you may be tempted into these titles. Don't be. Some of the most unsatisfying combat I've ever slogged through. It's sad, but that's the way the franchise crumbles.
Dust and Elysian Tale?
(Again, if Metroidvania is something you're open to, this game does it adequately enough. Still haven't finished it, though, nor do I plan to, so...)
Hyper Light Drifter
(In 30fps? No. I'm no framerate snob, but it actually makes certain things much harder to see because of the game's speed, and things get unfair. It has a 60fps beta patch that you'll need, and with that issue out of the way, it has VERY satisfying 2D action combat. Very fast-paced, but calling it an RPG is a HUGE stretch. It's on here for quality of combat alone.)
Salt and Sanctuary
(It's a 2D Dark Souls, sure, but it's also a good game for anyone who hates Dark Souls. Which I do. A lot.)
Tales of Symphonia
(Approach with caution! This game has its moments of absolute suck. The combat is limiting until you unlock crazy chain skills very late in the game, and calling the AI suicidal is an understatement. Pretty much on here just because people adore it so much. As a Tales fanatic myself, I don't really recommend it. It's here because of pedigree, and nothing else.)
That's all I have for now, but I just know I'm missing something.
