I wouldn't say best, but I agree that Abyss is probably a good introduction to the series, aside from the utterly broken battle system later on. I would say Symphonia as well bcuz i luv it, but it's honestly pretty groan-inducing and Phantasia was sakjgfkjsdagfagd so it's really no wonder you didn't like it.
Do you have a japanese PS2? This is of utmost importance because then suddenly Rebirth and Destiny PS2 become factors which are pretty much the gods of the Tales games.
