Game: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Genre:Â Role-playing
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows) PS5 & Xbox Series X/S)
Developers | Publishers: SQUARE ENIX
Age Rating: US E10+ | EU 12+
Price: US $59.99 | UK £49.99 | EU € 59,99
Release Date:Â November 14th, 2024
No review code was used; I purchased the game myself.
Dragon Quest III has long been celebrated as one of the high points of the classic RPG genre. It’s always been my favourite game out of all the Dragon Quest series, and this new HD-2D remake on the Nintendo Switch reintroduces this beloved game to a new generation with a fresh coat of paint and a few modern twists. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, this remake offers a delightful blend of nostalgic charm and updated features that elevate the experience without losing the essence of what made the original great.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Storyline
Dragon Quest III serves as a prequel to the original Dragon Quest game. The story kicks off in the kingdom of Aliahan on the protagonist’s 16th birthday. In celebration of this milestone, the king calls upon the son or daughter of the fallen hero Ortega, urging them to take up the family mantle. Ortega’s heroic yet tragic end is depicted in a brief opening cutscene, setting the stage for the new hero’s journey.
The kingdom is under threat from the archfiend Baramos, and while most teenagers are concerned with more mundane matters, our hero is tasked with saving the world from this looming evil. Despite the king’s vote of confidence, the young hero is initially too weak to face the challenge alone and must recruit allies from the local town to form a capable party.
Build Your Dream Team
One of the best aspects of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is its party-building system, which offers impressive customisation for a game originally released in 1988. This remake retains the same freedom to recruit companions from a guild and choose from a variety of vocations, such as Warriors, Mages, Priests, and Thieves. The addition of the new Monster Wrangler class adds even more variety, allowing players to enlist powerful monsters to their cause.
Each class comes with its own unique abilities and skills, giving you the freedom to create a party that suits your playstyle. Whether you prefer a balanced team or want to experiment with unconventional combinations, Dragon Quest III lets you shape your journey. The remake also adds customisation options for characters’ appearances and voices, letting you further personalise your team.
Classic Turn-Based Combat with a Twist
The turn-based combat system remains faithful to the original, delivering the strategic depth fans like myself expect from a Dragon Quest game.
However, the remake spices things up with new customisation options. You can speed up battle animations or adjust difficulty levels on the fly, ranging from the forgiving “Dracky Quest” mode, which prevents your party from being wiped out, to the punishing “Draconian Quest” setting for those who crave a challenge.
Battles feel rewarding and strategic, especially with the flexible tactics system that lets you tailor your approach to each encounter. Using party members’ skills to exploit enemy weaknesses is key to surviving tougher battles, particularly when facing the game’s iconic boss fights. The addition of new monsters and the Monster Arena tournaments add further layers of strategy, allowing you to test your recruits’ might for unique rewards.
An Expansive World of Discovery
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake encourages exploration with its expansive world map, brimming with secrets, side quests, and colourful NPCs. The game does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of adventure, urging you to visit every nook and cranny of its world. The addition of new dialogue voiceovers featuring a range of British accents adds personality to the various townsfolk you’ll meet, making each interaction feel lively and immersive.
The story, while simple by today’s standards, remains a timeless tale of heroism and adventure. As mentioned, you are playing as the child of the fallen hero Ortega; you’ll uncover hidden lore, solve puzzles, and unravel the mysteries of the world. The remake even expands on the original narrative, adding new story beats and surprises for players who think they know every twist.
A Vibrant Visual Upgrade
The first thing that will grab your attention is the stunning HD-2D art style. This remake skillfully blends classic 2D-pixel sprites with dynamic, richly detailed 3D backgrounds. The result is a game world that feels both retro and modern, capturing the spirit of the original while adding new visual depth.
The vibrant colours, lighting effects, and gorgeous animations breathe life into towns, dungeons, and open landscapes, making every area a joy to explore. Whether you’re wandering through bustling cities, eerie caves, or grand castles, the game’s art style delivers a captivating visual treat that enhances the sense of adventure.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is not just a visual upgrade; it also comes with several quality-of-life improvements that make the game much more accessible without compromising its classic challenge.
Autosave features, streamlined menus, and the ability to adjust game speed are just a few of the enhancements that modern players will appreciate. Whether you’re looking to replicate the original’s old-school difficulty or want a more relaxed experience, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake gives you the tools to tailor your adventure.
Conclusion: A Masterful Blend of Old and New
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a masterclass in modernising a classic game while staying true to its roots. The gorgeous visuals, enhanced customisation, and thoughtful quality-of-life improvements breathe new life into a beloved RPG. It strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering something for both longtime fans like myself and newcomers to the series. With its charming presentation, engaging combat, and timeless story, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a shining example of why this series remains a cornerstone of the genre; I love it!
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up 
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