Been a good 7 or so years since I first (and last) played Dragon Quest IV (the DS version), and I didn't remember much except that I really liked it. I've been making my way back through the Dragon Quest series and it was time for IV, and my initial thoughts were "oh yeah, the one before the Best One™️" and, whilst I still like Dragon Quest V more than IV, I forgot just how good this game is. Especially actually having party chat this time around! I can't believe I missed out on all this extra dialogue! 13 year old me would have been pissed if I knew how much I was missing!
Anywho, Dragon Quest IV is so much more than just "the one that comes before V". It's a masterpiece in its own right. It's one of the only JRPGs I've 100% completed because it just drew me in that much. Phenomenal Dragon Quest game, and a phenomenal JRPG.

Just to clarify, by 100% completion I mean getting all of the mini medal rewards, completing the Pioneer Town side quest, filling out the Big Book of Beasts, completing the Sands of Time/Liquid Metal Sword sidequest, and completing the sixth chapter. I did not max out the levels of my party lol