As someone who grew up in the era of pixelated glory and spent countless hours battling monsters and saving kingdoms, I must admit that my initial skepticism was palpable when I heard about the remastering of Dragon Quest 3. The original game was a part of my childhood, a classic that defined an entire genre, but as someone who wasn’t even born when it was first released, the thought of returning to its archaic ways seemed less than appealing.
Let me clarify, I don’t mean to alarm you, but we’re talking about a time as far back as 1988. That year, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was the blockbuster movie of the summer, the Iron Curtain in Europe was just starting to show signs of weakness, and the one writing this piece wasn’t even born yet. The implication is that a lot has changed since then, and the world of video games is no exception.
Back in its day, Dragon Quest 3 was adored and groundbreaking, but for someone like me who wasn’t around during its initial release, revisiting games from that era can be quite challenging. It’s not the challenge I enjoy from a tough RPG that makes it hard, but rather the lack of user-friendly aspects. For instance, the amount of grinding required from players is substantial, random encounters can be frustrating when you’re trying to reach your next destination, and many conveniences we’ve come to expect are sorely missed.
In the process of re-creating certain games, a conundrum arises. Although these games were groundbreaking and innovative in numerous aspects, they would not be designed the same way today. When resurrecting a timeless gem such as Dragon Quest 3, the question becomes: How much should we modernize and how much should we preserve? At what juncture does something transition from being “true to the original” to being “irritating for contemporary players”?
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the unwavering commitment of the DQ3 HD-2D Remake team to preserving the essence of the original game. Just as one wouldn’t dare alter the colors of the Mona Lisa, they’ve chosen not to tamper with the core gameplay of Dragon Quest 3. The inclusion of random enemy encounters is a testament to this dedication, ensuring that the game maintains its authenticity upon its return.
As a devoted admirer, let me express that while the game hasn’t skipped an update cycle, the HD-2D art style truly set the stage spectacularly from the get-go. Interestingly, I find it remarkably more detailed compared to Octopath Traveller 1 and 2, Triangle Strategy, and Live-A-Live, particularly in terms of its non-pixilated terrain textures. However, there have been additional enhancements as well.
In our conversation at Gamescom, Masaaki Hayasaka, the Lead Producer, shared that the game will offer enhanced party customization options. This includes modifying not only their clothing and hairstyle but also their voices. The town of Romeria’s monster coliseum has undergone a revamp. Instead of wagering on monster fights, as before, you can now create a team of monsters to participate in the competition, similar to the Dragon Quest Monsters series, a feature that Hayasaka-san considers more fitting for today’s era. This updated arena setup also introduces the new role of Monster Wrangler, which allows players to bring monsters into battles on their side.
As a hardcore gamer, I’ve got some exciting news about Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D! While Hayasaka-san was a bit secretive about many aspects, he did hint at some new story elements and details being added to the game. These additions are intended to strengthen the narrative flow. Although he didn’t spill the beans on what these elements might be, it seems logical that they’ll help bridge the gap between this game and the upcoming Dragon Quest 1+2 HD-2D Remakes, as both those games follow after DQ3. So, get ready for a more immersive gaming experience!
We’re nearly at the end of our wait! The Dragon Quest HD-2D Remake will be out on November 14th, bringing new features for us to enjoy this holiday season.
This sneak peek showcases a preliminary version that was played during Gamescom 2024. Please note that the completed game may vary from this presentation.
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2024-09-04 02:00