Well, again, reviews made a game seem better that it actually was..
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana was a disappointment....

Anyways, after beating the game, I realized that I still have 24 hours to return the game for a refund or exchange.

So,

Anyone have an suggestions of great RPGs for the PS2?

Personally, the ones that I have played and enjoyed are:
Phantom Brave
Makai Kingdom
Final Fantasy X

final fantast X-2 is also really good, otherwise i also recommend kingdom hearts, although it provides a lot less mental stimulation compared to an FF game.

Kindom Hearts is cool, and KH-2 is comming out soon.

generally, i like all final fantasy games
chrono trigger and chrono cross are fun too

Can't reccommend XENOSAGA Ep.1 enough (and as a 'Greatest Hit' title it's at $19.99).

Good luck in the search, several great ones out there!

Shadow Hearts: Covenant and Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne are easily the best RPGs I played on the PS2.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2

All 3 are outstanding PS2 RPGs. However, they are all very much alike, so if you dislike one, you probably won't like the other two. The Megaten games are turn based RPGs at their finest.

Xenosaga, Kingdom Hearts, and Disgaea.

Other than what has already been mentioned, I like Dragon Quest VII. My personal favorite ps2 rpg ever. I'm looking forward to Rogue Galxy as well, if it ever makes it to the states.

seems like you enjoy strategy rpgs, if so disgaea is a good one