I just got both of these games, and I've started playing the first one a bit, but I'm not really enjoying it much. I'm trudging through it, determined not to give up, because so many games are good AFTER a certain point. It just sort of throws you in the middle of the story (not entirely bad, but confusing), the characters emotions just go every which way, and everything seems rushed. The only thing I really enjoy is earning abilities.

So tell me, is 1 really worth it? Is there any reason I should play 1 before 2? I just don't want to give up on a good game before it gets good... any help would be nice; thanks!