Totally don't get FF XII. I'll be back tomorrow with my personal recommendations. I'm too lazy at this moment. But FF XII is the worst JRPG in years.. sigh. Thank god for Dragon Quest....
Culdcept
Devil May Cry
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea 2
FF X
Front Mission 4 (If you're in to the more 'hard' core TBS games)
GTA III (???)
ICO
Katamari Damacy
MGS 2
Shadow Hearts/2/3 (?)
SHINOBI (Awesome game - way underrated)
Sly Cooper (one of the only good and worthwhile neo-platformers)
TAIKO Drum Master (If you like rhythm games, it's my personal favorite by leagues)
Wild Arms 3/4/Alter Code F (If you like Wild Arms, get em'. ACF rocks especially)
Xenosaga I/II/III are also potential entries, but not necessarily.
Also, Dragon Quest VIII.
I still wouldn't recommend FF XII unless you're certain you're going to like it, particularly since it's still expensive.