There are times when articulating why I appreciate the steady rhythm of classic Japanese RPGs can be quite the challenge. While I may grumble about random battles or labyrinthine dungeons, the cadence of a solid RPG is like a hearty bowl of comfort food. Enter Dragon Quest III HD-2D, a title that embodies that nostalgic warmth. It’s remarkable how an NES game from the 1980s can still resonate so powerfully over 35 years later. What’s even more astonishing is how this sophisticated remake gently modernizes the original without losing its essence. It’s a clever update that honors the classic masterpiece, yet doesn’t feel stuck in the past.
For those not steeped in the saga of Dragon Quest, it was Dragon Quest III that truly cemented the franchise’s cultural significance in Japan. When it launched in 1988, it sold over a million units on the first day, giving rise to the urban myth that the Japanese government banned weekday releases of these games (not true, by the way). The excitement was well-deserved, as Dragon Quest III was extraordinary for its time. The first two installments laid the groundwork—Dragon Quest introduced us to the RPG world with a solo adventurer and a straightforward quest, while Dragon Quest II expanded on the format with a full party and greater complexity, though it stumbled a bit in execution. Dragon Quest III, however, hit every note perfectly.
You step into the shoes of a 16-year-old, the offspring of the legendary hero Ortega, who perished combating the wicked Baramos. Following an introductory quiz that influences your character’s attributes, you embark on a journey across the world to avenge your father and vanquish Baramos. You assemble a four-member party from various character classes, embarking on episodic quests to aid disparate communities. The class system seems simple at first, but as you advance, it reveals its depth. As your party members level up, you can switch their classes, letting them retain their learned skills while resetting their stats and level. This system is extremely engaging, allowing for intriguing and resourceful party configurations. For instance, you can level a magic user into a Sage or transform a Priest with healing prowess into a robust melee fighter. Rediscovering this flexible system felt like a comforting embrace.
The turn-based battles continue the game’s classic, reassuring vibe. The core mechanics remain largely unchanged, though I frequently used the Tactics option to automate battles, especially during random encounters. While it’s not my all-time favorite battle system, it is tried-and-true, familiar, and pleasantly consistent—a type of cozy that stems from its nostalgic resonance.
The enhancements in the remake enrich the overall experience. The Monster Arena is a noteworthy addition, where you can enlist monsters for Pokemon-style battles. There’s also extra story content that delves deeper into the backstory of your hero’s father, Ortega. While not revolutionary, these additions are delightful nods to Dragon Quest lore. Modern touches include dual-language voice acting, adjustable battle speeds, difficulty settings, and auto-saves. Most contemporary comforts you’d wish for are likely in this remake.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D introduces a crucial piece of gaming history to a new audience. At its core, it’s a classic RPG, but its quality shines as brightly as it ever did. While it lacks the exhaustive extra features of recent gaming retrospectives, it stands proudly among them by revitalizing a monumental game with the care it deserves. Many RPGs crafted over the past 35 years owe their brilliance to the trail blazed by Dragon Quest III.
