What I loved about Suikoden was mainly the tactical battles. I personally don't see why you would leave that for "end game content" instead of doing it from the start and using it to fit the lore of DD by having the main character start their own Guild. Taking people you recruit and sending them off to help nations/villages with problems of war or monsters that build up reputations that can help you unlock things like other classes, blue prints for gear, hiring/recruiting optional characters. A character placement system where certain characters are good at certain things. Like this character is good at gathering stone to help improve the castle or building other buildings. This character is good at archery so they can control archer soldiers in their "war" fights or w/e