Sometimes it’s tough to articulate why the deliberate pace of classic Japanese RPGs appeals to me. Sure, I might grumble about random battles or labyrinthine dungeons, but there’s something comforting about a well-crafted RPG that’s hard to beat. Dragon Quest III HD-2D has become my go-to recommendation when someone wants to feel that old-school charm. It’s fascinating how this NES classic from the ’80s is still so compelling over three decades later. Even more surprising is how this remake maintains a light touch, modernizing just enough without losing the essence of the original. It’s a cleverly done remake, honoring the original masterpiece while sidestepping any hints of being outdated.
For those unacquainted with the saga of Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest III was the game that truly catapulted the series into the spotlight in Japan. Released in 1988, it sold over a million copies on its first day and sparked the myth that the Japanese government banned weekday release dates for Dragon Quest—though that’s just a tall tale. That feverish excitement was well-deserved as, for its time, Dragon Quest III was phenomenal. The two preceding games set the stage, with the first being an adventure featuring a solo party and a straightforward plot. The second game introduced a full team and stepped up the mechanics but stumbled a bit in execution. In contrast, Dragon Quest III hit it out of the park.
You start as the 16-year-old offspring of Ortega, a famed hero who fell to the evil Baramos. After a quirky opening quiz that helps shape your character’s attributes, you embark on a world-spanning adventure to avenge your father’s death and vanquish Baramos. You assemble a four-member team, selecting their characters and classes, and engage in episodic quests that help various communities you encounter. The class system starts simply but becomes more intricate as you progress. As party members level up, they can switch classes, retaining learned skills but resetting their stats to level one. This system is as fun to experiment with as it is strategic. For instance, you might evolve a straightforward magic user into the elite Sage class, or transform a healer into a battle-hardened warrior who can also revive teammates. It’s been ages since I last played Dragon Quest III, and revisiting its flexible class system feels like a nostalgic embrace.
The enduring nature of the turn-based combat adds to that comforting vibe. The battle system hasn’t changed much, and I found myself using the Tactics settings to automate battles during random encounters more often than before. While it’s not the most exciting turn-based system ever devised, it’s reliable and reassuring, similar to the cozy consistency of a familiar routine.
The remake includes enhancements that enrich the experience without overwhelming it. One notable addition is the Monster Arena, where you can recruit creatures to battle in a manner reminiscent of Pokémon. The remake also expands on your hero’s father’s storyline, offering more depth without shaking the foundation. Additionally, you get modern features like voice acting in both English and Japanese, adjustable battle speeds, varied difficulty levels, and convenient auto-saves. Any modern convenience you’d wish for in this remake is likely here.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D revives a seminal game for a broader audience. At its core, it’s still a traditional RPG, but its quality endures through the years. While it might not include extensive archival materials like recent video game anthologies, it shares their spirit by preserving a monumental game with meticulous care, making it accessible to today’s players. Although countless RPGs have been released in the past 35 years, many owe a debt to Dragon Quest III for paving the way.
