Let's add to the list of other games I like that are generally disliked:
Dragon Age 2: Seriously. Improved combat, better characters (although I missed Leliana), and a much improved story. Mostly the combat drew me in, though. I *DESPISE* auto-attack in games, unless it's turn based.
Final Fantasy XIII-2: While I was pretty "meh" on 13, when I got 13-2, it was easily my favorite jRPG of 2012. The improved combat system (although I loved 13's combat system), the cool characters, and ability to explore just really drew me in. The story structure also REALLY reminds me of Chrono Trigger.
Final Fantasy X-2: Seriously. I love the job-system (and don't mind the eye candy at all), I loved the combat (seriously, best in the series next to 5's)and the story was a nice, fun break from the overly-dark dramatic stuff of the rest of the series.
Alpha Protocol: This is just a really fun RPG, with the best conversation system I've ever seen. Seriously, this game got a lot of scorn, because it's a bit buggy and unbalanced, but get through the bugs, and you'll find an amazing game with a really great story, and really good customization for your character. Just remember, it's an Obsidian game, so it'll be buggy and unbalanced, but flawless in every other way.
Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers (Wii): This is just a fantastic zombie hack n slash on the Wii. I never played the 360 prequel, but on the Wii, you're getting a fantastic hack n slash experience, with plenty of unlockables.