Krita has been working on the text tool in recent years, so it might be better than you remember it.

If you were bored after that cliffhanger in the plot, I can’t see much point to continuing Chrono Trigger.

I’d finish out Magus’s Castle, because that does change things some. But if you’re still not having fun after beating Magus, it’s time to cut bait.

Everyone says DQ5, for good reason, so I’m going to suggest some other options. Please keep in mind that these are 8-bit games, so their dialogue is less copious and their art style is more retro than anything else.

DQ4 is my favorite. Every version has its own problems, although the mobile version [sic] might have the fewest for someone who isn’t comfortable playing in Japanese. It’s broad rather than deep: it’s got a big cast but doesn’t go as deeply into each character as DQ8 does. If you like the Middle Ages parts of Chrono Trigger, DQ4 is a lot like that scenario at full game length.

If you’re able to go even further back, DQ1 is calling. It’s a simple and grindy game, but you will learn the basics of JRPGs and have a solid foundation for DQ2 and DQ3. (You don’t have to play DQ2 before DQ3.)

As a fan of Chrono Trigger, how far did you get? There’s a section that’s noticeably duller than the rest before it picks up again.