Dragon Quest III HD-2D Review – An In-Depth Look

It’s interesting how often I find myself trying to articulate why the deliberate pace of old-school Japanese RPGs resonates so well with me. Sure, I might grumble about certain aspects like random encounters and labyrinthine dungeons that go nowhere, but there’s something profoundly satisfying about getting into the rhythm of a well-crafted RPG. These games often serve as hefty comfort food for the soul. Dragon Quest III HD-2D is quickly becoming my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to capture that nostalgic, cozy feeling. It’s truly remarkable how this NES classic from the ’80s still feels relevant over three decades on. What’s even more surprising is how this upscaled version hasn’t overdone the changes. Essentially, it’s the same charming game from 1988, now embellished with some modern enhancements. It’s both a clever and respectful remake that preserves the genius of the original without making it feel outdated.

For those not familiar with the Dragon Quest saga’s monumental role in gaming history, Dragon Quest III was the title that truly cemented the franchise’s place in Japanese pop culture. Upon its debut in 1988, it sold over a million copies on the first day alone, igniting a rumor that the Japanese government later mandated Dragon Quest games could only be released on weekends to avoid disruptions—though that tale is just a myth. Back in its day, Dragon Quest III was nothing short of revolutionary. The initial two games laid the foundation, with the first introducing a basic one-hero adventure, while Dragon Quest II experimented with a party system and more complex mechanics, albeit with mixed success. Meanwhile, Dragon Quest III hit its stride beautifully.

In this game, you play as the 16-year-old child of Ortega, a legendary hero who met his end battling the evil Baramos. The journey kicks off with a unique quiz that influences your character’s development, setting the stage for a globe-trotting adventure to seek justice for your father and vanquish Baramos. You assemble a party of four, customizing characters’ classes to suit your taste, and embark on episodic quests aiding diverse groups. The class system starts out straightforward but grows in complexity as you advance. As party members level up, you can switch their class while retaining their learned abilities, though their stats reset to level one. Tinkering with these options leads to powerful and versatile characters. Perhaps you’re content to elevate a magic user to a Sage, or maybe you prefer turning a healing Priest who knows all the best spells into a melee powerhouse. Revisiting Dragon Quest III after so many years, I find the class system’s depth and flexibility heartwarming, akin to a long-lost friend.

The timeless turn-based combat system continues to offer that satisfying sense of familiarity. The core mechanics remain largely untouched, though I did find myself frequently using the Tactics settings for auto-battles, especially during random encounters. While not my personal favorite among turn-based systems, it’s certainly reliable. It’s comfortable, reminiscent of slipping into a familiar routine.

This remake brings a few fresh elements to spice things up. The introduction of the Monster Arena is particularly noteworthy, allowing you to recruit monsters for battles reminiscent of Pokémon duels. Additional narrative content sheds more light on the backstory of your father, Ortega—a nice touch that enriches the lore. Modern updates like dual-language voice acting, adjustable battle speeds, varied difficulty levels, and handy auto-saves further enhance the experience. If you were hoping for any modern conveniences in this remake, chances are they’ve been included.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D brilliantly revives a pivotal game for a new generation to enjoy. It might not boast the extra archival content you find in recent “museum” game releases, yet it stands alongside them as a lovingly restored cornerstone of gaming history. While many RPGs have emerged in the intervening years, few could claim their greatness without the pioneering path of Dragon Quest III.