i feel suikoden 5 is a nice change of pace from DQ8 (which i just beat last month)
the battles are faster paced with more options (ie runes, tactical battles, 1on1's, 60ish playable characters with their own fighting styles, and team attacks)
i personally feel the story in Suikoden 5 is probably one of the best in an rpg ive seen in the past few years...its riveting, twisty, and makes me want to play to see what happens next
i havent even gotten to the castle building part yet (i think its coming up in the next 30minutes to an hour) but that part is great...recruiting people to build your castle up, add mini-games, and beef up your army for tactical battles
i havent had a chance to play grandia 3 yet, probably wait for a price drop, but compared to DQ8, i think you will be very pleased with the 'modern' change of pace and the STORY
as for slidecage, i think we are all waiting for the day he learns english