If you're unsure about it, maybe get your toes wet by picking up the original. That is if you have the means to play PS2 games. It's a little lighter on the wallet, and will probably be somewhat of a collector's item in a few years time. Overall it's an excellent series, and my personal RPG favorite. Waning though, I'm happy you like grinding but do note there is a massive amount of grinding in this game. Possibly the most of any game. Hundreds upon hundreds of hours of possible grinding.