This game could easily pass for something fresh off the press.
It can be tough to put into words why I’m drawn to the laid-back tempo of classic Japanese RPGs. Sure, I sometimes grumble about the endless random encounters or mazes that lead to nowhere, but there’s something about the pacing of a well-crafted RPG that’s truly satisfying—like wrapping yourself in a warm, nostalgic blanket. Dragon Quest III HD-2D is becoming my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting to feel that nostalgic, cozy vibe. It’s fascinating how a game originally developed for the NES in the 1980s holds its ground remarkably well even after 35 years. What’s even more surprising is how this elegant remake manages to be both respectful and innovative. Essentially, it’s the same beloved 1988 classic, but with a sprinkle of modern enhancements. The result is a clever and tasteful update that honors the original masterpiece without feeling outdated.
For those who might not be immersed in the chronicles of Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest III is the installment that truly established the series as a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Released in 1988, it (allegedly!) sold over a million copies on the first day, sparking rumors that the Japanese government had to ban weekday launches for Dragon Quest games. While that story isn’t entirely true, the game’s legendary status was well-deserved—it was a game-changer. The initial two entries paved the way, with the first introducing players to the genre through a simple, singular hero adventure. Dragon Quest II added new layers, offering a larger party and more complex mechanics, though it stumbled a bit in execution. Dragon Quest III, however, was a slam dunk.
In this epic, you step into the role of the 16-year-old child of Ortega, an illustrious hero who perished fighting the menacing Baramos. Your journey kicks off with a quiz that influences your character’s stats, paving the way for an epic globe-trotting quest to avenge your father’s demise. Your task involves assembling a team of four, choosing from various characters and classes, as you embark on mission-style escapades, aiding different communities along the way. The class system may seem straightforward at first, but it deepens as you advance. As party members level up, you can switch their classes, allowing them to retain their abilities but resetting their stats. This flexibility is a joy to explore, encouraging creativity in structuring your team. Whether advancing your magic user to the esteemed Sage class or transforming a healing Priest into an unexpected melee powerhouse, the system’s adaptability feels like meeting an old friend again after years apart.
The traditional turn-based combat system maintains this comforting and familiar allure. The core mechanics remain largely unaltered, though I leaned heavily on the Tactics feature, which simplifies battles with an auto-battle option, especially during random skirmishes. While it’s not my favorite battle system, it’s consistent in its reliability. The familiarity is soothing—not unlike a comforting farm sim—but more in the grounded feel of the battles.
The revamped features of the remake only enhance the appeal. Take the Monster Arena: now you can recruit creatures from your travels and pit them against each other in battles reminiscent of Pokémon. Additionally, the narrative surrounding your hero’s father, Ortega, receives more depth, which, although not groundbreaking, enriches the storyline by providing more insight into a pivotal character. The remake doesn’t stop there; it incorporates modern conveniences—voice acting in both English and Japanese, adjustable battle speeds, multiple difficulty levels, and user-friendly auto-saves. Chances are, if you wanted a modern twist, it’s included here.
What Dragon Quest III HD-2D does brilliantly is reintroduce this pivotal game to a broader audience. It remains rooted in classic RPG tradition but boasts a polished quality that endures through the years. While it may not come laden with the exhaustive lore often featured in recent video game re-releases, it possesses a similar mission: to preserve a landmark game with the care it deserves, welcoming more players to enjoy its charm today. There have certainly been many RPGs crafted over the last 35 years, but most owe a part of their excellence to the path Dragon Quest III blazed.
