What are some recent RPGs that you've played that you feel can be labeled utterly awesome or fun. Please try to point out lesser known ones, we've already heard about the Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and Dragon Quest remakes.
Also, RPG is a loose term, so don't worry about sticking strictly to turn based battles, even if the game is a shooter with RPG elements, that can work.
My personal favorite is Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer for the DS. It's a roguelike of sorts, but it still retains that epic RPG feel as stuff carries over after death and you're traveling the land as more or less, a wanderer. It has no problems with the idea of kicking your butt and after you beat the game, well... then you get started on the true game with a new 100 floor dungeon as well as a food based dungeon, a trap base dungeon, and a freaking 70 floor expansion to the old dungeon leading to a difficult but fair game with loads and loads of replayability.