The original Dragon Quest III, released in 1988, is often hailed as one of the most iconic RPGs of its time. With its straightforward story, simple yet strategic turn-based combat, and colorful fantasy world, it set a high standard for the genre and quickly won the hearts of players. For a game that released in its time, it truly captured the spirit of adventure, with a balance of challenge and charm that defined the franchise moving forward and inspired countless JRPGs to come. Fast forward to 2024, and amidst a year packed with massive, high-budget releases, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake feels like the perfect palate cleanser.
Where modern games lean into intricate narratives, branching storylines, and hyper-detailed character arcs, Dragon Quest sticks to its roots. The remake doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead celebrates its legacy, keeping things refreshingly simple and fun.
In Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, players won’t find the most complex story or deeply nuanced character development. But what they will find is an endearing, retro RPG experience that’s both nostalgic and accessible. From the vibrant sprites and stunning HD-2D graphics to the infectious soundtrack, everything about the game’s presentation feels crafted to bring a sense of joy and timeless charm. The art direction is fantastic, with colors and designs that pop right off the screen, bringing the classic world to life. You can take a screenshot of almost any moment in this game and have it as a background.
Yet, for all its visual upgrades, the gameplay in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake remains as loyal to the original experience as possible. The remake introduces welcome quality-of-life improvements like faster battle speeds, more dialogue options, and a dedicated button for recalling conversations with NPCs. But it doesn’t smooth over every bump in the road. Saving still takes a moment, directions rely heavily on player memory, and battles animations are about as simple as they can get.
What stands out most is the game’s sense of exploration and discovery. There’s no handholding, no quest markers plastered across the map. Just an hour into the game, I encountered an NPC who hinted that they’d left behind some gold and herbs in an inn—no specific location given. Curiosity led me to check the closest one, and, sure enough, after some searching, I found them tucked away in pots. These little moments make the world feel alive, encouraging players to pay attention, explore thoughtfully, and uncover secrets in a way that feels organic and rewarding.
If you miss the simplicity of classic JRPGs, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is exactly the game to tickle that itch. For now, I’m savoring the first few hours, taking in the sights and sounds of a beautifully reimagined world. Stay tuned for our full review in the coming days.