Review of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for PS5

You always know what you’re getting with a mainline Dragon Quest game. The series has mastered the art of consistency, sticking to its beloved Japanese RPG formula that has stood the test of time. But somehow, the feeling of nostalgia hits even stronger with the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake — a heartfelt tribute to a beloved classic.

Historically, Dragon Quest III is set before the first two games in the series, like an origin tale for the recurring heroes and themes we adore. It hails from an era when storytelling depth took a backseat. Other than some late-game surprises, the plot is quite straightforward: you’re the chosen hero on a quest to stop an evil villain. And really, what more excuse do you need for a journey across a fantastical world?

Despite its straightforwardness, the charm of Dragon Quest shines through. The dialogue bursts with personality, thanks to impressive localization, and while voice acting is rare, it’s a pleasant surprise in pivotal moments, adding a layer of depth to key scenes.

The remake introduces some new story elements, adding layers to the protagonist’s father, Ortega. Being able to glimpse his adventures is a neat addition, though don’t expect significant overhauls; the enhancements are subtly woven into the experience.

While the new story bits are minimal, the real overhaul lies in the game’s visuals, as its title ‘HD-2D Remake’ suggests. The environments now boast fully 3D assets, accompanied by striking lighting effects, offering a fresh visual take on the game.

This visual rework breathes new life into the adventure, giving the world a more immersive atmosphere. Towns and cities have never looked more inviting, and the revamped overworld map is particularly captivating. The game’s landscapes now feel expansive and memorable, with varied terrains enhancing the journey between locations.

Moreover, the remake includes optional objective markers, a handy addition for those who find old-school RPGs a bit cryptic when it comes to progressing the story. As you gain more freedom across the map, these markers can be a welcome guide.

In terms of combat, the quality of life improvements shine through, though one might wish they pushed the envelope a bit further.

For starters, battles now have a speed-up option, a feature to be grateful for. While Dragon Quest’s combat system remains basic yet tactically satisfying, the original’s slow pace is still apparent, with attacks and text pop-ups happening in what feels like slow motion. Speeding this up is truly a game-changer.

Furthermore, players can switch between two new difficulty levels at any time. ‘Dracky Quest’ offers a more laid-back experience, whereas ‘Draconian Quest’ caters to the challenge seekers.

Regardless of difficulty, Dragon Quest III maintains its grind-heavy nature. Whether it’s leveling up or collecting gold, grinding is deeply woven into the series’ fabric.

In the remake, the grind becomes more apparent. The world has expanded significantly into 3D, with larger dungeons and an extensive world map. However, the frequency of random battles hasn’t changed, which can be troublesome.

It sometimes feels like you’re pausing for battle every few steps, especially in later dungeons where backtracking to missed treasures turns into a bit of a slog, swamped by continuous monster encounters.

Items exist to temporarily stave off encounters, but they feel more like band-aid solutions to a problem heightened in the remake.

Given other quality of life improvements, a better balance would be appreciated. A feature to reduce battle frequency would be welcome, particularly for newcomers to the traditional Dragon Quest experience.

Despite these hiccups, it’s hard to fault this remake. Dragon Quest III’s original charm endures, such as creating your own party members with distinct jobs. Coupled with valuable additions like the monster arena, the remake offers a comprehensive, welcoming RPG experience.

In conclusion, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake exudes the timeless charm of the series. Thoughtfully packaged with modern enhancements and stunning 3D visuals, it’s arguably the definitive edition of this classic adventure, even if a few structural issues persist.