Disgaea does not require insane amounts of grinding if your looking to just finish the main quest. Yeah the end will be pretty hard if you don't grind but it is easily accomplished. So don't let the word "grinding" scare you away.
As for your Disgaea 1 question, no you do not need to play these games in order. You can pick up and play any game you wish. I personally would start with Disgaea 1 though, I found it's story to be the best of them all "nin nin nin".
Plus, characters from Disgaea 1 make cameo appearances in Disgaea 2 and 3 and characters from Disgaea 1 and 2 make cameo appearances in Disgaea 3. Some are even playable characters you can obtain through sidequests and in the case of Disgaea 2, some of Disgaea 1's main characters are regular characters in Disgaea 2 and play a part in the game's storyline.
Seriously though, give these games a look and if your going to play Disgaea 1 play it on the PSP. It is easily the best version IMO.
iPhone = Great gaming device. Don't agree? Who cares, because you're wrong.
Currently playing:
Final Fantasy VI (iOS), Final Fantasy: Record Keeper (iOS) & Dragon Quest V (iOS)
