Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is enjoying remarkable success in Japan, with impressive sales figures continuing into its second week. On both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, more than 90,000 copies were snapped up, indicating that this classic game is captivating a whole new generation of players.
Originally released over 30 years ago, Dragon Quest 3 has been lovingly reinvented with fully-voiced cutscenes, a compelling day/night system, and beautiful orchestral music. Announced in May 2024 to commemorate the franchise’s 35th anniversary, this new version stays true to the original NES epic while offering fresh episodic content. This is a real treat for longtime fans, as it delves deeper into the enigmatic character Ortega and smooths out the storyline’s complexities. Thanks to numerous quality-of-life upgrades, the remake has quickly become a favorite, especially in Japan, where the Dragon Quest series holds a legendary status.
Recent sales data from Famitsu highlights that Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake sold 91,362 copies on the PS5 and Nintendo Switch in Japan from November 18 to November 24. Initially, the game shifted an astounding 821,770 copies in its debut week, crowning it the top-selling game in Japan for 2024 so far. During the same period, Super Mario Party Jamboree took second place with 34,014 copies sold, pushing its cumulative sales to 476,607.
Chronologically the first in the series, Dragon Quest 3 originally hit the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1988. It kicks off the renowned Erdrick Trilogy, where players embark on a heroic quest against Baramos, the Archfiend. Despite its legendary status in Japan, it lagged in North America, not launching there until 1992, after the advent of 16-bit consoles.
The remake is not only a hit in Japan but also garnering attention in the West, boasting an impressive average score of 85 on OpenCritic. In an exciting revelation, Square Enix announced the Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake for 2025. Director Yuji Horii hinted at a special surprise for players who tackle the HD-2D remakes in order, though details are still under wraps.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake truly reimagines the original game, blending classic pixel art with modern 3D graphics to bring the story to life as never before. Enhancements include a polished UI and improvements to the nostalgic turn-based battle system, which now features adjustable speeds and auto-battle options, enriching the player experience. As they explore the game’s vast world map, players will encounter a myriad of vibrant locations and face unexpected challenges that inject fresh excitement into this timeless adventure.
