It's certainly nowhere near the same level as Clover's overlooked swan song, but the stylish gothic tactical-role-player Eternal Poison comes from a similar position: It's definitely not for everyone. It's not even for every strategy-RPG fan. But 1UP played a ton of games, and at some point, many of 'em kinda blend together. Trust them when they say that they won't be forgetting Eternal Poison anytime soon -- if there's such a thing as "gothic medieval noir," this is it. Not to give away the narrative, but if you had the patience for novel fare like Odin Sphere and Suikoden III -- games that feature multiple takes on an overarching saga -- you'll probably welcome Eternal Poison's storytelling.
The list is as long as it would take you to grind through Dragon Quest VIII. Here are the best JRPGs on the PlayStation 2.
Good list, kudos for adding Shadow Hearts, Covenant is probably the best Jrpg most people have not played and what an improvement over the first one (plus ties with Koudelka which is an awesome game as well).
Take a look at the libraries of your favorite consoles. I guarantee you, other than a handful of fighting games better suited on the Dreamcast, PS2 still has the best, biggest, and most varied library. Literally something for everyone. JRPGs on PS1 and PS2 really were special.
Edit: the article basically just lists every single JRPG on PS2 lol
Gamer Limit writes: "Part of Atlus' 3 big releases for the Holiday Season along with Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 and Luminous Arc 2, Eternal Poison was the one with the least anticipation or hype due to it being a new IP and a strategy-RPG, one of the least popular genres. There was something about Eternal Poison which caught my eye; maybe it was the attractive box art. Developed by Flight-Plan, known for their Summon Night series, their latest RPG to make it to the United States introduces us to medieval, gothic world of Besek filled with unusual demons and great art direction. Atlus' latest strategy games weren't met with praise, but can Eternal Poison change this trend?"
Honest Gamers writes: "Closed minds will find Eternal Poison to be a finely-crafted strategy RPG. Open minds will find a lot more, including fresh takes on familar themes: religion, altruisim, selfishness, and the double-edged nature of justice. I spent a week of vacation playing Eternal Poison. I slept at odd hours, I ate at unusual times, and I even dreamt of battles as I tossed and turned on the couch (my bed was further from the PS2). I developed pain in my right wrist, and still I couldn't get this game out of my veins. Mercifully, after each story appeared to be resolved without any real answers, Eternal Poison revealed one more secret that tied everything together for a true - and satisfying - conclusion".