Do i need to play the other tales games before I play tales of Zesteria?

Like most of the Final Fantasy series, the Tales games often aren't connected beyond common enemies and items. You will be fine.

I had no problems jumping straight in without playing others. Found it hard to get into though at first, it seems overwhelmingly complex at times, will be giving it another go at some point though because I can see it being enjoyable!

I wish I had such great friends too... Or rather, I wish I had friends at all...

Happy (possibly late) birthday!

I believe you do not, but you should go back and play some of them eventually (and the Final Fantasy games if you haven't already). I am about to replay Vesperia, really good game! I love the genre so the Tales and FF series are pretty ideal great ones.