Well, 1st.. make sure it isn't my stolen copy, if so, I want it back... :P
2nd, if it's not mine, what I did was stay on the island where you start the game off... until I'd reached level 12.... And, it'll take a while, but, it should be worth it. I don't remember much about the game besides it being fun, and I liked the music... but... yeah, haven't played it in almost 3 and a half years.
Well, that's what happens when something breaks down AND it gets stolen, I suppose... I miss my PS2 games.