Susan Arendt said:
Though, really, any Dragon Quest will do
Don't be fooled by the yellow username, OP. This proves the staff are fallible. I'd recommend VIII (as it looks fantastic) or V, unfortunately not based on my own experience...yet. Just don't go digging a NES or Gameboy Colour out to play the first three. And be warned that they are very traditional JRPGs.
Just to continue my subversive vibe, play any Final Fantasy (I'd say from VI to X first) if you haven't already. The first two Shadow Hearts games are pretty interesting, and have more engaging gameplay than many turn-based JRPGs. Final Fantasy Tactics on the PSP would be a very good choice if it's anything like the original, and if you can bear strategy RPGs. Persona, Suikoden, Tales of..., Xenosaga/gears, the list goes on. You're spoilt for choice.
Apparently Wild Arms is good if you can bear the graphics though, long too. I was thinking about playing it recently but Suikoden 3 won out.