As a longtime fan of JRPGs and someone who has fond memories of playing the original Dragon Quest III, I must say that Square Enix and Artdink have truly outdone themselves with this HD-2D remake. It’s like stepping into a beautifully polished time machine, where nostalgia and innovation blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable gaming experience.
Among the most stunning video games launched over the past ten years belong to Square Enix’s series of Japanese role-playing games in the HD-2D format. Although many of these are fresh concepts, like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, we’ve also seen some classic titles reimagined in this style. First came Live A Live, and now Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers an impressive remake that preserves the original’s cherished narrative while incorporating enhanced user-friendly elements and additional content, making it even more delightful to play.
As a gamer diving into Dragon Quest III, I can confirm that at its heart, this game shares many similarities with the original. You begin by choosing a hero, either male or female, and once you reach the age of 16, you’re off on a mission to vanquish the wicked archfiend plaguing our world. The storyline has always been lean, but the gameplay is where it truly shines.
Among the significant enhancements in the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, one notable inclusion is the introduction of a novel character class known as Monster Tamer. This versatile role offers support to your team through healing capabilities, while also unleashing potent, multi-enemy-targeting abilities akin to those of monsters. Additionally, the game now features arenas inhabited by monsters, where you can gather and train rescued creatures (found throughout the game, with the Monster Tamer class benefiting from them) for competitive battles that unlock rewards. This engaging side activity brings a fresh twist to the remake and significantly enhances its overall value.
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake isn’t just visually stunning with its mix of pixel art and 3D landscapes, but it boasts numerous enhancements for a smoother gaming experience as well. These improvements span across varying difficulty settings that can be adjusted on the fly, saving dialogue lines for easy recall when necessary, optional quest markers, and the option to use autosaves and faster battle speeds, making it a more contemporary and fulfilling role-playing game.
I must admit, my fond memories of the original Dragon Quest games are strong, but I was genuinely delighted to discover how enjoyable Dragon Quest III remains. Yes, the addition of a new character class and the monster arena were entertaining and offered a novel twist, but it’s the timeless core combat system that truly shines. Though it may not be as revolutionary as it was back in ’88, it still manages to provide an engaging experience that recalls why we all fell for JRPGs in the first place. The thrill of defeating an epic monster designed by Akira Toriyama after a grueling battle? Nothing compares to that sense of accomplishment.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review: Final Verdict
Dragon Quest III HD-2D, being rooted in one of the most celebrated Japanese role-playing games, offers a unique advantage. Instead of just updating it, Square Enix and Artdink have taken it a step further by ensuring this classic game is not only modernized but also improved for a more enchanting experience for both old and new players. This level of dedication showcases their love for the game, which is what a remake should embody at its core.
SCORE: 9.5/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 9.5 signifies “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the best in its category, setting the bar high for all creators to aspire towards.
Note: For the purpose of this review, we received a complimentary PlayStation 5 copy of Dragon Quest III HD-2D directly from the publisher. This review is based on version 1.000.000.
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2024-11-13 18:10