Tales of Arise is the first tales game I've played and definitely worth the time.
You aren't required to play any previous tales games to get into it.
I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go.

Pros:
Great action game play (It does take some time to unlock all the aspects)
Immersive story
Excellent characters and interactions

Cons:
The pacing towards the end is a bit mixed.
Purchasing DLC and extra costumes is blatantly there.
Left a hole in my chest when I finished....

This game led me to playing Tales of Berseria, watching the Tales of Zistiria anime and now I've started Tales of Vesperia.