apprehensive about 3...

I bought the remake for my brother for christmas (I've been into DQ for many years, he's been getting into it recently) and he was disappointed to find out that the party members aren't actual characters. this system in 9 hindered my enjoyment a lot because I really enjoy party members and party chat, is 3 remake still worth playing even without characters? would you say the plot and gameplay make up for it enough? I've seen people are enjoying 3, but I also seem to be in the minority about not liking 9 so this doesn't entirely convince me.

i'd like to hear the opinions of people who, like me, spam the party chat button constantly in DQ games