Actually, I'm going to suggest FF Chronicles (FFIV). System-wise, it's pretty simple since characters learn spells with levels and don't require any specific items (Materia, Espers, etc. etc.). Really, the only thing you have to worry about is keeping your characters with good weapons. Also, the game is fairly challenging (see: Having a party of mainly Wizards with crappy MP levels who can't do even decent attack damage for a good part of the game).