Man if the story and characters arent grabbing you then I wouldnt bother man. That's why I played the games because if I'm honest i didnt start really enjoying the combat until the dragon engine games.
Does the combat do anything to differentiate itself from all the other Turn-based JRPGs? Also how's the pacing? Kiwami (only one I've played) was fucking glacial but I had enough fun with the combat.