REVIEW – Six years ago, Square Enix revolutionized retro visuals with the release of Octopath Traveler, introducing the now-iconic HD-2D art style. This unique technique skillfully blends the nostalgic charm of pixel art with modern visual flourishes. Since its debut, HD-2D has graced other Square Enix classics like Live A Live and Star Ocean: Second Story R, redefining how retro games can be brought back to life. Now, it’s time for one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, Dragon Quest III, to step into the spotlight once more. The big question is: can this remake’s updated visuals and new features recapture the magic of the original, or has time dulled its legendary appeal?

Dragon Quest III serves as a prequel, set long before the events of Dragon Quest I, making it a perfect starting point for newcomers to the series. The story is simple but effective: the world is threatened by the villainous Baramos, and as the child of the legendary hero Ortega, it’s your destiny to step up and save the day. Along the way, you’ll recruit a team of companions to join you on your journey across a sprawling world to confront this ultimate evil.

Simple Story, Big Impact

Don’t expect intricate plot twists or deep narrative complexities. Dragon Quest III sticks to the tried-and-true formula of “heroes and friends saving the world,” with only a few extra scenes added in the remake. That simplicity, however, is a strength, allowing you to enjoy the game without needing to keep track of an overly complicated storyline. It’s easy to get lost in the adventure, soaking in the charm without feeling weighed down by lore or exposition.

The world of Dragon Quest III HD-2D feels richer and more alive than ever. The vibrant colors and detailed environments give the overworld a sense of grandeur. Cities and hidden locations stand out with unique designs, inviting exploration. Even with the expanded world, the ability to sprint means traveling between points doesn’t become tedious, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Combat remains a cornerstone of the experience, utilizing classic turn-based mechanics. The game isn’t a cakewalk—expect to grind occasionally to level up and overcome tougher foes. The frequent battles can sometimes feel overwhelming, but they also make it easier to gain XP when needed. A critical element of combat is assembling your party. At Patty’s Party Planning Place, you have full control over who joins your team. Each character comes with a distinct vocation, bringing unique stats and abilities. Adding a strategic twist, characters’ stats are also influenced by their personality, which you can modify using specific items.

Mastering Party Building

At any time, you can mix up your party composition or even change vocations once a character reaches level 20. While new party members always start at level 1, making them weaker initially, their potential grows quickly. Changing vocations is rewarding: although a character reverts to level 1, they retain all previously learned spells and skills. Plus, their starting stats are higher than a typical level 1 character, thanks to halved prior stats carrying over. Combine this with stat-boosting items, and you’ve got a recipe for crafting a formidable, customized team ready to tackle any challenge.

The HD-2D remake introduces fresh content to enhance the classic gameplay. The standout addition is the Monster Wrangler vocation, akin to the Blue Mage class from Final Fantasy. Monster Wranglers can use abilities from captured monsters, with their options expanding as you catch more. On top of this, the remake adds a Dragon Quest Monsters-inspired Monster Arena, where your captured creatures can battle NPC teams for rewards.

The game also benefits from a host of quality-of-life improvements that streamline the experience. You can now adjust your party members’ behavior in combat, letting AI take the reins if you prefer. Other tweaks include adjustable difficulty and battle speed, easier teleportation between locations, and map markers guiding you to your next objective. These small but significant upgrades make the journey more accessible without sacrificing the series’ charm.

Retro Aesthetics, Modern Shine

The HD-2D graphical style, blending 2D pixel art with 3D elements to create a 2.5D diorama effect, continues to impress. While the novelty may have slightly worn off since its debut, it still delivers stunning visuals that evoke the magic of classic RPGs. From picturesque villages and overgrown fairy forests to dark dungeons and maze-like caves, each location is brimming with atmosphere and character. HD-2D proves itself a perfect match for breathing new life into 8- and 16-bit classics, solidifying its place as a staple of modern retro gaming.

The game offers two modes: a graphical mode with 4K resolution at 30 fps and a performance mode with Full HD at 60 fps. While 4K at 60 fps would have been ideal, the slower pace of the game makes the lower frame rate less noticeable. Either way, the visuals remain breathtaking, regardless of your choice.

Square Enix didn’t stop at visuals—the soundtrack has also been re-recorded with a full symphony orchestra. The iconic Dragon Quest III music sounds better than ever, setting the tone right from the opening overture as you embark on your heroic journey. Enhanced sound effects and the addition of English and Japanese voice acting further immerse you in the experience. While the voice acting doesn’t particularly stand out, it’s a solid addition that complements the game’s overall presentation.

A Timeless Adventure, Modernized

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake captures the essence of a classic JRPG while modernizing its visuals and gameplay. Its straightforward story and familiar mechanics make it an accessible and relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The HD-2D art style, along with new features like the Monster Wrangler and Monster Arena, breathe fresh life into this iconic title, while quality-of-life updates ensure a smoother and more enjoyable adventure.

Fans of the Dragon Quest series and JRPG enthusiasts alike will find plenty to love in this remake. If the remakes of Dragon Quest I and II maintain this level of quality, long-time fans are in for a treat. This game is a shining example of how to bring a timeless classic into the modern era.

-Gergely Herpai „BadSector”-

Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Style: JRPG
Release: November 14, 2024