Review of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for PS5

You know what to expect from a mainline Dragon Quest game: it’s consistently adhered to its traditional Japanese RPG roots for years, delivering that snug sense of familiarity. However, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake somehow elevates that nostalgic feeling even further, offering a lovingly nostalgic reimagining of a genuine classic.

In the Dragon Quest universe, the events of Dragon Quest 3 occur before those of 1 and 2, essentially serving as a prequel that sets up the series’ iconic heroes and motifs. Yet, this was from an era when intricate plots weren’t the focus. Besides a few twists near the end, the storyline is quite straightforward: you’re the chosen hero destined to defeat the main antagonist. Honestly, do you need more reason to set off on an epic quest across a magical world?

In classic Dragon Quest style, the simplicity of the story is enriched with an abundance of charm. The dialogue has been brilliantly localized, and though voice acting is rare, the remake includes it during key moments to enhance the experience. Most of the narrative is conveyed through text, but those pivotal scenes gain extra flair with spoken elements.

New additions to the remake’s storyline primarily involve the protagonist’s father, Ortega. Witnessing snippets of Ortega’s adventures is a neat addition, though don’t expect groundbreaking changes; these new segments are sprinkled sparingly throughout.

You might be thinking that these narrative enhancements are quite limited, and while that’s partially true, the real draw, as indicated by the somewhat clumsy ‘HD-2D Remake’ title, is the graphics overhaul. The environments are now fully realized with 3D assets and stunning lighting effects, creating a transformative visual experience.

The revamped visuals bring a fresh sense of presence and purpose to the adventure. Towns and cities appear more welcoming than ever, but the overworld map truly stands out. The sprawling wilderness feels expansive and memorable in 3D, with diverse terrain and varied elevation adding depth to the journey between locations.

Additionally, the remake introduces optional objective markers. Fans of old-school RPGs will recall how obscure story progression could be, and Dragon Quest 3 has its share of such hurdles. Especially as the map opens up later, many players will appreciate having a few guidance markers.

Quality of life improvements extend to combat, but one can’t help but wonder if they could have gone further.

First and foremost, you can now increase battle speed—a real blessing. While Dragon Quest’s combat is basic yet tactically satisfying, the original’s slow pace of attack exchanges and text pop-ups could be tedious. Speeding things up significantly enhances the experience.

Furthermore, two new difficulty settings are available. ‘Dracky Quest’ caters to a more casual playstyle, while ‘Draconian Quest’ challenges the hardcore fans.

However, regardless of the difficulty setting, the grind remains a central aspect of Dragon Quest 3. Whether you’re leveling up or gathering gold, grinding has always been part of the series’ core.

In this remake, the grind is particularly noticeable. With the shift to 3D, the game’s scope has dramatically expanded—dungeons are larger, and the world map is far more extensive. Yet, the frequency of random battles hasn’t been adjusted, which can prove problematic.

It sometimes feels like you can’t take more than a few steps without stumbling into yet another battle. This becomes especially frustrating in later dungeons when trying to backtrack to missed treasures while fending off relentless tougher foes.

Items that temporarily prevent encounters provide some relief, but using them feels like a workaround for an exacerbated issue in this remake.

Considering the other quality of life changes, the balance seems slightly off. Options to reduce the grind would be appreciated, and a toggle to decrease random battle frequency would make the experience more palatable, particularly for those new to Dragon Quest’s old-school formula.

Nevertheless, despite these gameplay hiccups, it’s tough to criticize this reimagining too harshly. The elements that made Dragon Quest 3 a beloved classic remain intact, like crafting your own party and assigning unique jobs. These core features are enhanced by new additions, such as a comprehensive monster arena, creating a solid and inviting RPG experience.

Conclusion

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is infused with that timeless Dragon Quest charm, offering a lovingly updated take on a cherished RPG. With its thoughtful quality of life enhancements and delightful 3D visuals, it’s arguably the best way to experience this adventure, despite some lingering structural difficulties.