If you love classic Japanese RPGs like I do, then the Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake is likely one of your most anticipated games of the year. If it isn’t, it should be.
I had the opportunity to play a short demo of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake at Gamescom last month. I hold the original game in high regard, considering it to be the best of the 8-bit generation of RPGs. This was due to its large world, customizable vocation system, and strong core of JRPG fundamentals.
All of that is present in this remake, and the new HD-2D visuals make Dragon Quest III an incredible visual experience. It retains its classic pixelated style while showcasing a more vibrant world with the new graphics and lighting.
A classic then and forever
After my demo, I had the opportunity to ask the Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii about the popularity of Dragon Quest III. It’s not often that I get starstruck during interviews, but Horii is essentially the father of all JRPGs. His contributions to gaming are immense. It was a treat to hear him talk about the legacy of this game.
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“Back when I made Dragon Quest 1, 2, and 3, Dragon Quest 3 was actually a big twist. It turned everything on its head,” Horii shared with me. “I believe a lot of people still remember that shock and drama. Additionally, many people played Dragon Quest III in their childhood. You always look back fondly on things you experienced as a child and shared with your friends. I think that’s why it has stayed in the hearts of many players.”
Monster mash
The HD-2D Remake offers more than just a one-to-one remake. It includes new features and expanded story content. The introduction of the new character class, the Monster Wrangler, caught my attention the most. While the original Dragon Quest III had the vocation system allowing characters to switch between different archetypes, the Monster Wrangler is a completely new vocation for the HD-2D Remake. It enables players to use abilities from enemies in battle.
When I asked the game’s producer, Masaaki Hayakawa, about the inspiration behind the Monster Wrangler, he mentioned taking cues from monster-recruiting elements in previous entries like Dragon Quest V.
“We were indeed inspired by V, but creating this new vocation involved a thorough process. One aspect we considered was the expansion of the world map in this remake, offering players a larger area to explore. We wanted to introduce new gameplay elements to this expanded area, which led to the idea of the Monster Wrangler vocation,” Hayakawa explained.
Hayakawa further elaborated on how monsters contribute to new content in the remake by replacing certain elements like the monster-fighting arena from the original game with the monster wrangler vocation. This new gameplay mechanic seamlessly integrates with the expanded world map and enhances the overall player experience.
HD 2D is for me
The addition of new features, combined with the impressive new visuals and the preservation of Dragon Quest III’s classic essence, makes this HD-2D Remake a must-have for classic JRPG enthusiasts like myself. Moreover, with Dragon Quest I and II set to receive similar treatment, I am hopeful that this trend continues beyond.
