When I first decided to try a Tales game I wanted Symphonia so much. I eventually found it used and began loving it.
But as time went by, I've discovered it isn't as great as people make it out to be. It isn't as overrated as FFVII, but it's still pretty overrated if you ask me. The characters, music, and plot are probably the best things in the game itself. And it doesn't help that it got a sequel, one that sort of tears its rep apart.
I honestly haven't played too many Tales of games since most are Japan-only and the rest PS-exclusive. But, to be honest, I prefer Phantasia over Symphonia. I just like the cast, music, and plot better, ya know? Those are probably the things I consider most when playing games, so graphics, the battle system (unless really crappy, and believe me, there are worse ones than ones where you have to wait while a summon/strong magic attack is used), sidequests, etc. don't really matter as much.