looking for console-style rpgs that have big item collection lists and include rare-drop-only items as well

some games that came to mind:

Earthbound
(Sword of Kings, Gutsy Bat, etc.)

FF4
(Artemis Bow, Lilith Rod, etc.) - FF games in general

Golden Sun
(Zodiac Wand, Prophet's Hat, etc.)

ideas?

practically every jrpg ever made

I know a badass free game for the pc if you wanna know message me also for console I would try Legend of Legaia if you like older games

Fable 1-2-3

Yup

Final Fantasy XII comes to mind; a frustrating combination of grinding and finger crossing for a majority of the end-game items, most of which are obtainable extremely early in the game (at the cost of your sanity).

Phantasy star online 1+2
Gamecubr/dreancast

Uhhh.... well, it's different from the norm, but DayZ's new standalone might scratch your itch.

Ultra-realistic survival game. Huge, open world. You start with nothing, and have to find supplies, weapons, etc. There is no minimap. No indicator as to where you are. Have to eat, drink. If you die, that's it. You lose everything and restart.

Demon's Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2,

Stop in your tracks

yeah right.