Yeah, if you're like me and like the fun dialogue the most, I'd just focus on DQ8 and see if you like it enough to finish it. If you do, I'd suggest giving 11 another go after that, since that's definitely the most similar title in the franchise. If you do want to try getting into the custom characters games down the line, 7 reimagined would probably be a decent starting point, since they have some customization while still having distinct characters with personality and voice acting.