I personally really like the way they implemented the battle system for example and the story isn't too bad either.
You must be a champ, to say the least. I really don't like video games, though be them rare, where you don't really have control over IMPORTANT actions. LR is like poker without skill, it's a pure game of luck and coincidence. Not sayin' it doesn't take skill to play LR, it definitely does, especially since you need to plan ahead 2-3 moves in case you don't get the option to defend/heal when you actually need it. I can't count the number of times I'd get the defense and heal options right off the bat and only get attack options when I needed to defend/heal later on in the battle. They really borked would could have been a fantastic game. Had they given players control over these important decisions I'd say they had just one upped the battle system of FFXII. I could have easily forgiven their inability to utilize the U3 engine if it wasn't for this huge, imo, flaw.
On another topic, don't really consider Mass Effect an RPG (in the sense you're lookin for). It's more of a shooter, which you've probably already noticed. However, especially at it's new price, you would be hard pressed to find a better game. The greatest hits version also has the DLC included. Really a fantastic game. It is one of the few games this gen that have warranted more than a single play through with me, back to back. Though, I didn't like the game at first, as a matter of fact I didn't hold back my hatred for the game when it first came out, but after goin' back to it a few months ago, I formed a very new opinion of it.
Tales of Vesperia does have more to keep you busy than LO, but LO is just classic in that Final Fantay feel. It's also only $24 at this point. I also really, really enjoyed Blue Dragon, despite it bein' based off a kiddo cartoon show. The story isn't all most of us older people would like, but the gameplay more than makes up for it. You should also consider it as it is only $20. Another $20 title is Eternal Sonata. I didn't really enjoy it to much but it had its moments. If you get ToV and really like it, I'd buy ES. It's pretty much the same game, in style, just with much, much less to do.