If I was going to play just one Tales game, should it be this one?
It is a rather safe title as it has the "traditional" JRPG feel of locked camera during town/dungeon exploration with an overworld exploration (which are sadly a relic in recent Tales games).
Tales games can be divisive for each person but I recommend it if you can get it during sales and prepare to use a missables guide for the best first playthrough experience. Give Vesperia a shot if you have to play just one Tales game!