Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

a game by Artdink, and Square Enix
Platform: PC (2025)
Editor Rating: 9/10, based on 1 review
User Rating: 10.0/10 - 1 vote
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Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

Square Enix promised that one of the most beloved 1988 RPGs, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, shall be reincarnated in style, bringing together long-term and newer enthusiasts for an adventure unparalleled. This revival brings back a classic with both nostalgia and innovation in one beautifully packaged adventure.

A Hero's Journey Reimagined

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake stays true to its core: playing as a young hero with the monumental burden of following in the footsteps of his father, Ortega, in an attempt to defeat the dreaded Archfiend Baramos. The story is full of charming towns, treacherous dungeons, and a cast of characters.

What sets this remake apart is its stunning visual overhaul. The HD-2D graphics blend pixelated sprites with modern 3D environments, creating a visual feast that's both nostalgic and fresh. Fans of Octopath Traveler will find familiar beauty here, but Dragon Quest III takes it a step further, infusing every scene with the series' iconic charm.

Old-School Mechanics, New-School Polish

Combat is still turn-based, retaining the strategic depth of the original. For this re-release, Square Enix has added numerous quality-of-life improvements, including adjustable battle speeds and an auto-battle option to make grinding less of a pain. New animations bring every encounter to life, while a reimagined Monster Arena adds even more strategy with the option to recruit and battle monsters in creative ways.

Major inclusions involve a new vocation system that lets players customize their party with a range of classes, including the brand-new Monster Wrangler; it's flexibility for a range of playstyles, really encouraging experimentation along the way.

Compared to its modern counterpart, Octopath Traveler, the roots of tradition in JRPG trappings are much firmer with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. While Octopath introduced innovative systems like Break and Boost, Dragon Quest III is rather more old-school in its approach. This may sit better with purists, but for newcomers, the learning curve is a little steeper.

But really, the nature of its open-world is a wonder to discover, full of hidden secrets and side quests. New quest markers make it easier for players to navigate without making things too hand-holdy-allow for great accessibility versus discovery. The addition of voice acting brings key scenes into this game, though purists can opt for text-only dialogue if they prefer.

Performance and graphics modes continue to pander to different player preferences, while refined UI makes navigating menus and managing inventory a breeze. These modern touches help elevate the experience without sacrificing one ounce of classic feel.

Review: 9/10

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is immaculately balanced between the old and new. It pays homage to the classic that graced the past while being able, at the same time, to modernize enough for any new player.

9

Whether a grizzled veteran of the series or completely new to it, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an adventure worth undertaking. It is a testament to just how ageless classic JRPGs can be and serves as one of the best examples of how to modernize a favorite without losing its spirit. The release later this year is not one to miss in this legendary quest.

Pros:

  • Stunning HD-2D visuals that breathe new life into a classic world
  • Faithful recreation of the original's beloved story and characters
  • Quality-of-life improvements that streamline the experience
  • New vocations and Monster Arena add depth to gameplay
  • Voice acting brings key scenes to life

Cons:

  • Traditional JRPG mechanics may feel dated to some players
  • Difficulty spikes can be challenging for newcomers
  • Some may find the pacing slow compared to modern RPGs

Download Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

PC

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

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PC Screenshots

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