Dragon Quest III HD-2D: A Comprehensive Review

Sometimes I struggle to articulate why the deliberate pace of classic Japanese RPGs resonates so well with me. Despite my occasional gripes about random battles or dungeons that lead nowhere, I find great joy in the rhythm of a quality RPG. These games can be some of the most satisfying comfort fare for gamers. Recently, Dragon Quest III HD-2D has become my go-to recommendation for those curious about that nostalgic, cozy feeling. It’s astonishing how a game from the NES era can still hold its own more than 35 years later, and the elegant remake has managed to stay true to the essence while adding subtle modern touches. It skillfully balances the roots of a timeless classic with just enough enhancements to keep it fresh without feeling dated.

For those who haven’t delved into Dragon Quest’s remarkable legacy, Dragon Quest III was the installment that truly embedded the series into Japanese cultural consciousness. Released back in 1988, it achieved a staggering milestone by selling over a million copies on its first day, sparking tales of the Japanese government allegedly banning Dragon Quest launches on weekdays—though that’s just an urban legend. Its wild success was well-deserved; for its time, Dragon Quest III was revolutionary. The groundwork was laid by its predecessors: the first game offered a solitary adventuring experience, whereas its sequel expanded into a full party dynamic with greater mechanical complexity, although it stumbled somewhat in gameplay. Dragon Quest III, however, delivered a home run.

In the game, you step into the shoes of Ortega’s 16-year-old offspring. Ortega was a celebrated hero who met his end fighting the antagonist Baramos. The story kicks off with a quirky quiz that influences your character’s stat growth. From there, you embark on a worldwide journey to bring justice to your father’s demise and vanquish Baramos. You get to assemble your own team of four, choosing characters and classes that suit your style, and embark on various episodic adventures to aid people along the way. Initially simple, the class system grows in complexity as the game progresses. When your party members reach higher levels, you can change their class; they’ll retain their learned abilities but start over at level one, giving you the opportunity to create a powerful and versatile team. It’s a delight to experiment—perhaps transforming a traditional magic user into a superpowered Sage, or evolving a healing Priest into a melee powerhouse. Revisiting the flexibility of this class system after so many years was like a comforting embrace.

The traditional turn-based battle system maintains that reassuring familiarity. It remains largely unchanged, though I found myself leaning more on the Tactics settings to engage in auto-battles during random encounters. While it might not top my list of favorite turn-based systems, it’s reliable and comforting, offering a sense of warmth akin to revisiting an old friend, more so than the cozy vibes of a farm sim.

The remake brings several tasteful embellishments to enhance the experience. Notable among these is the Monster Arena, where you can recruit creatures to compete in battles reminiscent of Pokémon. Additionally, the storyline receives a boost with more background on your hero’s father, Ortega, which is a welcome expansion for fans familiar with the series’ lore. Beyond new content, the remake incorporates modern features, such as voice acting in both English and Japanese, customizable battle speeds, difficulty settings, and user-friendly auto-saves. If you were hoping for any particular contemporary convenience in this remake, chances are it’s been included.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D does an admirable job of introducing a pivotal game to a broader audience. It still retains that timeless RPG charm that has lasted through the decades. While it may not come with the expansive archival content seen in some recent game collections, it certainly feels on par with them, lovingly preserving a monumental title to be savored by new and returning players alike. Even amid the many RPGs crafted since its debut, Dragon Quest III’s influence remains significant, paving the way for the best of what’s out there today.