When you dive into a mainline Dragon Quest game, you generally know what to expect. This series has been the gold standard of consistency, faithfully adhering to its classic Japanese RPG formula for decades. Yet, there’s something uniquely comforting about Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake — a nostalgically powerful revamp of a legendary installment.
Dragon Quest 3 plays a precursor role in the franchise’s lore, coming before the first and second games as an origin tale for the series’ enduring heroes and themes. Although from an era when intricate storytelling wasn’t the focus, the game’s plot remains straightforward: you’re the hero destined to defeat the ultimate villain. And honestly, what better excuse do you need for a thrilling fantasy odyssey that takes you across the globe?
The storyline might be basic, but Dragon Quest fans won’t be surprised by its delightful execution. As usual, the dialogue shines with a beautifully localized charm, and while voice acting makes a rare appearance in the remake, most storytelling is still conveyed through text. However, a few key scenes have been spiced up with spoken words.
This remake introduces some new narrative threads, mostly expanding on the adventures of the protagonist’s father, Ortega. These glimpses into Ortega’s past are engaging, even if they’re sparsely interspersed throughout the game — so don’t expect heavy additions in this department.
Even if the story updates seem minor, the real highlight is in the game’s ‘HD-2D’ transformation, as the name suggests. The entire visual landscape has been recreated with 3D assets, full of stunning lighting effects, and this evolution is nothing short of transformative.
Thanks to these visual upgrades, the game world gains a new sense of life and purpose. Towns and cities are more inviting than ever, but what truly stands out is the overworld map. The vast wilderness now feels expansive and memorable, with diverse terrains and elevations that significantly enrich the journey between destinations.
Another neat addition in the remake is the inclusion of optional objective markers. Fans of classic RPGs will recall how challenging it could be to advance the story in older games — and Dragon Quest 3 is no exception. With these markers, as you explore freely across the map later in the game, you’ll likely appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
The remake also enhances combat with some quality of life improvements, though it leaves you wondering if it could have gone even further.
For starters, battles can now be sped up, which is a massive relief. While the traditional, straightforward yet strategic combat is delightful, the pace of the original version could feel agonizingly slow, with attacks and informational text dragging along. The option to speed things up truly changes the game.
Additionally, the remake includes two fresh difficulty modes. ‘Dracky Quest’ offers a more relaxed experience, while ‘Draconian Quest’ caters to the seasoned players looking for a challenge.
Yet, regardless of difficulty, expect Dragon Quest 3 to demand grinding. Whether you’re earning a few more levels or saving up gold, engaging in battles that aren’t particularly mind-bending is a staple of the series.
In the remake, this grind feels more pronounced. With the shift to 3D environments, both the game’s world and its dungeons have grown considerably larger. However, the frequency of random battles hasn’t changed, and that’s problematic.
It sometimes feels like you can’t walk more than a few paces without triggering another encounter. This is especially true in later dungeons, where retracing your steps for overlooked treasures sees you repeatedly facing off against tough foes.
While you can use items to temporarily ward off encounters, it feels like a patch for a problem that’s been unnecessarily amplified in the remake.
Given the other quality of life upgrades included, the balance seems off. Adding a toggle to reduce random battles would ease the grind considerably, especially for newcomers to the Dragon Quest formula.
Despite these gameplay nits to pick, the essence of Dragon Quest 3 remains strong. You can still craft your party and assign custom jobs, with bonuses like a dedicated monster arena enriching the experience. All in all, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake offers an engaging RPG that’s both comprehensive and inviting.
### Conclusion
Dragon Quest’s timeless appeal is especially potent in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake—a smartly crafted revamp of an iconic RPG. With its enhancements in quality of life and charming 3D visuals, it’s arguably the definitive way to experience this adventure, even if some underlying issues persist.
