Dragon Quest’s legacy shines through in its upcoming HD-2D remakes, offering modern experiences for both new and old fans. The beauty of HD-2D transforms the game’s environments, complimented by a stunning soundtrack for a fully immersive experience. These remakes, more than mere ports, are a testament to the series’ evolution, transforming the originals into modern experiences that are sure to captivate both new and old fans. Releasing DQ3 first is a stroke of genius, as it is the most popular and polished of the three, likely to garner goodwill for those experiencing the series for the first time.
From the very first moment stepping out into the town of Aliahan, the beauty of HD-2D is evident, transforming the simple pixel maps of old into gorgeous, fully-realised environments. The soundtrack with new arrangements from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra adds new life to classic tracks. The game includes quality-of-life features to appeal to modern audiences, such as difficulty modes, auto-battling, and speed-up for grinding. However, there are concerns about combat.
It is traditional turn-based but may lack challenge, with battles feeling slow and too easy even on the middle difficulty setting. There is hope that the remakes won’t prioritize style over substance and that they’ll provide a satisfyingly challenging experience. Despite these concerns, there is still much to be excited about with this trilogy making its way to modern consoles, promising new content and a definitive version of the soundtrack.
