which dragon quest has the most personality

The original JP release had probably the same music they’re using on 3DS. I don’t think I’ll be replaying 8 through this version after all. Mobile/handheld ports or remakes of games sacrificing some fidelity is expected, but when they originally carried grand vistas and a majestic orchestral score like this, that’s significant loss to the experience IMO. The convenience of avoiding random battles isn’t a major boon either if that means you can just more easily stroll through muddy music and graphics.