First off, aside from a couple characters in DQVIII, they aren't just following the set patterns of the previous characters that came before them. Yangus or Jessica isn't a composite collection of previous Dragon Quest characters, such as the characters in Final Fantasy games are pinned as being. The whole Yuffie > Selphie > Rikku or Cloud > Squall > Tidus effect. The characters in DQVIII, and pretty much any DQ game, are very different from other DQ games. That's what I meant by 'cliche'.
As for questioning their business plan, I'm nnot doing that. In fact, I know exactly what they're trying to do. They've even said it. They were trying to make another FFVII. But like you just said, FFVII was a phenomenon. Mostly because it came out at the right place and the right time. Now adays though, the Final Fantasy brand has lots of competition and people have mixed feelings about the series after so many titles. So simply trying to make a game 'like' FFVII with tons of uber graphics and similar characters/storyline isn't going to wow people into buying 9 million copies. That's what I was trying to say. They need to focus on trying to 'fix' Final Fantasy and build back up to that level.
They aren't going to be able to infuse popularity back into the series with one 'wonder' title. It will take multiple successful titles. And as it stands right now, each Final Fantasy, main series or spin-off, is getting mixed feelings from fans and reviewers.
Six upcoming games you should look into:
