Look, if you're new to JRPG skip it for now, cause it's not an easy game for newbies, go and buy FFX or dragon quest viii instead,
on a personal note, i loved FF XII, it had a huge world, new battle system, tons of side quests, great graphics, great music,,, ok the story was not among the best but it was fine,,
My Top ten JRPG are:
1- FF VIII
2- FF Tactics
3- FF X
4- Dragon Quest VIII
5- Suikoden 3
6- Valkyrie profile 1
7- Valkyrie profile 2
8- Shin megami Tensei nocturne
9- FF VI
10- Suikoden 2
other enjoyed RPGS: FF VII, FF XII, DIGITAL DEVIL SAGA 1&2, Suikoden 4, Disgaea, phantom brave, La pucelle Tactics, FF IX