After its initial announcement of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Square Enix took a few years before it shared any further significant information on the project, which led some at the time to wonder if it had been cancelled or was facing development issues behind the scenes.
When the company finally broke the silence and gave a release date for it, the reason for the delay became much clearer when secret remakes of the first two Dragon Quest games were revealed to be coming not long after. Now the wait for these follow-ups is finally over and I’m pleased to share that Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is every bit as charming, engaging, and addictive as you’d hope; Square Enix has done a great job of modernising these classics for a new generation.
As far as the narrative is concerned, these two titles are actually sequels to the third game, and carry on its storyline in the adventures of heroes descended from Erdrick. Dragon Quest I begins a couple of generations after Erdrick’s adventure, and follows a lone hero who must live up to his ancestor’s legacy by reclaiming his power, defeating the Dragon Lord, and saving Princess Gwaelin from captivity. Dragon Quest II then takes place several generations after this, following a party of princes and princesses descended from Erdrick who unite and fight on behalf of their respective kingdoms against Hargon, an evil wizard who poses a new threat to the land.
Both games may feature relatively simplistic plots, but both benefit from the addition of extra scenes and characters to help flesh out their narratives. As an example, the original Dragon Quest I had you visit a cave to find a tablet that revealed your lineage as Erdrick’s descendant, and it was literally just a thing you found on the ground at the end of a dungeon with little fanfare.
In the remake, this sequence is built up more as a friendly competition you’re engaged in with a band of other adventurers, who are all rushing to find the rumoured treasure in the ancient place. Throughout both games, these extra scenes do a great job of improving upon what was already there and go a long way towards making these sometimes creaky RPGs into something that feels a bit more modern.
Dragon Quest II, especially, has become way more in-depth, with a variety of named characters, brand-new locales, and story beats all coming together to make for a narrative that’s closer to what you’d expect out of an RPG from the 16-bit era or later.
Out of the three games that Square made for this larger HD-2D remake project, I’d say that Dragon Quest II got the most work done on it and stands as the strongest individual entry. The new work done on the characterisation really elevates the party, and the additional content doubles the original playtime and makes the experience much richer.
Gameplay in both these entries, of course, plays out according to the traditional Dragon Quest blueprint, with you exploring an open overworld dotted with treasures, fighting fiends in randomised turn-based battles, visiting towns to refresh and stock up on new gear, and diving into dungeons to further progression. It’s a simple format, and an effective one, although Dragon Quest I feels like a moderately weaker example of its execution.
This largely comes down to it not having a party system, which both limits your options in combat and gives you less of a sense of the ascending power curve due to only having one unit to level up. It’s not bad by any means, but the second entry definitely feels like the stronger game here with its more diverse party setup.
Notably, both games also benefit from some nice quality-of-life updates that streamline the gameplay experience and sand off those rougher edges that can hamper your enjoyment. Things like a marker on the map that shows you where to go next, the ability to speed up battles, and more forgiving options for respawning if you wipe go a long way towards making these games simply more fun without taking away from what makes them great.
And purists who insist on playing things the old way can still get that more obtuse, old-school approach to doing things by simply disabling or ignoring many of the new features - there’s even a toggleable ‘Draconian Quest’ difficulty mode that lets you really turn up the pain if the base difficulty isn’t enough.
As far as the visuals are concerned, this is arguably the best implementation of Square’s HD-2D tech that we’ve seen on a Nintendo platform. Not only does it expertly meld top-notch Akira Toriyama-styled spritework with dynamic lighting and modern design elements, but it does all this at a lovely 60fps on Switch 2.
Obviously, performance matters a little less in a game with a focus on strategic decision making, but the smoothness of animations really elevates the already stellar graphics. Locales that were once little more than a primitive series of repeated sprite tiles are now fully realised as the vast caves, dungeons, towns, and castles they were always meant to be, which helps make the world feel that much more alive and dynamic.
Much like how the HD-2D refresh boosted the formerly simplistic visuals, the soundtrack similarly gives the original music tracks a nice polish, bringing in fresh symphonic arrangements of the originals that were performed and recorded here by the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra.
Much of the cosy, whimsical, friendly atmosphere of both these games can be attributed to the accompanying music, and while the tracklists for both games may come in a little short, their relatively brief runtimes are made up for by the sheer quality of each track. This is very much the kind of game that you’ll want to play with headphones, as it really helps to immerse you more into this storybook fantasy world.
Another thing worth highlighting about this package is the relative value that it offers for the price. Though technically you’re looking at two distinct games here, you can easily play them as if they’re one continuous experience, and it even sort of feels like it was designed to be played that way. Though I think Dragon Quest II is the overall better game, both have their charms and complement each other very well.
Conclusion
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a deeply satisfying follow-up to last year’s remake project, closing out the Erdrick trilogy on a fittingly high note. A gorgeous art style, tons of new content and quality-of-life updates, and a wonderful soundtrack all combine to make this one an easy recommendation for any retro JRPG fans.
If you’re interested in RPGs, I’d suggest you pick this up at your earliest opportunity. These games stand as excellent reminders of why Dragon Quest is so highly respected today.
Comments 54
The first game looked so bad compared to the other platforms that I felt cheated. I won't be buying this one on Switch 2 for that reason. Zero reason this shouldn't look amazing but I won't fall for it again.
looks good cant wait to pick mine up.
Thanks for the review, love to hear that this remake is so good also on Switch 2 - looking forward to starting it as soon as my copy arrives (waiting to hear here or elsewhere how the Switch version runs on both systems though as that's what I'm getting due to having preordered it back when it was announced for the first time, 60fps with less visual quality just like Dragon Quest III after the update would be perfect for me as much as the game itself is what matters first and foremost anyway)!
Around 3 hours into DQ1 atm, and absolutely LOVING it.
SE, please never stop with these remakes.
It's just wonderful to have the trilogy available with quality of life enhancements! I'm definitely getting this remaster
I really want to know if there's a discernible difference between the Switch 1 and 2 versions playing on a Switch 2. I want the full (sans patches) game on the card, but if the Switch 2 version is noticeably better, I may give the game key card a try.
Hmm...havent gotten III yet. Feeling kinda tempted
Are both games censored like DQ3 was?
@ryan_nil Right, that's my question as well. Is it worth it to get the Switch 2 version, knowing the drawbacks?
I should play a DQ game some day
@Diaclone_Dad Did you ever try DQ3 again after it got the free Switch 2 patch?
I've opted for the physical Switch 1 version to play on my Switch 2. Don't know why this is a Keycard release - it's hardly the Final Fantasy VII remake.
I love that these remakes for DQ 1 and 2 are good, I will have to pass on them because I'm busy with other games, but I did enjoy DQ 3 Remake and I'm happy for anyone who does get to play this game.
And about potential changes that censor the game, if there are any like what supposedly happened with 3, that's disappointing to say the least 😢, I hate it when stuff like that happens. But still, even with potential stupid changes and though the Switch 2 "physical" is a Game Key Card, I do hope that people find some enjoyment with these games.
I’m definitely picking this up—DQ is one of my all time favorite franchises. I’m glad to see this Remake do well, and feature a seemingly robust amount of QoL improvements. This will be the perfect RPG to play during the holidays.
DQ1 being basic isn't a con, it's what makes it so damn special. One of my favorite games of all time, this looks great.... unfortunately I just don't have the time to play RPG's at this point in my life. Hell I've owned DQ11 since near it's release and I still haven't touched it.
Going to pick this up once I get through Cyberpunk. Been looking forward to playing some old school JRPGs. Hopefully Dragon Quest IV - V and VI get the same HD Remake treatment after this.
While I definitely think DQ1 needed a little help in that massive grind required before taking down the final boss, it is otherwise still a great little game and increasingly enjoyable with its basic quaintness. Jamming in other adventurers to what was a serene solitary quest kind of makes me not want to play it, despite the graphical overhaul.
Mine was sent today and I’m looking forward to going at it all weekend.
@Diaclone_Dad Looks great on S2 after the patch.
I beat Pokémon Legends Z-A today and just in time it seems. Will definitely pick this up, maybe even tomorrow, if I am lucky enough to find a copy.
Looks cozy and I for one still like the 2D-HD style. Is it getting increasingly overused? Yeah, but I think on it's own merit, it still holds up well, and it makes sense for these projects.
Unfortunately, there is just no way I can cope with vanilla turn-based combat of this fashion anymore. It's fine of course, it's the way these games were/are. I'm not hating on that.
It's just not something I can get into anymore, as we've seen such great strides in progrssing these at core turn-based system ... that I can't stomach a vanilla version of it anymore.
In a way it is a shame, but it is what it is. I'm not gonna waste time and money on barebones system I fundamentally feel are mind-numbingly tedious.
I kinda wish they had went the extra mile and made a classic combat system as well as something else and let you pick which one you want ... but, yeah, it is what it is and that is fine. I hope people who likes these system still, get to have a lot of fun with these games!
@MattmanForever When was the patch? Last time I booted it up was just a month ago. Compared to the PC version it is very bad and this isn't a 3d game so I thought it would look the same.
@SwitchVogel Awesome! Thank you!
So III is a prequel to the first two published games in the series, since it was released after them. I realize that technically the story predates the ones in I and II, but it sounds like each game grew in content and features as the series continued. For example, everyone says how the first game is rather basic, then the second adds a party, and I assume the third brings even more to the franchise. So in what order would you recommend playing the trilogy? Prequels can be played after their chronological followers; that's part of their charm. But would it be more rewarding to see how the game series progressed from a gameplay or even presentation standpoint? I'm just curious to hear your opinion on that.
@Ralek85 I will never stop loving the HD-2D style. My biggest wish is for Square to remake Final Fantasy VI in HD-2D. The game is practically begging for it.
I know one the first things I think of about Dragon Quest 1 is the battle music since at least in the original, you were going to be hearing that probably the most. And it was honestly kind of grating. But perhaps unavoidable given that (on the Famicom) Chun Soft had only a 32KB program ROM to fit an entire RPG program and non-graphic data into.
I've listed to a modern remix of that, and maybe it's just my nerves from playing the original a few times through, it's like smoother but still a bit jarring.
@bransby The games industry is like Hollywood: once they found something that even remotely works, they redo it until it is undeniably run into ground, then they still keep at it for 2-3 years until the next thing that remotely works has finally come around. Given we are talking FF here, there is a decent chance yet they'll make it happen before the current cycle has run out for 2D-HD.
@TheExile285 I just played a month ago so I assume it was but I'd have to check.
@FrenchVaniIIuxe I’d assume the armor designs will stick to the 2DHD redesign, but no Body Type A/B crap (which in DQ 3 in the very next dialogue bar still states as Hero/Heroine anyway, so…)
Apart from that, I don’t think there’s any censorship in 3?
Woooo, cool review for a cool game! I've been eagerly awaiting this, having enjoyed DQ1 and DQ3 in their excellent Game Boy Color guises but avoiding 2 after finding it pretty rough - sounds like SE delivered the definitive version of that game here, sanding off the rough edges. As for performance, 60fps is definitely appreciated in a Dragon Quest even if 30 would be acceptable - the NES and GBC versions seem to run at 30, so it's cool that they upgraded it for the remake.
Strangely, I almost think they went too far in trying to "modernize" DQ1, from what I've played. I always appreciated its go-anywhere simplicity but the new version railroads you a little more and some moments of quiet simplicity (like seeing Dragonlord's castle upon leaving Tantegel) have modern cutscenes spelling things out for you.
Otherwise, this has been tons of classic comforting DQ fun and I'm really looking forward to revisiting 2.
I'm glad they're releasing these again.
@ryan_nil I was wondering too and found the answers.
So, here it goes...
On Switch there is a full game physical, 30 fps 1080p docked / 720p (640p native) 30 fps
On Switch 2 is key card, has 2 options:
Quality at 4k (upscaled, starting lower than 1440p) 30 fps docked.
Performance at 1440p (also upscaled) 60fps docked.
On switch 2 handheld mode is 1080p 60 fps (vrr on).
On the other hand, if you care for the top graphics and fps, unfortunately PS5 is the best option (unless you care mostly for portability) cause is native 4k 30 fps and native 1440p 60 fps but with better upscale 4k.
@Blueyesowl83 Thank you! I was primarily concerned about the option of a quality/performance mode. I'm still not sure if either really matter to me, considering the type of game this is but at least I can make a more informed decision.
I haven't been this excited for a game since elden ring
Is the Switch 1 version running well?
I was there, 10,000 years ago. You kind of had to be there to really appreciate what a gamechanger the original Dragon Quest was. Up until then, we'd had some PC RPGs that were sort of close, but all of the conventions we'd come to associate with JRPGS - the Top-Down perspective, the random encounters leading to turn based battles, the little convenient interface that makes it all work (Even if you had to choose it to go down stairs back then) all started here.
Nice, I'm so getting this at some point! I'll wait to see the trilogy all together, though, hopefully in the same pack. I want them all physical.
In the meantime, I'm getting the DQ 7 remake, which looks glorious.
Thanks for the review! Preordered it today! Happy it’s getting positive reviews overall, a metacritc score of 86 at the moment.
How does the Switch 1 version run on the Switch 2 I wonder? Only buying physical so will have to get the Switch 1 version annoyingly
Maybe it's just me, but I'm not a fan of these visuals. Octopath 1 & 2 are amazing-looking games, but these DQ versions just look disjointed. The characters and monsters look OK, but the backgrounds just look like simple, generic 3D backgrounds. I'll be skipping these.
@Rizla probably like how DQ3 remake did before the Switch 2 patch, so locked 30 FPS but pretty blurry
Great review - definitely looking forward to picking up my discounted preorder tomorrow! Though it'll have to wait until I wrap up my journey through Paldea. I'm very glad I held out for the HD-2D Erdrick Trilogy remakes. If these are anything like my DQ III experience, they're well worth the wait. I'll be playing this on Switch 1 since it's my only viable option right now. It's not a game where the speed matters, so I can live with 30 FPS.
I played DQIII Switch1 version on Switch2. It runs great, there is now free upgrade for the game.
But the game itself is average and the HD-2D does not look like HD-2D in other games, it's just very plastic 3D background.
For the record, I'm almost certain the musical arrangements in all three games have existed since 1986, 1987, and 1988 respectively: Koichi Sugiyama was among the first to arrange his game soundtracks and record them with a full orchestra, and I've been listening to them since at least 2001 or so, so they're quite recognizable to me. I do think some of the shorter bits of music got arranged more recently, and some may indeed be new for this release. But most of what you're hearing are some of the oldest video game music arrangements in existence, which is pretty cool in and of itself!
It would be nice to know how the Switch 1 version turned out. Because many of us want to go real physical with this release.
Plus, Switch 1 version on a Switch 2. I mean... It has to be slightly better than on original Switch, right? Even if it's not 60 fps.
I've heard people say DQIII on Switch was "unplayable", which has to be an exaggeration, but I guess the game on Switch 2 must perform better.
I'm also more interested in how the Switch 1 version runs (on both Switch 1 and Switch 2) sine it's the only real physical version.
Reminder: They advise you play III Remake first, before I & II Remake, as 3 is a prequel to the first 2, and they added some stuff in to make it a more connected experience.
I'm only here for the usual entertainment value about key cards. Curiously, only four mentions and only one somewhat critical! That's from "pinders" who questioned why a key card is used because Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake is hardly Final Fantasy 7 Remake. By now, we should all know it's mostly cost savings and, indeed, DQ is $20 to $30 (AUD) cheaper than games on a data cards. Although, it's $10 more than the recent Star Wars Outlaws.
I'm glad DQ reviewed really well! I actually have no idea about the series, so the review was interesting reading from that perspective.
Now that the trilogy is complete, I wonder if they'll do a bundle deal. Nevertheless I'm getting the entire remake trilogy at some point!
Wonderful, wonderful, I'm glad these reviewed well, as well. I'll be sure to finally lay hands on the Erdrick trilogy as soon as my backlog will allow.
Have to pickup my preorder for the bonus....and then send the other one to my niece with the preorder bonus.
@AussieMcBucket I know Yuji Horii has gone on record saying that you should play 3 first, and the remake does include more things that directly connect it to 1 and 2.
But from a gameplay mechanics perspective, I'd say playing them in release order is better. These remakes definitely narrowed the original gaps in quality between the games, but I'd say that each game still clearly built on the gameplay mechanics of the one(s) that came before it. So DQ 1, though not a bad game, is really simplistic, while 3 is a lot closer to what you'd expect out of a more modern classic-style JRPG with its party and class system and such.
Personally, I'm more about the actual gameplay in the games I play, so I'd suggest playing 3 first, then 2, then 1. But you really can't go wrong starting with any of them, they're all great games!
Having blasted through DQI now, I don't get where the minus is coming from. It's clear they've added quite a bit of complexity when having one party member fighting multiple opponents (unlike the OG release), the characters and cutscenes added make for a nice modernization — and it somehow feels surprisingly fresh.
If DQI were a long game I'm sure it'd get stale, but at 12-ish hours — it almost feels like bonus content for DQII.
@SwitchVogel Awesome! That makes a lot of sense. Thanks so much for your advice and your response!
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