Anegdotically it was said that in native Japan Dragon Quest is more popular than the Final Fantasy, which is more popular abroad. This is the most obvious for all fantasy anime fans who will find the undeniable influence of Dragon Quest on the species, from monster designs, such as slimo, to other fantasy Trope, which are a pioneer in Dragon Quest games.
As someone who grew up primarily in the United States, I am in the players’ camp more familiar with the Final Fantasy series, with the passing knowledge of Dragon Quest. In addition, while newer entries, such as Dragon Quest 11, were of delight, received by fans, older Dragon Quest games contain a certain atmosphere of history and mysticism for someone like me who is more interested in the heritage of the series.
It also means that it was quite a few years for me, because Square Enix finally processes these older, beloved Dragon Quest games for current systems – and with a fresh recent look. Instead of a full, polygonal update, Square Enix uses a retro-modern fusion, which they call HD-2D from the October series to revive games such as Dragon Quest 3 for current audiences. And this continues the next remake, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake will appear later this year.
Despite the release before Dragon Quest 3, Dragon Quest 1 and Dragon Quest 2 are actually a continuation, so Dragon Quest 3, 1 and 2 in this order is chronologically correct in the universe of the game. I had the opportunity to play in the next two recently on PlayStation 5, and I came even more excited to finally discover these early Dragon Quest titles.
The best way to play original Dragon Quest games
The first three Dragon Quest games include the “Erdrick trilogy” – named after the hero Dragon Quest 3. There is no spoiler to say that in Dragon Quest 3 Erdrick is successful in his mission to save the kingdom from evil. Then you will play as descendants of Erdrick in Dragon Quest 1 and 2. Therefore, Square Enix actually releases these games in chronological order, which is nice.
Until these modifications they were released only as ports on mobile and some game consoles, but now you don’t have to bother you unless you want a really classic experience.
Like Square Enix modernizes Dragon Quest
Given the legendary status of these games, Square Enix must go through some lines, trying to maintain their parts that fans already love, while modernizing some of the more antiquated bits. These changes, in addition to the artistic style, are usually associated with the gameplay and telling stories. For example, in Dragon Quest 1 there was no party system in the series yet, so the whole campaign is played using one character that fights one enemy at once. This has changed so that now the player, though still solo, would put on many enemies at the same time.
Both games are also “shorter” compared to current RPGs, how long to overcome the clock speed Dragon Quest 1 about 10 hours, one sec Dragon Quest 2 knob up to 16 hours game time. Square Enix says they have strengthened some of the content and cutscenes to try to raise these numbers a little, but do not expect that they will suddenly play a 100-hour RPG.
Even better looking than Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D
Certainly the main drawing draw is the visual style. Square Enix supported this style of art HD-2D-in which pixel models of the 2D player character exist in a living 3D world. Although they are already playing games such as Octopath Traveller 2 and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D in this artistic style, somehow looks even better in the upcoming collection.
The textures are even sharper, thanks to which the contrast between 2D pixels and 3D World Starker, but as a result more striking. 2D pixels have also received an update, although at the beginning you may not be aware. I compared some of the Square Enix screens sent with my copy of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D operating on the switch, and are completely different, with Pixelwork in Dragon 1 and 2 HD-2D look much more detail and sophisticated than Pixels in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D.
Character models are slightly larger and much more detailed when their armor and weapons look particularly sophisticated in recent modifications. I found the style of art, combined with great music, completely pulling me into the world of Dragon Quest. Square Enix staged chips during my preview event and I felt that I was chewing when he was fully absorbed in the history of the hero’s event discovering the wreck of the kingdom.
In a sense, Dragon Quest, let’s say that the “classic” story and scenery are easier to appreciate today than maybe ten years ago. Nowadays, with graphics as advanced as there are stories trying to compete with the largest films and television programs, Dragon Quest reminds that some stories are timeless for some reason. I can’t wait to play both of these HD-2D modifications when they are released on October 30, 2025 for all main systems-in this Nintendo Switch 2.
Matt Who is the Senior Feature editor.
