So my wife just surprised me with a copie of XC 1, 2, and 3 after I had mentioned a good while ago it was a game I would be interested in trying but was just one title.

My questions:

1 - I was planning playing them chronologically but my friend who had played before has stated each game is in its own universe more or less complete with unique lore and characters (basically playing in order isnt required). Is this true? If so, is there like a "here's what most people say you should play in what order"?? And will there at least be some kind of lore/concepts that I will recognize in say, 3, only because I played 1?

2 - I have not played any current gen or any rpgs for that matter in some time, does this game take a while to get used to? I'm can't view videos right now (work), but I managed to peek at the battle system, and it seems rather unique and that's pretty interesting in itself.

3 - Any recommendations for starting put? Tips? Things that a noob should he aware of while playing for the very first time?

Sorry for the long post, thanks in advance!