JRPGS (preferably ps1-2) that dont have overly huge difficulty spikes

So I just finished final fantasy x and in planning on playing some other final fantasy games from that era however one thing that annoyed me is just how overpowered certain bosses are, especially the late game bosses. I dont like much grinding, its boring, im playing these games for the story more than anything. I can handle some grinding here and there if its manageable. I’m also interested in the tales series but if theres any jrpgs from the ps1-2 era that have good stories like ffx, i would love to hear them.