Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake: a classic RPG with a simple style

Currently, large-scale and complex role-playing games are experiencing a prominent moment. Recent titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Dragon Age Absolution, alongside classics like Elden Ring (which received an expansion this year), Cyberpunk 2077, and Baldur’s Gate 3, have captured the attention of millions of players, inviting them to immerse themselves in vast worlds of exploration. While these experiences can be incredibly engrossing, there are times when some players prefer to avoid complicated dialogue systems or narrative-altering decisions. In those moments, there’s a yearning to simply embark on a grand adventure and transform into a powerful hero facing monsters, and for that, the excellent remake of Dragon Quest 3 arrives.

This game, originally released in 1988 under the name Dragon Warrior 3 in North America, presents a refreshingly simple premise: you set out on a mission to eliminate a great evil that your father failed to defeat years ago. Although there are some colorful characters, the story mainly revolves around a quest for revenge. It’s not a game enjoyed for its narrative, but for the adventures it offers while exploring strange and dangerous places, in addition to defeating heaps of adorable blue slimes.

That simplicity has stood the test of time, with systems that are easy to understand yet still present a challenge (although regular battles can become repetitive). The positive aspect is that the remake retains the essence of the original; exploration and turn-based battles remain largely as they were before. This means that the game progresses along a predictable path, moving from one dungeon to another, with stops in towns to rest and prepare for the next challenge. New elements have been added, such as a character class that allows for monster collecting, as well as additional scenes that enrich the sparse narrative.

While the content is similar to the original, significant changes have been made to the presentation, and quality-of-life improvements have been incorporated. The new version of Dragon Quest 3 is visually stunning, utilizing a graphic style similar to titles like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, which Square Enix describes as "HD 2D." Despite featuring pixel art characters, incredibly detailed worlds are explored, complemented by a tilt-shift effect that gives it a diorama-like appearance. The result is a game that feels both classic and modern. The adorable animations of the monsters during battles stand out, as well as an updated orchestral soundtrack performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra and new voice acting.

Beyond the aesthetic improvement, the Dragon Quest 3 remake also makes smart adjustments that reduce frustration. A more useful map is included to facilitate navigation, an option to speed up battles, and various difficulty settings. While these may seem like minor details, these modern conveniences can make many old games difficult to enjoy, especially those focused on repetitive combat like classic RPGs. Polishing these small aspects can significantly transform the overall experience of a game like Dragon Quest 3.

Though it is technically the third title in the series, this version serves as an excellent starting point for new players looking to discover what the franchise is all about, which hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s an attractive and accessible way to experience an epic adventure without feeling overwhelmed by the story or content. In the end, it’s all about a hero, swords, magic, and a plethora of monsters to defeat. Sometimes, that’s all that’s really needed.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is now available for Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.