
OpenCritic
Steam
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is, according to the title, a remake of the classic 8-bit jRPG game. Compared to the original, the game primarily improves the graphics, offering a very attractive visual combination of 3D locations and 2D characters.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a revamped version of the classic Japanese RPG Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation, originally released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) 8-bit console. The original was developed by Chunsoft, while the remake was produced by Square Enix's in-house development team.
This is not the first time this classic has been refreshed. Previously, enhanced editions were developed for the SNES, Wii U, and mobile devices. Subsequent incarnations of the game offered additional content and solutions, and all these novelties were also included in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
Plot
The game is set in a new world and before the events of the previous two installments, but at the same time during the campaign we will also travel to the land of Alefgard known from the previous games.
The plot tells the story of the child of the protagonist named Ortega, who went missing during a failed attempt to stop the demon Baramosa. The action begins when our hero (or heroine, because we can choose the gender of the character), having reached the age of 16, is summoned to an audience with the king, who orders him to complete his mission to trap the beast. Neutralizing it requires the use of three magic keys. Fortunately, we don't start from scratch, as our father found the first one before it was lost without a trace.
Mechanics
In of gameplay mechanisms, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake develops ideas from its predecessors. Once again, we get a huge open world to explore, filled densely with missions, dungeons and monsters. During the adventures up to three companions can help us.
Battles are turn-based and the game also boasts a very extensive character development mechanics. Characters can belong to one of many different classes, which determine the skills and equipment. At the same time, after reaching a high enough level we can go to the temple of the goddess Dhama, where there is an option to convert the hero into a new profession. As a result, the character's stats are halved, but he retains his skills, which makes it possible, for example, to create a mage who can also fight quite efficiently in close combat.
An unusual element of the game is the method of shaping the personality of our character. It is determined by choices made in the sleep sequence, played at the beginning of the adventure.
Game modes
The game only offers a single player campaign.
Technical aspects
The biggest change in comparison to the original is the new audiovisual setting. The game offers attractive graphics combining 2D characters with 3D backgrounds and modern visual effects. Overall look is similar to Octopath Traveler and the producer of this game, Masaaki Hayasaki, was also involved in the work on Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
Videos and Screens
[1:15] Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Accolades Trailer
[2:32] Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Launch Trailer
OpenCritic Rating
Game is Recomended by 93% of Critics. There are 116 Critic Reviews.
Eurogamer: 3 / 5 by Daniella Lucas
Some excellent enhancements make this the ultimate version of Dragon Quest III, but it could still do more to make it wholly welcoming to newcomers.
TheSixthAxis: 9 / 10 by Miguel Moran
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a wonderful new version of perhaps the single most influential JRPG. It isn't a top-to-bottom remake or a surprising meta-retelling – it's classic Dragon Quest, brighter and better than ever.
Windows Central: 4.5 / 5 by Alexander Cope
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a superbly well-done remake that honors the legacy of its source material while being a great JRPG in its own right. The new Monster Wrangler Vocation and overhauled Vocations are enjoyable to play with and offer tons of character-build theory-crafting potential, the new HD-2D graphics are gorgeous to behold. What's more, there’s a decent amount of engaging and rewarding side quests to partake in, and the new difficulty and accessibility options make the game feel more welcoming for newcomers to the Dragon Quest series while maintaining the challenge of the original title for series veterans.
The main pros of the game
- Stunning Graphics and Art Style: Many s praised the HD-2D graphics, highlighting the vibrant colors and detailed animations that enhance the nostalgic feel of the original game.
- Excellent Soundtrack: The orchestral arrangements of the music, which include classic themes, were frequently commended for elevating the game's atmosphere.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Players appreciated various enhancements, such as autosave features, hidden points of interest, and a new Monster Wrangler class that adds depth to gameplay.
- Nostalgic Experience: Long-time fans of the series expressed joy in revisiting a beloved classic, noting that the remake captures the essence of the original while modernizing certain aspects.
- Engaging Gameplay: The traditional turn-based combat and exploration were well-received, with some s enjoying the grind and character customization options.
The main cons of the game
- High Random Encounter Rate: Many players found the frequency of random battles excessive, which detracted from the exploration experience.
- Price Tag Concerns: Several reviews mentioned that the $60 price point felt steep for a remake of an older game, with some suggesting it would be better received at a lower price.
- Limited Character Interaction: The absence of a party chat system, which would allow characters to interact more during gameplay, was noted as a missed opportunity for deeper immersion.
- Censorship and Design Changes: Some s expressed dissatisfaction with perceived censorship and changes to character design, which they felt were unnecessary or poorly implemented.
- Difficulty Balance Issues: A few players mentioned that the game felt easier than they ed, even on higher difficulty settings, leading to a less challenging experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s
- Pachisi Board Minigame: The removal of the Pachisi board, a popular minigame from earlier versions, was lamented by many fans who enjoyed this aspect of gameplay.
- More Customization Options: Players desired more variety in character customization, such as additional hairstyles and outfits, beyond the limited options available.
- Free Camera Control: Some s wished for more control over the camera, especially during exploration, to enhance the gameplay experience.
- Increased Difficulty Options: There were calls for more granular difficulty settings to cater to varying player preferences, as some felt the current options were not sufficient.
- Expanded Story Content: A few reviews mentioned a desire for more story depth and character development, particularly in comparison to more recent entries in the series.
Summary
- Overall, while the remake of DRAGON QUEST III received a largely positive reception for its visual and auditory enhancements, as well as its nostalgic value, there were notable criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics, pricing, and certain content omissions.
Summary generated on:
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Game Series
Dragon Quest Series
A bestselling series of fantasy reality cRPG games. The series is developed by the Armor Project development studio with the of other development teams. The rights to the brand are held by the Square-Enix publishing conglomerate.
31 video games
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Amata Games
Publisher: Square Enix

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: (60 fps / 720p) Intel Core i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 750 / Radeon RX 460, 20 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Recommended: (60 fps / 1080p) Intel Core i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 4 GB Radeon RX 470, 20 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit

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