I don’t remember dragon warrior 2 being that bad. Maybe it’s a ROM issue, maybe young me was more comfortable with a constant grind.

3 is special. It shows it’s age, but it’s very very good.

4 is a little more uneven, but I think it’s the first RPG to change your perspective/main character across the story. Also it has the best story of any JRPG I have ever played.