Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review: A Legend Retold

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Review

Remakes are a little different than most games. Not only do they need to be good, but they must be the superior version to be successful. I had the opportunity to play Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and it achieves this goal. But the game still has a couple of glitches. Changing the battle speed is very useful, but I'm less enamored with the auto-battle system. I love the modern touches, but it's still a decidedly retro game. Don't get me wrong, I love that retro design! Whether it's right for you is another question.

Dragon Quest III is the final installment of the Erdrick trilogy, although it takes place before the other two games. You play as a boy who sets out in search of his lost father to defeat the great evil that threatens the land. There are some kingdoms to save, some MacGuffins to recover, all that good stuff. While the plot is pretty simple, I somehow don't care? Dragon Quest's stories feel more like mythical archetypes than actual narratives. You know this story by heart, it has been told in many ways. Also, unlike most Dragon Quest games, you can hire the rest of your party at the local pub. You can even choose your classes beforehand, which I appreciate.

a classic tale

HD-2D Remake takes some steps to improve this simple narrative wherever possible. Important moments get scenes that increase the emotional intensity. Voice acting is used to involve you in the dialogue. But most of my game still felt pretty thin on story. Which, again, is totally fine! When it comes to retro RPGs like this, I'm really here for the mechanics, for the core game loop. Which has also been given some 21st century updates.

Firstly, there is a difficulty setting that you can modify. I didn't get into it at all, but I'm glad it's there. Missions have navigation markers that can be activated and movement speed can be toggled. The speed of actual battle can be adjusted and there is a “handy to heal everyone” button in the main menu. I made good use of these small fixes without hesitation. But the auto battle system is different.

The temptation of automatic battle

See, the problem with auto combat is that it's too effective. The CPU uses things like healing spells and buffs that I would never have considered. The stupid system was teaching me how to play correctly, at least at first. Maybe hard mode overrides the automatic battle technique, but standard difficulty doesn't. I tried not to use it, but it's perfect for level grinding. so I could not avoid the temptation as much as I would have liked. It is not necessary to use it, of course. But when you try to speed up a game to review it? Ooh, that's very useful.

It's not just the mechanical features that make the HD-2D Remake look more modern. The visuals and music are also extremely clever. The world you explore is a mix of sprites and polygons. Both styles go together very well, giving off an “old but new” vibe that I really like. All the monsters are smooth and crisp, and your party models are packed with detail. The end result is an aesthetic that looks like the old games, while still being a massive improvement over the original release.

New, crisp sprites

I have to say that the remake's music doesn't achieve the same effect for me. The old soundtrack is evocative but dated, and the new arrangements can't escape this. I kept the sound on during my game for about four hours before giving up. I just can't connect with these old songs, no matter what form they take. This further cements the game as the perfect podcast companion in my opinion. Beating levels while learning about the biggest monsters in history? Sign me up!

When you don't rely heavily on the auto-battle system, combat in HD-2D Remake is both approachable and intense. Death comes quickly if you are not prepared and bringing people back is not easy. Powerful spellcasters can turn the tide, while other classes have their own hard mode if implemented. Although even if you fall in battle, you have a lot of flexibility to start over. Once, finishing the game just meant a sermon from a priest and a dent in your wallet. Now you can avoid even those consequences if you wish.

Make no mistake, this is definitely the superior version of Dragon Quest III. Modern mechanics and clever visuals strike that balance between retro and modern sensibilities. Combat is as easy or difficult as you need it to be. I wish the auto-battle system was less powerful, but it's still an optional mechanic. Despite all my complaints about it, playing this game was still a relaxing and compelling experience. I love leveling up, exploring dungeons, and taking down nasty monsters. The story is simple, but has a broad, grand style that fits perfectly into Dragon Quest. Whether you've played the original or not, you'll have a great time with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.

***A Playstation 5 code was provided by the publisher***