@Carl
Don't pick the Thief; it's one of the toughest classes to start with (the other being the magician which I stupidly picked). Pick either a Royal (Magic + MP Regen) or a Temple Knight (very good equipment, even stats)
@nen-suer & difficulty
The game is very unforgiving at times, but NEVER unfair (well maybe in world 5). Believe me, you'll pull your hair a couple of times through the game (i.e. if you don't use magic, the Tower Knight in NG+)
@lestatdark
I'm sure losing all your saved data was a bit more nerve cracking than losing a measly 3m souls, right? ;-p
My themeforest portfolio: