1) Don't rush anything. Take your time.
2) Always stay on the defense. During your first time playing, if you're not using a guide you don't know what to expect.
3) Watch enemy patterns. Learn the timing for counters and when they're vulnerable to standard attacks.
4) If you mess up badly like losing a ton of souls, don't worry it happens to all of us atleast once or twice. If you become frustrated, take a break and come back in a few hours or tomorrow. Playing the game while you're frustrated will only lead to death and more frustration. I'm speaking from person experience.

I found it here in Greece a week ago as well and I'm loving it! Happy dying! As for tips, the best class to start is the Noble (or something like that). He/She starts will Fragrance Ring that regenerates MP, along with Soul Arrow, it should help tons.

Unfortunately, I started as a Magician and had huge difficulties on 1-1. After tons of grinding and ~12 hours into the game, I'm much more formidable now

Anyways, enjoy what is for me the best and hardest game in 2009! (Especially if you played old classics like King's Field or Gargoyle's Quest, you'll love this game - and Atlus)

I recommand the Royal class for new players. They start at level 1 but they get a mana regen ring, a mana boost head piece and start with the spell Soul Arrow which is great (overpowered at start of the game).

Like many said, don't rush it or you'll die. I finished the game 2 times already and when I rush I still die.

Don't put any points in Luck, it won't do much. You need anyway 2-3 runs to get all the items.

One of the most important stat, if not the most important one is endurance.

I started recently invading other people's worlds and I'm loving it. I just don't like running in a world where the person summoned 2 people lol.

^ 

Is there some specific items that the Royal Class can and can't use? That mana regen at start really sounds like a sweet deal =D

I consider it vital for starters as you need grasses in a dreadful way.

any class can wear any gear as long as they have the required stat that the item needs to be equiped with it's full potential. It will tell you when you aren't strong enough to wear an item. Also, there are a few female only gear that you may not equip if your character is not a female.

@Hiko

Ok then, I'm beggining to see a patern, I guess a character building planification a la diablo style will be in order then ;)

^^^

What that dude said. Your beginning class only determines how you're stats, clothing and abilities start during the early stages of the game. Once you start you can grow your character any which way you'd like.

Go to 4-1 when you finish the 1-1