What exactly is it about SF 2 that you like? The turn-based battle system? Relatively large party (12 character max)? The characters / story? All of the above?
Unfortunately, I haven't found a lot of RPGs very similar to SF.
One game with a similar battle system that I'd recommend is Jeanne D'Arc (PSP). The Fire Emblem games also have a very SF-esque battle system, but I've only played PoR and for some reason the story didn't suck me in like SF2 did.
One RPG series that I'd highly recommend is Growlanser. The battle system isn't that similar as Growlanser doesn't use a grid system (you can move your characters anywhere on the map, based on Movement speed). For some reason the series really reminds me of Shining Force, if SF had some real-time strategy elements. Growlanser Generations (PS2) contains both Growlanser 2 and 3. And Growlanser Wayfarer of Time (PSP) just came out a couple months ago. All of those games have pretty good stories and have fun, easy to learn battle systems.
I like almost everything about it, its a perfect game in my eyes. (yes it could be deeper, and maybe involve more skill, but for its time, and even for now i still love it)
I love the leveling system, huge parties that you can custom pick, promotions to different classes, and probably most of all the battle system. I like the overhead chess-like view more than any other kind of view ive seen in other strategy RPG games.
I like the fact that theres not too much BS dialogue, and most of the game is fight>go to new place>upgrade weapons etc>fight again.
I also like just thinking about what party i want to go with on this playthrough. I was pretty bored at work today, and was planning out my perfect team, once i get everyone, and promote them with their special items.
For me its the perfect amount of complexity that i can play it, and not really have to put too much into it to enjoy it. I tried playing Civ and Starcraft, but i quickly get overwhemled/bored, and end up playing something else.
The last thing that im noticing about myself (probably a bad thing) is that i prefer things that are familiar. I like re-playing games more than playing new games the first time. Kinda sucks because there are such great games out there, but i dont get that giddy/excited feeling for new games as much as games that i played when i was younger.
For example: Still havent played saints row 3 or arkham city, but to be honest, id rather re-play something like metal gear solid 1 for PSX than invest time in a new game. Sometimes it just feels more like a chore than fun. Which is why at least i know i LOVE games like SF, so i could just look at it as a sequel almost.
Shining Force 3 for the Saturn is my favourite. I still need to play the fan translations of parts 2 and 3, now that I think about it (only Scenario 1 ever came out in the US).
I've found Fire Emblem the closest. It doesn't have the jRPG elements of the SF series (as in overworld, towns, etc) but the battle system is similar and it's more tactical (and deaths last FOREVER).
IS there a good saturn emulator out there? I have never played 3. Tried EXA, but its a very different game.