FF9 is on my top favorite list, but I have to admit I have kind of fallen out of the gaming world for a while. The only Final Fantasy that I consider a bust was FF 10 2...which was a really big bust in my opinion
The best RPG is Runescape. Not only is it an RPG but, is a MMORPG and is in the Guinnes World Records for the second time in a row as the most popular MMORPG. Also unlike most MMORPG's it is free, with the option of paying to have more abilities and different areas to adventure.
I think Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 1 and 2 are the best. To choose between good and bad alone is awesome and the game play is very good too. That and Tales of Symphonia are my all time favorite RPGs.