Half the pleasure of DQ VIII is taking it at your own pace, and while the 3DS version doesn't have the full aesthetic experience of the PS2 version, it's still worth simply soaking it all in. Otherwise, just enjoy the world and explore frequently. Having Angelo at 30 changes that boss significantly. You'll almost certainly know it when you get there. There's a mid-game boss that usually serves as the 'yeah, you need some healing options' check.

Jessica does really well with whips when you get her, and Angelo can restore MP - a huge boon - with bow skills. It's a long game, so it'll be a bit before you fill out your full party of four. Just have one in the bag and use it as a basic attack. I wouldn't spend points on the boomerang tree, personally. I tend to have Hero go mixed Sword/Spear, as swords give you some great utility options (Falcon Slash and Miracle Sword in particular) while spears let you get in on the slime hunting as well.

So it's not a bad thing for him to specialize in. Axes are also where Yangus can become a metal slime hunter via Hatchet Man and Executioner. You're going to be using Helm Splitter (Yangus' early axe attack) a lot throughout the game to consistently drop enemy defense. There are a few basic skills that can really help in the long run.

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