The highly anticipated Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has officially launched on Steam, bringing one of the most beloved RPGs of all time into the modern era with stunning visuals, revamped gameplay mechanics, and a refined user experience. As a long-time fan of the Dragon Quest franchise, I was eager to revisit this classic and see how it holds up in 2024. After diving into the game and exploring every corner of its vast world, here’s my review based on the gameplay experience and the general feedback from fellow players on Steam.
A Classic Reimagined: The HD-2D Magic
Originally released in 1988 for the NES, Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation quickly became one of the standout RPGs of its era. Its combination of compelling storytelling, a robust party system, and captivating world-building made it an instant classic. The HD-2D remake, developed by Square Enix, pays homage to the original while introducing new-age visuals and mechanics that breathe fresh life into the game.
For those unfamiliar, the HD-2D aesthetic blends retro pixel art with 3D environments, resulting in a vibrant and atmospheric world. The beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds, along with dynamic lighting and effects, create a visually striking experience without losing the nostalgic charm of the original. Characters and monsters retain their iconic pixelated designs but are enhanced with smooth animations, making the entire game feel like a perfect fusion of old and new.
A Story Worth Replaying
The core of Dragon Quest III remains its compelling story of a hero embarking on a quest to defeat the Archfiend Baramos, with many twists and emotional moments along the way. The story feels timeless, with themes of friendship, loyalty, and destiny. While the plot itself hasn’t changed, the HD-2D remake enriches the storytelling through enhanced voice acting and cinematic cutscenes that immerse players further into the narrative.
For many, this will be a chance to revisit a classic tale, and for newcomers, it serves as an excellent entry point into the Dragon Quest series. Whether you’ve played the original or are picking up the game for the first time, the charm of Dragon Quest III is undeniable.
A Combat System That Holds Up
The turn-based combat system of Dragon Quest III remains unchanged, which is a good thing. For RPG purists, the familiar system of commanding a party of characters with different abilities, spells, and weapons is still as satisfying as ever. However, the remake adds modern quality-of-life improvements, such as faster battle animations and streamlined menus, which make the game more accessible without sacrificing the core experience.
The inclusion of the “Auto-Battle” feature has been well-received by players on Steam, as it allows for faster grinding and smoother exploration. Whether you’re battling hordes of monsters or taking on difficult bosses, this new feature helps make combat feel less repetitive, while still preserving the challenge. The strategic elements of party-building and optimizing your team’s skills and equipment are still present, ensuring that long-time fans of the series won’t feel like the game has been “dumbed down.”
Exploring the World of Alefgard
The world of Dragon Quest III is vast and filled with secrets, and the remake does a fantastic job of making the world feel alive. The addition of atmospheric details, such as weather effects, day-night cycles, and bustling towns, elevates the experience. The game’s world feels far more immersive than before, with every town, dungeon, and wilderness area carefully crafted to draw players in.
Steam reviews highlight how satisfying it is to explore the expansive world of Alefgard, with many players reminiscing about the hours spent finding hidden treasures, unlocking side quests, and discovering rare monsters. For those new to the game, there’s a rich world full of lore, and the new visuals only enhance the sense of adventure.
Steam Reviews: What Players Are Saying
As of launch, the Steam community has been largely positive in its reception of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Players are praising the game for its nostalgic value, visual upgrades, and faithfulness to the original. Many reviewers note that the new art style adds depth to the world while maintaining the spirit of the 8-bit classic. There are also mentions of the improvements made to gameplay speed and UI that make the game more user-friendly without losing its challenge.
However, not all reviews are entirely glowing. Some long-time fans of the series have expressed mild disappointment at the absence of significant new content or substantial gameplay innovations. While the HD-2D remake is a fantastic update, there is a sense that Dragon Quest III might not be as revolutionary today as it was when it first released.
That said, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many players applauding the experience as both a satisfying return to a classic and a worthwhile introduction for newcomers.
Verdict: A Must-Play for RPG Fans
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a beautifully crafted update to a legendary RPG. With its stunning visual overhaul, refined combat system, and faithful recreation of the original’s story, it’s a game that will resonate with both nostalgic fans and new players alike. While it doesn’t drastically change the core gameplay, the improvements it offers make it an excellent version of an already great game.
If you haven’t played it yet, the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in experiencing one of the best RPGs of all time. And for fans of the original, this remake is a gorgeous way to relive the adventure once again.