Got to the 3rd generation in DQV. This is the furthest I've gotten in a DQ game other than Builders. The story's been pretty fun and touches on certain feels. Other than DQXI, what are some other must play DQ entries?
My first recs for newcomers to DQ (after 5 of course):8 - Showed RPGs of the PS2 era how it's done, really impressive "open world" world map and super-charming characters, even if the story is a bit simple compared to some of the other DQ games
3 (though you might want to wait a bit for the HD2D remake) - this is where the series really took off in Japan and set the standard for so many RPGs to follow.
4 (I prefer the NES version to the English DS version - I hate the overdone accents in the DS localization) - I like the chapter based setup a whole lot. The NES version ranks just below Phantasy Star as the best 8-bit RPG for me.
After those, if you're still down for more:1 - it's charming in its total barebones simplicity, but it only takes a few hours to power through, a good 'appetizer' game and worth it to experience one of the most important and influential games ever.
7 - the total opposite of 1 in that it's a monster of a game. Extremely long and involved (one of the longest RPGs up until some of the Cold Steel games), but with some of the best and most heartfelt mini scenarios in the series. Also one of the more difficult games, at least in the original PS1 edition.
6 - kinda similar to 7 in that it's long, difficult, with a grindy job system and some good mini scenarios. The SNES version is better due to its attractive pixel graphics, but the fan translation of that isn't 100% complete (most of the way there) and still has some issues.
Was meh on these:2 - far too grindy and poorly designed, too many spots where you have no idea how to proceed (except if you're using a guide). The first DQ with multiple party members but the other 2 aren't very useful.
9 - didn't particularly care for this one, it felt very dated and in some ways, a big step back from 8 - probably being that it was made for a much weaker system than the PS2 (the DS). Also it lacks any type of characterization in favor of a 3-esque recruitable party, and the scenarios aren't nearly as memorable as the others. Back in the day there was a big multiplayer component and streetpass type stuff but this has been offline for a while. I never got into that but it was a big part of the game.