I agree with SG, Lunar 1 and 2 are probably something you’d be looking for if you need a good old fashioned RPG
I said it fucking SUCKED, so go cry about it and then lift weights, you ripped piece of crap. 
And yeah, Lunar is the epitome of old school in ‘newer’ consoles, especially cos they’re remakes of games released in 92 and 94. I say it’s definitely worth a go if you don’t mind cheesey story and cliche.
My PS2 recomendations:
Classic RPG:
-Lunar 1 and 2- as people said before, they are pretty good and basic, but rather cheesy storylines and annoying voices. Simple controls, and easy battle strategies.
-Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter- A plain, beat em up RPG. I personal hate this one, due to the non-refilable dragon abilities for Ryu, but an interesting story. Do not expect to spend alot of time leveling up, due to the dragon meter that is always going higher.
Strategy RPG:
-Gladius- simple rules and controls. Fantasy/Roman setting. Pretty good. Enough said.
Sorceror, to give the opinions from a PC perspective, you could try Temple of Elemental Evil, from Trokia.
I haven’t gotten very far, but its supposed to be a 3rd Edition PC take of the table top mod of the same name… and its turn based. Probably the old-school you are looking for.
I wouldn’t consider Lunar to be a newer game. Even if it was on PS1, it was still a remake of a game that’s older than just over half of the Final Fantasy series.
Plus I’ve already played them, so it matters not.
And I hated Wild Arms 2, so if Wild Arms 3 is anything like it…
Then do yourself a favor and don’t touch 3 then. The games are far from perfect…but, eh, I like them for some reason.
Well, I’m gonna jump on the Shadow Hearts bandwagon. Both are good games in the classic rpg sense.
I want the damn Shin Megami Tensei games, but I can never find them.
As far as SRPGS go, try Growlanser Generations. I’m really digging Growlanser II right now. That and Shadow Hearts 2 are the only RPGs I’m playing at the moment. Hell, I haven’t touched my 'cube but once since I got a PS2.
Sorc, I feel you on SO3. I like it, but it pisses me off sometimes. I think that the battle controls are a bit clumsy. but I’ve put that down because my manager is borrowing it.
And because I purchased Growlanser Generations.
Though I personaly liked it, I’d say that 2 was the worst of the series. You might enjoy 1 and 3, but if at all possible, give them a shot before buying. 1’s gameplay is a lot more “traditional” than 3’s, though.
I’m really looking forward to Alter Code F. I’m upset that WA4 isn’t coming out over here. >_<
Yeah, BoF sucked ass…
Shadow Hearts I guess…
Well, if you want to play a strategy game, try Fire Emblem or Advance Wars. They may not be as ff-ey as you’d like, but they still kick ass.