HACHACHA!
I like the Xenosagas, but they're some I can't recommend to everybody. Serious flaws, but incredible if you can look past them. They're for RPG gamers who really enjoy a nice pseudo-philosophical story. If you're a big Xenogears fan, like me, they're doubly nice for all the little throwbacks to that old game.
Never played any of the Tales games, but I think Symphonia is the one I've heard most recommendations for. If you're looking for a Final Fantasy, I would recommend XII before I recommend X.