One of my highlights during Gamescom 2024 was without a doubt the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. I could play it for more than half an hour and had the honor of meeting Horii-san afterward. Square Enix made a bold move by choosing to remake the third installment of the beloved series, a title that not only stands as a cornerstone of the original trilogy but also as the narrative cornerstone that set the stage for countless RPGs to come. And let’s be real, what better way to start than with the game that’s essentially the beginning of it all, narratively speaking? Let’s jump in!
A hero’s journey reimagined
In a world where the hero’s journey is as familiar as your morning coffee, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake still manages to surprise. The remake doesn’t just stick to the original script; it expands on it. Horii-san himself was deeply involved in these story enhancements, which speaks volumes about the care and authenticity poured into this project. There’s a heavier emphasis on the backstory of Ortega, the legendary warrior and father of the protagonist. This expanded narrative gives the game a richer, more nuanced story that die-hard fans and newcomers alike will appreciate.
The decision to shuffle the storyline across the original trilogy’s games wasn’t that strange at all when we asked for an explanation. It allows for a more cohesive narrative flow, linking the tales in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. So even if you’ve played the original a dozen times, there are new story beats here that’ll make you nod in approval and I can’t wait to see how the rearranged stories will play out in the upcoming remakes of the legendary trilogy.
Yes, there’s new content
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room; or should I say, the beautifully remastered Slime in the room? The first thing that’ll grab your attention is, of course, the stunning HD-2D graphics. They’ve taken the original’s 8-bit charm and turned it into something breathtakingly detailed, yet still true to its roots. The world feels alive, with every sprite and background element painstakingly crafted to pay homage to the past while embracing modern-day graphical prowess. If you played other HD-2D games like Octopath Traveler, you know exactly what to expect.
But the remake isn’t just about looks; it’s got substance too. The UI has been given a much-needed overhaul, with quality-of-life improvements that make navigating the world of Dragon Quest III smoother than ever. The on-screen mini-map is a huge improvement for those of us who’ve spent far too many hours lost in the vast open world of RPGs. And let’s not forget the auto-battle option, which is perfect for when you want to grind without the grind, speeding up the combat while still keeping you in control of tactics.
Now, for the big reveals: new content! A fresh class has been introduced: the Monster Wrangler. Yes, you heard that right. This class allows you to capture and train monsters, adding a whole new layer of strategy to the game. It’s like having a mini Pokémon experience within the Dragon Quest universe, and it’s every bit as fun as it sounds.
And speaking of Pokémon, the Monster Arena is another welcome addition. Here, you can pit your captured monsters against each other in battles that feel like a nostalgic nod to everyone’s favorite creature-collecting game. The battles are automated, but don’t be fooled, you’ll need to set up your tactics correctly if you want to come out on top. It’s a perfect blend of strategy and spectacle, offering a fresh challenge for veteran players and a nice extra mode to spend some extra time with.
The demo that I wanted to keep playing
I was able to play the game for a decent amount of time and loved every second of it. I wasted no time in testing out the new Monster Wrangler class, and it didn’t disappoint. The thrill of capturing monsters and seeing them fight in the arena was everything I hoped it would be even though it still feels like a rather niche mode to add, it really fits with the original game too so that’s a big plus.
Graphically, the game is nothing short of spectacular. Every pixel feels like it was placed with the utmost care. From the details of character sprites to the lush environments, it’s clear that this remake is a labor of love. There’s a tower I explored, where I fought through hordes of monsters in the classic Dragon Quest turn-based combat. It’s the same gameplay you know and love, but with a fresh coat of paint that makes it feel both nostalgic and new.
A new chapter for a new generation
In a Q&A session with Horii-san, he shared his excitement about introducing Dragon Quest III to a new generation of players. He also mentioned taking inspiration from Breath of the Wild, particularly in terms of world exploration. The idea that “if you see it, you can visit it” is a game-changer, making the open world of Dragon Quest III feel more alive and inviting than ever before.
All in all, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake isn’t just a simple remake, it’s a carefully crafted love letter to the original, enhanced with modern-day magic. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a curious newcomer, this remake promises to deliver an unforgettable journey. And if my time with the demo is anything to go by, we’re all in for one heck of an adventure when the full game launches.
