If I didn't like the 2nd one (tbh, it's the first game I have ever sold off without finishing), should I even try this one? I'd be willing to try this franchise again if an entry has a compelling story
They are mostly dull, boring and full of clichés. Dunban and Melia are the only remotely interesting characters. I don't really like Melia very much but she's the only character with some tangible development. Coming from Xenosaga, it hurts even harder.
After having experienced all the other Xeno games including Gears and Saga I can conclusively say that this is still my favorite. The story isn't as innately complex as Saga or Gears with all their crazy details and lore, but because of that everything is set up and written clearly and effectively.
Admittedly though, I've come to figure out that pretty much anyone's first Xeno game ends up their favorite, because so many plot twists in the series are reimagined later on in other games so you can only be totally thrown for a loop with the first one you play.
First one just has the right mixture of things. There's plenty that's much better about the second and third, particularly the combat and visual presentation, but both games get bogged down by things that don't effect the first. Even the very basic plotting and flat characters work in its favor due to the mythological, mysterious tone of the story, compared to the overly-convoluted sequels.
Admittedly though, I've come to figure out that pretty much anyone's first Xeno game ends up their favorite, because so many plot twists in the series are reimagined later on in other games so you can only be totally thrown for a loop with the first one you play.
Favorite is Xenosaga III and it has a certain leanness and tight gameplay design a lot of the other Xeno entries lack with their focus on bloat.