We had the opportunity to try a hands-on demo of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake at Tokyo Game Show 2024. Over the course of 3 hours, we explored two save files – one from the beginning of the game and another from the mid-game, starting in the second area. This hands-on experience revealed that the remake is more than just a visual update; it’s an evolution of the classic game.

The HD-2D visuals breathe new life into the world of Dragon Quest III. While retaining the charm of the original, the remake significantly enhances the visual experience. The world map, in particular, showcases the beauty of this graphical style, with the familiar music immediately evoking nostalgia for long-time fans.

Combat has seen some refinements. While the core turn-based system remains intact, the remake introduces a wider field of view during battle preparations. This allows players to select enemies to attack or choose allies to buff before closing in for the classic 2D-style combat phase. The developers have significantly improved the battle animations, and they’ve added a new speed adjustment feature that allows players to set their preferred pace for fights.

The character creation system at the start of the game remains faithful to the original, basing your character’s attributes on a series of questions. However, the remake adds a new desert scenario to gauge player reactions early on. This addition, along with new scenes such as the hero being woken up and carried to the king by their mother, adds depth to the storytelling without compromising the game’s essence.

The Hands-on Experience

One of the most significant improvements is the streamlining of some of the original’s more cumbersome systems with quality-of-life updates make the game more accessible to new players while maintaining the core experience that fans of the original will appreciate. The remake preserves the flexibility in team composition that made the original replayable. Players can still recruit preset teammates or create their own custom party members, allowing for diverse strategies and playstyles.

Interestingly, the remake seems to offer more player agency in the story. For example, players can choose to reject the call to see the king at the beginning of the game. In the mid-game save file, there was even an option to accept the king’s offer to become the new ruler, potentially altering the course of the hero’s journey.

While the core gameplay and story remain true to the original, the hands-on demo of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake showcases that nearly every aspect of the experience has been enhanced. From improved visuals and refined combat to expanded narrative moments and quality-of-life updates, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake appears to strike a balance between honoring its roots and appealing to modern gaming sensibilities.

© ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SPIKE CHUNSOFT/SQUARE ENIX
※All screenshots are from the PS5 version currently in development