Square Enix continues its streak of success with its stunning HD-2D technology, which it has used to deliver both new titles and remakes of beloved classics. One of the most notable examples was Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, released last year to excellent reception we even gave it a 4/5 for its many achievements.
This year, the company returns with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, applying the same visual treatment to breathe new life into the first entries of the series. From the start, the visuals stand out beautifully: the dynamic environments, vibrant colors, and updated sprite models are simply magnificent. These remakes successfully revive two nearly 40-year-old titles, allowing new generations to experience them for the first time.
Beyond the visual improvements, one of the biggest additions is the voice acting for all characters, which gives the story a new level of depth. Each voice fits perfectly, eliminating the monotony of reading dialogue boxes and making the narrative feel more alive. The games also include new cutscenes that expand the story, a new playable character in the second title, and fresh gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
The gameplay remains turn-based, true to its classic JRPG roots, but now includes modern improvements like difficulty options, fast travel, the ability to skip battles, and increased battle speed, all of which make the experience more engaging than ever. One of the main criticisms of the previous remake the excessive frequency of random encounters has been addressed here. In addition, there are bonus systems, multi-enemy battles, and new magical elements introduced in the first game, all of which add variety and excitement.
Another welcome addition is the guide mode, which helps players track main objectives, treasure locations, and side quests on the map. This feature greatly improves accessibility for those who simply want to enjoy the story without getting stuck in frustrating moments.
It’s hard to discuss these remakes without giving away key story details, but for those who played the originals, the changes are significant and worth revisiting. However, players more accustomed to modern, action-focused RPGs may find the turn-based combat somewhat repetitive. Likewise, the story and dialogue retain their classic tone, which might feel outdated or even awkward by today’s standards.
Even so, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake are a beautiful love letter to the origins of the RPG genre, reimagined with artistic brilliance and care. Every fan of the genre should have them in their collection, though it’s a shame that Square Enix didn’t push a bit further to make them more approachable for a wider audience.
Final Score: 4/5
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