June 19th 2024.
Have you heard the news? Square Enix is back at it again with another remake, and this time it's for the classic JRPG Dragon Quest 3. This game was a huge hit back in the 80s, and now it's getting a modern makeover that combines the best of both worlds - old and new. And let me tell you, the graphics are looking absolutely stunning.
Square Enix has been on a roll with their remakes lately, especially with the ambitious three-part remake of Final Fantasy 7. Some may argue that remakes lack creativity and originality, but there are so many amazing old games that could benefit from modern technology and be introduced to a whole new audience. That's why Square Enix has decided to bring back Dragon Quest 3 and give it the HD-2D treatment. Originally released in Japan in 1988, this game never made it to Europe, but now it's finally getting its chance to shine.
For those who may not be familiar with the game, Dragon Quest 3 was a groundbreaking RPG that helped define the genre. It was also a huge success, selling over a million cartridges on its first day of release in Japan. In fact, it was so popular that it caused a bit of a moral panic, with over 300 arrests for truancy among its young fanbase. And it didn't stop there - the game went on to sell nearly four million units worldwide.
So why did Square Enix choose to remake Dragon Quest 3 instead of the first two games? Well, according to original creator Yuji Horii, it makes more sense in terms of the franchise's overall storyline. In a video introduction for the remake, Horii explains that Dragon Quest 3 actually takes place before the first two games chronologically.
But this isn't your typical remake like Final Fantasy 7 Remake or Rebirth. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake uses Square Enix's 2D-HD technology, which adds fancy lighting and shading effects to the classic sprite-based graphics. This preserves the beloved pixel art aesthetic while also adding a sense of depth and dimension to the game.
If you're a fan of games like Octopath Traveler and Live A Live, then you're probably familiar with this technology. But Square Enix has taken it a step further with Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, adding in new features like a mini-map, more frequent saving, improved UI, and the ability to control battle speed. And let's not forget about the expanded game world, with new areas, secrets, and enemies to discover.
We were lucky enough to try out an hour of the game on the Nintendo Switch, and let me tell you, it was a perfect fit. We started off in the beautiful city of Aliahan, with its majestic castle looming in the distance. This is where the game begins, although there is presumably an initial introduction to the overarching storyline beforehand.
We were told that the remake's storyline is identical to the original - you play as Arusu, the son of legendary warrior Ortega. On your 16th birthday, you're summoned by the King of Aliahan and tasked with completing Ortega's quest to defeat the arch-fiend Baramos. After some cryptic instructions, we headed to the top of a nearby tower to pick up Baramos's trail.
Exploring the city, we collected useful items and some cash from chests and pots. We also encountered familiar RPG elements like a trader to buy equipment from and a tavern to recruit new party members. In the original game, Dragon Quest 3 was one of the first to introduce the concept of character classes, but we stuck with the default party of healer, mage, and knight. And unlike the original, where you could only save in temples, this remake allows for autosaving.
As we made our way through the city and out into the countryside, we were greeted by lush landscapes and various landmarks. And of course, it wouldn't be a Dragon Quest game without some classic enemies - in this case, slimes. The battle system is turn-based, just like in the original, but now you can adjust the battle speed to your liking. We quickly found ourselves addicted to the simple yet satisfying combat, especially as we leveled up and gained new spells and abilities.
We also had the chance to explore optional areas for loot and puzzles, which added to the overall charm of the game. And on the Nintendo Switch, the graphics were crisp and the battles were more engaging with added animations and effects.
Overall, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake feels like a nostalgic trip back to the early days of the genre, but without the frustrations of old-school interfaces and gameplay. Square Enix has done an excellent job of updating this classic while still retaining its original charm. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this game is sure to be a hit.
And the best part? Square Enix has already announced that they're working on remakes of the first two games as well, so you'll soon be able to experience the entire trilogy on modern platforms. It's hard to believe that these games never made it to Europe back in the 80s, but now they're available for everyone to enjoy.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake will be released on November 14, 2024, and will be available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Don't miss out on this fantastic remake and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for all the latest gaming news.
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