DQ8 is the shizzle. Definitely play that one.

I rented SO3 when it first came out, and personally I wan't that impressed with it. (It was the first SO I ever played, mind you).

I prefer DQ8 by far over SO3. DQ8 has a battle system similar to FF, has great secrets to unlock, a vast world to explore, and loads of treasure to find. The scenery is spectacular, too. A bit more levelling is required than that of Final Fantasy, but still loads of fun. There's loads of wilderness to explore and treasures to find while levelling, making it that much more fun.

Actually, the little bit extra required gold collecting and levelling makes your weapons and armour purchases that much more special .