Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review

As a seasoned gamer who’s witnessed the evolution of RPGs from their humble beginnings, I can confidently say that the Dragon Quest series has been my faithful companion throughout this journey. The charm and simplicity of its old-school fantasy adventure have never failed to captivate me, and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is no exception.


Similar to various types of video games, Role-Playing Games (RPGs) have undergone substantial development throughout gaming’s timeline. However, one specific series has consistently upheld the essence of traditional old-school RPG fun – that series is Dragon Quest. This franchise, a pioneer in its genre, has been entertaining gamers for more than three decades with its distinct blend of whimsical fantasy escapades. To honor such a historic series, what could be more fitting than a remake of an early title, but with enhanced features? Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers a delightful way to savor that classic RPG taste at its peak, yet some players might find it challenging to adapt to this 36-year-old game in today’s gaming landscape.

In Dragon Quest III, the narrative is straightforward and quickly propels you into an exciting journey. You assume the role of a character born to a legendary hero who passed away when you were still an infant. As an adult, your objective is to emulate your father’s deeds by traversing the world in the service of the kingdom. Despite its simplicity, the appeal of the characters you encounter raises the story to a higher level.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review

Before embarking on a global adventure, traversing every town and delving into every cave, it’s crucial to assemble a team of companions for mutual defense against potential threats. Your lead character possesses versatility with spells, healing abilities, and a knack for swordsmanship, but the composition of your remaining party members is equally important.

In the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, the combat system is effortlessly straightforward: Each character in your party and their opponents select an action, then they all engage in battle by swinging axes or casting spells. Though there’s a hint of complexity when it comes to attacking groups of enemies, as certain spells and weapons can target multiple identical foes side-by-side, the strategy primarily lies in choosing the right spell or ability for each situation.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review

Essentially, the combat system in this game seems quite similar to how it was in Dragon Quest III when it first came out in 1988. However, for those accustomed to modern RPGs, there’s a significant improvement: the battle speed. By adjusting it to extremely fast speeds, each encounter is over in a flash compared to what it would have been back then, and even the somewhat outdated random encounters feel less tedious as a result.

Every time I level up in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, it’s always an exhilarating moment, just like any RPG. Unlike other times when I have to make tough choices about skills or abilities, leveling up here is straightforward – my stats increase and sometimes, if luck is on my side, I get a new spell or ability. It may be simple, but it’s surprisingly satisfying, especially when I learn a powerful mass healing spell or a potent flaming sword attack!

If you’re fond of traditional role-playing games, the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake will captivate you, but what truly stands out for me in this game is the immersive exploration. The game world abounds with glowing marks indicating treasures that are always worth investigating as they often contain seeds to enhance your stats and new equipment. Moreover, there are numerous hidden areas scattered across the overworld, which can be identified by unique environmental features such as oversized trees. These secret locations often harbor monsters eager to join your party, adding a whole new layer of gameplay.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review

Growing up, I was a big fan of Dragon Warrior Monsters, so discovering the monster combat colosseum during my journey brought me immense joy. In this game, any friendly monsters you encounter can join your squad at the arena, and the top three are eligible for tournament battles. When battling with your team, you don’t directly control the monsters; instead, you can instruct them to attack aggressively, use a balanced approach, or concentrate on healing. This battle system is more challenging because it’s harder to guarantee victory, but it adds an intriguing twist to the gameplay.

Among all its improvements, Dragon Quest III’s visual upgrade stands out the most. The harmonious fusion of Akira Yoriyama’s renowned art style with HD-2D graphics creates a stunning aesthetic that offers a charming nostalgic feel alongside an awe-inspiring beauty. Adding to this immersive experience is the exceptional soundtrack, filled with tunes that longtime fans will find heartwarmingly familiar, making it difficult not to grin as you conquer Slimes and Anteaters.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake review

While Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers a delightful blast from the past, its traditional style may seem outdated to some gamers today. Preparing for certain bosses requires grinding, saving only in towns is crucial to preserve your progress, and you’ll often find yourself halted by random encounters. Many of these aspects are less prevalent in modern games, and for the most part, that’s a positive development.

The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is like stepping back into an iconic gaming era, and from the moment you encounter the first Slime, it evokes a flood of nostalgia. Despite its retro elements, the game boasts lightning-fast battles and stunning new graphics that cater to contemporary gamers. The unique Dragon Quest appeal remains undiminished. While there are parts of the game that may seem vintage to some players, enthusiasts who appreciate the history of this genre will thoroughly enjoy this outstanding remake.

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2024-11-13 18:16