first of all, should i play the soul reaver series in order, or should i start in the middle or end and work backwords or something. on top of that, why should i even play these games in the first place? am i better off playing final fantasty 13 for the ps3?

No one knows what you like, so it's hard to say whether you're better off playing FF13.
The reason why you should play this however is that this is one of the best (if not the best) written series in gaming, with great story, dialogue and atmosphere. Not necessarily a masterpiece from gameplay perspective.
And you should be playing the games in order of release if possible (with possible exception of Blood Omen 2 which can be played last).

I agree with Paradoks. These games have one of the best stories ever told and with a top notch script and voice acting to back it up. I've only finished Soul River 2 but I plan to play Soul River 1, 2, and defiance in that order. From the very start this game will suck you in there's not a single boring moment.