pearljammer on 04 August 2010
Yes, definitely stay away from III.
FFIV, while my favourite game, I would not recomend as a starting point. Very difficult, especially if you're not accostumed to having to actively play to your enemies weaknesses (or simply playing JRPGs in general). If you don't figure them out, some bosses can be exceedingly frustrating.
That said, you're enjoying it! The game is just so thematically driven and tight; it really is quite unique in the series.
