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Undeniably, the initial Dragon Quest stands among the most impactful video games ever created. Its influence endures as it’s often hailed as the pioneer of the JRPG genre, and its prosperity has led to a series that is not only well-known but also highly admired in the vast world of video games.

Since 2017, there hasn’t been a new mainline game release from Square Enix, but they amazed us with a stunning remake of the third game in the series last year. Now, a year later, they’re back with another HD-2D art style remake, this time focusing on revamping the first two games in the series.

At PAX East 2025, I managed to have a short play session with the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. Despite the limited time, it’s evident that Square Enix is dedicated to delivering an exceptional gaming experience for fans by reimagining these classic games in a fresh and engaging manner.

Initially exploring the fresh collection of remakes, I found myself immersed in Dragon Quest I. Much like the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, the visual appeal is immediately striking when you start playing. The HD-2D art style, which gained fame through games such as Octopath Traveler, fits seamlessly within the original Dragon Quest setting.

Regardless if you’re exploring vast landscapes or wandering through quaint villages, the game’s visual upgrade is worth admiring. Its long-awaited refresh significantly enhances the immersive experience in the sprawling Dragon Quest universe. Even subtle details like transitioning into combat or exiting an area have been polished to offer a smoother and more streamlined user experience.

Following my initial experience with Dragon Quest 1, it was now time to delve into Dragon Quest 2. My stay in this game was relatively brief compared to the first one, primarily spent on an early section, exploring the devastated kingdom of Moonbrooke. This is where the game’s visual upgrade truly stood out. Although the original game did a commendable job portraying the ruined castle for its era, this time, the game offers a more vivid depiction of the destruction and ruin that characterizes the area.

In these remakes, it’s not just about the updated visuals. The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake also boasts many of the same user-friendly improvements that were introduced in the update of Dragon Quest III. These include features like a mini-map for navigation, more convenient save options, faster movement within the game world, and most delightfully, the option to speed up battles while playing.

From my gaming perspective, Dragon Quest I and II share similar gameplay elements, maintaining that classic JRPG feel which Square Enix has always emphasized. Although there’s not much variation between the two games, they still offer a fantastic role-playing experience. Previously mentioned quality of life improvements definitely enhance the overall gaming experience.

Despite the fun and engaging nature of these games, the combat can become tedious at times. The ability to speed up fights and traverse areas more swiftly is an appreciated luxury, making my journey through these games smoother and more enjoyable.

Absolutely, these remakes aren’t just about mechanical updates. There are fresh elements in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake that elevate the timeless games even further. These additions span from useful tweaks to completely novel features that deepen the game’s narrative, ensuring that longtime fans will encounter elements they’ve never experienced before.

Regrettably, my playtime with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake was limited, but despite the brevity, it’s evident that Square Enix has hit upon a winning strategy for reviving these ageless games. In much the same way as its remake of Dragon Quest III, the updated versions of Dragon Quest I and II seem to be more about offering these classic titles in a format that is accessible to today’s gamers.

In this remake, Square Enix has made some improvements to enhance the gameplay experience, but overall, they’ve kept the core games largely unchanged. Instead, their focus has been on preserving what made these games so remarkable back then. For fans of the Dragon Quest series, JRPGs in general, and those new to the genre, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a must-play, offering an elevated version of a classic that takes it to greater heights.

On October 30, 2025, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is set to launch, offering players a chance to enjoy this classic game on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, current Nintendo Switch consoles, and PC systems.

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2025-05-27 15:10