I'm a JRPG nut who have played games in all of the big JRPG series, like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Persona, Wild Arms and so on, but I have yet to play a Tales game. So, which one should I start with? Which one is best? Does i matter in which order I play them or not?

And for the record I own Tales of Phantasia (GBA), Tales of Eternia (PSP), Tales of Symphonia (GC) and Tales of the Abyss (PS2). And because I'm european I hope I get the chance to buy Tales of Vesperia somtime around the next millennium

My fiance swears by Tales of Phantasia. I don't think you can go wrong there.

Tales of Phantasia is always a great one to start with. My personal favorite after all.

Is there a tales game for ds?

I think there's one in Japan, but I'm not sure.

Tales of Tempest and Tales of Heart are both for Nintendo DS. Although neither has been released outside of japan.

Well that sucks. No tales for me then. :P

Thanks for the answers.

And Tales of Phantasia it is then.  

Plus Tales of Innocence.

Game prostitution!!!
oh PLAY ! Phantasia