Portrait of Ruin is a direct sequel to Bloodlines/New Generation as well.

Order of Ecclesia is the only ds game that doesn’t rely on touch screen gimmicks too, and it’s so much better for it. Portraits of Ruin is still playable at least without touchscreen, but some of the bonus modes, like playing as the sisters require it. Dawn of Sorrow sadly was absolutely gimped by touchscreen crap, but a romhack is available to remove it.

Unfortunate turn of art style in the DS era too. They lean heavily into a crisp anime style compared to the earlier look of Symphony and the gba titles which were anime inspired but had a very fitting gothic painting style.