Square Enix is preparing to launch Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, a complete overhaul of the 2000 classic Fragments of the Forgotten Past. Producer Takeshi Ichikawa revealed in an interview that the project aims to preserve the charm of the original while addressing its weaknesses.

The first game is often praised for its heartfelt coming-of-age story but criticized for uneven pacing and overwhelming length. Ichikawa explained that the reimagined version cuts unnecessary subplots, rearranges the order of events, and introduces new scenarios. The result is a narrative that flows more smoothly and feels more engaging for modern audiences.

A Handcrafted Visual Identity

One of the most striking features is the new art direction. The development team created physical dolls of the main characters, scanned them, and used these scans as the base for in-game models. Monsters and NPCs were carefully built to match this handcrafted look.

The environments use a diorama-style approach, making towns and landscapes resemble miniature worlds. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic but also shortens travel distances, keeping exploration brisk without losing scale. Ichikawa admitted balancing proportions was difficult, but the team refined textures and sizes until everything fit together naturally.

Streamlined Gameplay Features

The reimagined version modernizes combat as well. Standard battles can now be sped up or set to auto-battle, keeping encounters fast while boss fights remain deliberate and strategic. A new Moonlighting feature allows characters to equip two vocations at once. Players can experiment with offensive and support combinations or optimize party roles before big encounters.

Ichikawa believes this system makes experimentation satisfying without punishing players. He encourages players to discover their own favorite setups, whether mixing vocations for balance or doubling down on specific strengths.

Editions and Release

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches worldwide on February 5, 2026 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Preorders include a Dragon Quest VIII costume for the protagonist and Seeds of Proficiency. A Digital Deluxe Edition adds extra DLC and early access, while a Collector’s Edition bundles physical goods such as a Slime plush, a SteelBook case, and a ship-in-a-bottle figure.

Ichikawa summed up the project by saying the team wanted to retain the heart of the original while reimagining it into a richer, more approachable adventure for both newcomers and veterans.

If you want to read the whole interview, you can check it out on their official website.