REVIEW - Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a gorgeous, breathtaking adventure

After playing Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake before its release, I can honestly say it is one of the most gorgeous games I’ve experienced. The HD-2D style has evolved, presenting pixelated sprites against non-pixelated backgrounds, and using a rich color palette that is consistent with the Dragon Quest tradition. Factoring in an intriguing open world full of secrets and side adventures, plus an epic quest to destroy evil, DQIII is a must-play adventure for both newcomers and returning fans.

On your sixteenth birthday, you embark on a quest to defeat the evil Baramos, a villain who has been threatening the land and who could not be stopped by your father years ago. Now, with the help of three fully customizable companions, you aim to finish the job your father started.

The game is a smooth mix of classical Dragon Quest and modern sensibilities. For example, after a certain point in the game, the world is completely yours to explore – and while it is fascinating to see what every corner is hiding, it can also be overwhelming for many players. Thankfully, the remake alleviates this issue by providing the option to have quest markers. These visual cues can be turned on or off at any give time, letting players enjoy the adventure however they see fit.

Another great adjustment is the option to have Dracky (easy) difficulty or Draconian (hard) difficulty. Although I’ve been a huge fan of the series since DQIV on the DS, it is undeniable that most games have moments when you need to grind experience to overcome certain challenges. This remake allows you to change difficulties at any time, and more importantly, Dracky difficulty makes you invincible.

Many times, players find moments in games when they can’t progress, which causes them to stop playing. By doing that, they miss out on great stories, fantastic soundtracks, or fun gameplay moments down the line. Having the option to lower the difficulty to beat any boss, and then continue your quest, is fundamental to broaden the appeal of games. Of course, any player who wants to grind and beat every boss with a well-thought strategy, in classical DQ fashion, can do so.

In fact, although combat is key to any RPG such as Dragon Quest, the exploration and story are equally important. The world map is huge and full of secrets. Every new town you arrive to is an adventure all its own, since its inhabitants are just as concerned about the state of the world as they are about their day-to-day lives. Arriving to a new city where a girl is hiding and you have to help her, or understanding why two lovers cannot be together and joining in their quest for love, is what makes DQ so lovely; it is an RPG that can be enjoyed slowly and where every moment is meaningful.

The thrill of finding a new Mini Medal hidden in a corner is still present, too, and it’s something I’ve loved since Dragon Warrior Monsters (my favorite Dragon Quest spinoff). I still open every drawer and check every pot. I still get a tingling feeling inside when I hear the level up jingle. And I still have an accelerated heartbeat when I find a Metal Slime, hoping to defeat it before it runs away. Dragon Quest is made of small moments of happiness and that feeling is only enhanced with this remake.

Equally improved is the beauty and charm of the game. Towns are more gorgeous than ever, dungeons have never been as imposing, and bosses have never felt as intimidating. Sure, an argument can be made about how 3D DQ games such as DQVIII or DQXI are also beautiful renditions and how their graphics are better. However, the cuteness and allure of a 2D world brought to life with a magnificent art direction like HD-2D is undeniable – and this game simply oozes with that charm.

Every change in this remake improves the enjoyment. From little details like being able to increase the battle speed or being able to use Zoom indoors (no more hitting your head when trying to fast travel!) to big additions like a new vocation and collecting monsters to battle with them in the arena and learn new abilities – these are what make this remake of Dragon Quest III a must-play journey.

In terms of technical aspects, the game had a weird instance of the overworld clipping into a battle twice in an early dungeon, but it never happened again. The framerate was stable and the game ran equally well on handheld as in docked mode. Finally, some dungeons and quests are labyrinthine (in more ways than one), and grinding is necessary at some moments; nonetheless these issues can be solved by lowering the difficulty momentarily or by turning on objective markers.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a rare jewel in today’s gaming landscape. It is a grand journey to save the world where every moment is just as important: where joy comes from stopping for a second to admire a new landmark, where happiness is finding a shiny memento under a tree, and where bliss comes from hearing how much a merchant loves his wife. A gorgeous remake of an epic adventure, this game represents what makes Dragon Quest special and why it has a place in so many players’ hearts.