When stepping into a mainline Dragon Quest game, one thing’s for sure: it’s like coming home. The series has mastered the art of consistency, leaning on its timeless Japanese RPG formula for years. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, however, takes that familiar comfort and amplifies it, offering a nostalgic, heartwarming overhaul of a beloved classic.
Set before the events of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, Dragon Quest 3 acts like an origin story for the series’ notable heroes and themes. It hails from an era where the storyline didn’t dive deep, aside from a few late-game twists. Your mission? As the chosen hero, you’re tasked with taking down the ultimate villain. Sometimes, that’s all the motivation needed to dive into a grand, adventurous journey across the world.
As expected in true Dragon Quest style, the storytelling oozes charm. The dialogue shines, thanks in part to great localization, and for this remake—surprise!—there’s actually some voice acting, although it’s scarce. Most of the narrative is delivered through text, yet pivotal scenes get an extra layer of emotion through spoken lines.
This remaster isn’t just about slapping on new paint, though. It introduces fresh story elements, predominantly revolving around the protagonist’s father, Ortega. These moments where Ortega’s past adventures come to light add a nice touch but don’t expect them to drastically change the narrative; they are sprinkled sparingly.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the remake skimps on additions, but the telltale ‘HD-2D Remake’ moniker hints at its true standout feature: the complete visual overhaul. For the first time, the environments are crafted entirely with 3D assets, featuring breathtaking lighting work. This visual transformation is the game’s crowning glory.
The spruced-up graphics breathe new life into the world, enriching its sense of place. Towns and cities beckon more invitingly than ever, and the overworld map leaves a lasting impression. The varied landscapes, both in appearance and elevation, significantly enhance the trek from one spot to the next, giving a real sense of exploration.
One noteworthy feature in the remake is the optional objective markers. Those who’ve navigated the sometimes cryptic paths of old-school RPGs will understand the euphoria of having guidance. Particularly when the map opens up later in the game, these markers are a godsend.
Combat sees its share of tweaks, and while it’s better, you might find yourself wishing for more. The speed boost in battles is one of those tweaks—a small change, but one that fundamentally alters the game’s pacing. Although the original’s combat system is straightforward with a tactical edge, it can crawl at a snail’s pace due to notifications and attack exchanges. Speeding up this process is a real breath of fresh air.
Additionally, the remake introduces two new difficulty levels. ‘Dracky Quest’ offers a more laid-back experience, while ‘Draconian Quest’ presents a challenge for those with steel-like resolve.
Nevertheless, one persistent trait remains: the grind. Whether you’re reaching for those few extra experience levels or scraping together enough gold, repetitive battles are etched into Dragon Quest’s essence. In this remake, the grind can be all too apparent.
Despite its evolved 3D world that’s grown in scope, the frequency of random encounters appears unchanged, which can be frustrating. Sometimes, it feels like you can’t take more than a few steps without being drawn into battle. And later on, particularly in dungeons, the constant barrage of tougher enemies can stretch the sense of fatigue.
Sure, items that temporarily prevent battles exist, but they seem like a band-aid solution for a problem exacerbated in this version. The balance sometimes feels off, leaving players yearning for options to ease the grind—perhaps a toggle to reduce random encounters, making the experience less daunting, especially for newcomers to the classic Dragon Quest style.
Despite these hurdles, the essence of what made Dragon Quest 3 outstanding is retained. Customizable party creation and unique job assignments are still engaging elements. Together with new features like an arena for monster battles, the remake crafts an RPG experience that feels both rich and accessible.
The lasting charm of Dragon Quest is unmistakable in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake—a creative reinterpretation of a classic RPG. With its thoughtful improvements and enchanting 3D graphics, it’s easy to see this as the definitive version of the adventure, even if some old quirks persist.
