>>542121431
Cyber Sleuth/Hacker's Memory is basically the predecessor of TS. Same general gameplay, but you'll have a lot less QoL that's in TS.
For the World-Style games, World 1 is generally considered the best thanks to it's vibes. However it's extremely obtuse and you're gonna have the best time with it if you use a guide. De:Coded is well-liked too and doesn't have the guide issues World 1 has. And while I like Next 0rder myself, can't deny that it's the worst of them on an objective level.
World 3, despite it's name, isn't a 'World Style' game. Early janky naming conventions and all. It's also more like a JRPG like the Story games, but it's different. Has an issue with grindiness and backtracking and not the most recommended game in the series, but it has it's fans.
And if you're open to fan games, Digital Tamers 2 is genuinely a really solid one that mimics the Vpets even more than the World games do. It's nothing crazy, but it's a decent way to pass the time, and you can play it for free.