Which character should I choose in Xillia?

I just got Xillia for my birthday yesterday and am excited to play it but what character should I choose to play as?

Story or battle?

Story...and I guess battle too.

Whoever looks more interesting to you.

Jude side first Milla side second?

I heard you get slightly more information (and a certain fight) that way you won't get on Milla's side?

Definitely Jude's first. Some people I know who went for Milla's first were disappointed about what wasn't explained at a certain point in the game moreso than what wasn't explained in Jude's side.

Yeah I chose the guy, Jude. It feels awkward playing female characters although I am a female in FFXI... >.>

It really doesn't matter which side you pick first. You're going to miss crucial information either way. On Milla's side you get a lot more of Alvin's story earlier on, and as a result you see a lot more of his character development (important scenes, at that). On Jude's side you get more of Elise's story earlier on, and as a result see more of her development. There is a point in both games were Jude and Milla are separated in a very big way, and while a super important scene does happen for Jude, Leia, and Alvin on Jude's side, Milla gets a very crucial (and honestly unique and interesting) segment on her side during that time that really strengthens and solidifies her development, as well as explains why their reunion happens the way it does when the paths join up again. (It also continues one of the hardest boss fights in the entire game imo, so there's that.)

Honestly, no matter which side you play first you're going to be missing something, and gaining something else. I played Milla's side first and I didn't regret it at all. Both sides have their merits.

Basically (though I'm sure you've already started your file by now) just pick whichever one your gut tells you to, and remember that you can always choose to play as someone else in battle anyway. (Personally, I play as Leia. That girl has aerial maneuvers I haven't seen in a Tales Series game since DotNW's Emil. She's awesome.)

^This x100

None of the people I know personally who played Milla first regretted it. In fact I'd say that plot-wise, except from the specific part where they're separated near the end of the game, Milla's side gets more focus on what's really going on, while Jude is left in the dark for a longer time. But like Scrawlers said, they're about equal as to what they bring in terms of plot and character development - the focus is just distributed differently.

I could always play both characters, end Jude's since I picked Jude first and then play as Milla so I won't be missing out on anything but I don't know if that would be worth the time or not just to see a few extra scenes that I didn't see as Jude...I'll have to think about it. I mean I'll probably be playing Xilla 2 by the time I finish Xilla 1.

I don't like playing as Leia or having her in my party. I mean she's good and all but I rather have Jude, Milla (or Rowen), Alvin, and Elise. I play as either Alvin or Rowen.

It's worth playing Milla's side. Like I said, you get a lot more character development for Alvin earlier on if you play as her side (and understand his motivations more), and the segment that is only on her side is (as I said) one of the most unique and interesting segments I've seen in any game. Plus, it gives more insight for her, as well as more insight on Musee.

It's your choice, of course--no one can force you to play it--but both sides have really key scenes, so even though Jude and Milla are together a lot, you honestly should play both sides to get the full experience.

Oh I see, one of the most interesting segments you've seen in any game huh? That's really saying something lol. I guess I will play both sides then. I don't know when I'll get Xilla 2, probably for Christmas. So to occupy some of my time I'll play as Milla next. I also have Abyss and Legendia to finish though since my PS2 is working again but I'll bounce between the 3 games.