Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

Key Takeaways

  • Implement new features like a random encounter meter to evolve Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake.
  • Incorporate a Gambit system to add strategy to battles in the upcoming collection.
  • Provide assist options like difficulty settings and checklist systems to enhance gameplay.

As someone who has spent countless hours traversing the pixelated landscapes of classic RPGs, I wholeheartedly agree with these suggestions for improving the upcoming release of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake.


The Dragon Quest series originated in Japan back in 1986, with a subsequent installment appearing in 1987. The third game wrapped up the Erdrick Trilogy and served as a prequel. As a result, Square Enix chose to revamp it first under the title Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. They have plans to follow up with a remake of both the first and second games, titled Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, to continue the narrative.

As a gamer eagerly awaiting the release of “Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake”, I can’t help but feel that the wait might not be much longer, given the relatively smaller scale of the games preceding it in the collection. Regardless of the timeframe, Square Enix could potentially enhance the mechanical aspects of the “Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake” compared to “Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake”, if they choose to incorporate these ideas into their development process.

6 A Random Encounter Meter

Copy From The Best

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

Bravely Default served as a rejuvenation for the Final Fantasy series, in essence if not by name. One of its most intriguing features was the customizable random encounter rate, allowing players to adjust it at will. Remarkably, few games from Square Enix adopted this concept, but it would be a welcome addition to the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always loved the unpredictable charm of random encounters in classic Dragon Quest games. However, it’s clear that even venerable franchises like Dragon Quest should continue to evolve. In the recent 3D-2D Remake of Dragon Quest 3, they overlooked the inclusion of an adjustable encounter rate. But there’s still room for improvement in future collections. Instead, perhaps Square Enix could consider implementing a system where monsters are strategically placed on the field, allowing players to choose whether to engage them or give them a wide berth – a feature that’s become commonplace in more recent games within the series.

5 Create Autobattle Gambits

Add More Strategy To Battle

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

In a different vein, the strategies and mechanics found in “Final Fantasy 12” might serve as valuable lessons for the “Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake”. Notably, “Final Fantasy 12” employed an automated combat system, offering players the option to intervene with commands when desired. Furthermore, it used a feature called Gambits to guide character actions in the field. This could range from targeting airborne enemies with fire spells to healing allies whose health dipped below 30%.

In the revamped version of Dragon Quest 3, dubbed as Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, you’ll find a strategic menu that allows players to guide their team based on offense, defense, and other tactics. However, during the autobattle phase, players don’t have the ability to explicitly choose which spells their characters will cast. The original versions of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake could potentially introduce a system where characters automatically use specific spells, much like the Gambit system in Final Fantasy 12, for instance, setting a character to always cast Boom on their turn. It’s important to note that you can directly command each hero; it’s just during the autobattle phase when this becomes tricky, which can be somewhat frustrating.

4 Add Assist Options

Go Beyond Difficulty

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

One significant improvement in the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is the addition of difficulty settings. This series is renowned for its toughness, so providing new players with an option to reduce the need for grinding makes the game more accessible. Meanwhile, the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake could enhance the experience by incorporating additional assist features as well.

In the enhanced version of Dragon Quest 3, titled Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, one of the larger side missions involves hunting for Mini Medals that are hidden in various places such as dressers, pots, and even the grass. There are over a hundred of these to find and it’s certainly not an easy task. Interestingly, this was the first game in the series to introduce Mini Medals, but Square Enix might consider adding them to both titles in the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake collection as well. If they do, providing a checklist or radar system through the settings could help attract more players to search for these hidden treasures. Another suggestion for improving gameplay would be to incorporate an option to adjust EXP gain, either by increasing it or decreasing it.

3 A Top-Down View

Make Exploring Easier

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

In the remake of Dragon Quest 3, titled Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, the game’s world has been significantly enlarged, giving it a sense of being a contemporary open-world RPG, yet retaining its charming pixel graphics. However, while exploring this expanded world map, one challenge arises: navigating the different regions becomes tricky due to the fixed viewpoint. An overhead or top-down perspective might have facilitated smoother navigation for players as they hunt for treasure and dungeon locations.

In the game, players can only experience a top-down view when they acquire the majestic bird character, Ramia, which allows them flight. For the enhanced version of Dragon Quest 1 & 2, HD-2D Remake, it’d be fantastic to include adjustable camera angles as a feature. Additionally, adding fast travel within town locations would certainly make gameplay more convenient.

2 Boosting Save Options

Get A Portable Priest

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

Saving is one of the biggest bummers of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. There is an autosave feature that saves after battles and certain story situations which is keeping up with the times. Players can also manually save but only in towns with priests or nuns in them which feels dated.

There is no quick save feature despite it appearing in other Dragon Quest games. The quick save feature should be added back into Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. Also, Square Enix may already be planning this, but hopefully, players can get a bonus in Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake by carrying over save data from Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake.

1 Customize Appearances

Both Games Could Use A Little

Features We Want To See In Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D

In the remade version of Dragon Quest 3, known as the “HD-2D Remake,” players had a variety of choices when building their party. They could select the gender and overall appearance of their characters, and then modify the hair color. Although players couldn’t create party members in previous games such as Dragon Quest and Dragon Quest 2, it would be beneficial to include some customizable options for the heroes in the remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and Dragon Quest 2 as well.

Square Enix might consider incorporating customizable armor colors or hairstyles, which can help players personalize their gaming experience and make each playthrough unique. This element is one of the reasons why larger role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate 3 are successful. Additionally, regarding style, the menu system in Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake could use some enhancement to make it more appealing. While it doesn’t need to be as flashy as Persona 5, even a minor facelift or better organization would improve the user experience.

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2024-11-28 01:55