The Dragon Quest series has stood as a titan of the JRPG genre since its inception in the late 1980s. Known for its charming stories, unforgettable characters, and innovative mechanics, the franchise has been a favorite among fans for decades. Dragon Quest III, in particular, is one of the series’ crowning jewels, often credited with cementing the popularity of RPGs in Japan and abroad.
The original Dragon Quest III launched in 1988, introducing groundbreaking mechanics such as the job system and nonlinear exploration. Over 30 years later, Square Enix has reimagined this beloved classic with the HD-2D Remake. While the core story and mechanics remain intact, this new version delivers a polished experience that blends nostalgia with modern innovation. Here are five ways the remake improves upon the original.
1. Breathtaking HD-2D Graphics
Original: The 1988 release featured charming pixel art, iconic for its time but constrained by hardware limitations. While beloved by fans, the visuals were simple and left much to the imagination.
Remake: The HD-2D art style transforms the game into a visual masterpiece. Lush 3D environments complement the classic 2D sprites, creating a layered, diorama-like effect. Towns come alive with vibrant details, and dungeons feel more atmospheric than ever. It’s a feast for the eyes that captures the essence of the original while modernizing it for today’s players.
2. Enhanced Music and Sound Design
Original: Koichi Sugiyama’s score for Dragon Quest III became legendary, with memorable tracks like Adventure and Heavenly Flight. However, the 8-bit hardware limited the depth of the compositions.
Remake: The remake reorchestrates the original soundtrack with modern instrumentation, offering a richer and more immersive experience. From sweeping orchestral arrangements to delicate, emotive melodies, the updated score brings new life to these beloved tunes.
3. Streamlined Gameplay and Combat Options
Original: The original featured turn-based combat that required manual input for every action. While strategic, the lack of automation could make grinding feel tedious.
Remake: Players can now adjust battle speed and even automate combat for faster pacing. Additionally, the inclusion of a “Casual Mode,” where players cannot die, makes the game accessible to newcomers focused on the story rather than the challenge.
4. Expanded Accessibility Features
Original: Dragon Quest III had a steep learning curve, with no handholding or options to tweak difficulty. Menus, while functional, could be cumbersome for those unfamiliar with JRPGs.
Remake: The remake introduces an intuitive UI, keeping the retro feel while streamlining navigation for modern players. Tutorials and adjustable difficulty options ensure that even JRPG newcomers can enjoy the game without frustration.
5. Rich Character Voice Acting
Original: The original relied entirely on text to convey its story and character interactions. While the writing was strong, the lack of voice acting meant much of the emotional nuance was left to the imagination.
Remake: Fully voiced dialogue adds depth to the story, with talented actors like Toby Laurence and Jenna Sharpe bringing the hero to life. This addition enhances emotional moments and makes the narrative even more engaging.
Where to Get It in Australia
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Aussie gamers can get the game cheap. the game retails for $89 AUD on most platforms. Check local retailers or online stores like the Nintendo eShop or PlayStation Store for digital copies.
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