Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake continues to captivate audiences in Japan, boasting over 90,000 additional copies sold across the PS5 and Nintendo Switch during its second week on the market. This is particularly impressive considering the game’s release was over 30 years ago, and it seems to be drawing in a brand-new generation who are eager to experience the classic charm of this legendary title.
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the series, the remake was announced in May 2024 and offers fully-voiced cutscenes, a vibrant day/night cycle, and a lush orchestral soundtrack. Sticking closely to the beloved NES original, this remake adds new episodes that delve deeper into the enigmatic character Ortega, enriching the experience for long-time fans with more narrative depth. This fresh take on a classic is bursting with modern quality-of-life features, making it a phenomenal success, especially in Japan where the Dragon Quest series remains a beloved staple.
According to a Famitsu software sales chart, the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake racked up 91,362 copies sold between the PS5 and Switch from November 18 to November 24. In its debut week alone, it shipped an extraordinary 821,770 units, which crowned it as Japan’s best-selling game of 2024 to date. Trailing in second place was Super Mario Party Jamboree, which managed 34,014 sales, culminating in 476,607 total sales for the series’ latest installment.
Looking back, Dragon Quest 3 originally graced the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, serving as a preeminent tale in the series as the first part of the Erdrick Trilogy. Players take on the mantle of a hero on a mission to defeat Baramos, the feared Archfiend who went on to become a series regular. While Japan embraced the original with open arms, North American sales lagged due to a delayed 1992 release coinciding with the launch of 16-bit systems.
The West has warmly received the HD-2D Remake, evident by its robust 85 critic score on OpenCritic. And for those eagerly looking ahead, Square Enix has slated Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remakes for a 2025 release. Director Yuji Horii also hinted at a special surprise for fans who play these remakes sequentially, although specifics remain under wraps for now.
In summary, the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a modernized reimagination that maintains the original’s core charm. This revival brings the beloved pixel art into a 3D world, coupled with a revamped UI and numerous other enhancements that breathe new life into the game for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. Players can look forward to intense, classic-style turn-based battles, complete with dynamic animations, fast-paced action, and even auto-battle features to suit various playstyles. Released on November 14, 2024, across multiple platforms, the game is verified for Steam Deck compatibility and rated E10+ by the ESRB for its fantasy themes.
