Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is without a doubt the best version of this classic JRPG. The diorama graphics look phenomenal, the new features save you time without losing out on the game’s identity, and the Switch 2 makes everything run smoothly. Some completionists might not like how much content was cut, but these changes turn a hard-to-finish epic into an adventure new players can actually complete. If you gave up on the PS1 or 3DS versions, Reimagined clears almost every obstacle between you and one of the series’ best stories.

At the end of the day, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined doesn’t bring forward everything that’s been in previous versions of the title – but that’s not what it’s set out to do. This is a new 7 for a new generation, or even just long-time fans who want to re-experience this story with a bit more velocity than the previous versions allow, without trying to replace the still-excellent 3DS release. Seeing the team this willing to flip the script on the traditional formula leaves me very excited for the future of the franchise; if other remakes (or the distant future release of Dragon Quest 12) can take lessons from Reimagined’s mechanics or art style, I’ll be a very happy gamer indeed.

In Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Square Enix once again proves its ability to do a remake justice. The new orchestral soundtrack and handcrafted visual style not only elevate the immersion, but also make the game more enjoyable. The changes that streamline both story and gameplay also make the transition to newer hardware much more enjoyable. Combined with the deep accessibility options that let you adjust the difficulty and the episodic structure of the separate islands, this makes for a long RPG that even the busiest players will be able to enjoy at their own pace. If the quality of recent Dragon Quest games sets a new standard, I can’t wait to see what the teams at Square Enix will show us next.

Dragon Quest VI: Reimagined not only gives new life to a game that feels both heartfelt and solid. It also serves as a highly entertaining gateway to classic RPGs that many modern players will enjoy. It includes the necessary refinements to feel modern while preserving a nostalgic charm, and it reminds players that some stories remain timeless.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version is simply spectacular, and it demonstrates once again that, in skilled hands, the new hybrid console can deliver games of a quality comparable to consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, with the added bonus of portability.

It is strange to me that in the end, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is better for new players to Dragon Quest than existing fans. I would think that the “VII” next to the title would put off those newcomers, who would assume that they would be coming in six titles too late. More to the point, no RPG trading on nostalgia – port, remake, or entirely new game – should overlook the existing fans entirely. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined makes some very smart decisions with the narrative and gameplay, and is so very close to the perfect version of the masterpiece thanks to that, but players have to go in knowing that the challenge is essentially non-existent.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined revitalises an old classic with a loving overhaul to allow everyone to enjoy this adventure across time. This new take comes with a lovely visual style and other additions and tweaks to bring this story to a new generation. I definitely wouldn’t complain if Square Enix continues with the Reimagine for some of the following sequels stuck on older Nintendo handhelds.

You could tell me Dragon Quest VII Reimagined was an entirely new game released for the first time in 2026 and I’d believe you. At the same time it stays undeniably true to the original, with still enough tweaks to feel more approachable than many other RPGs.

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined proves to be a strong revisit of a classic, trimming the fat and including welcome additions to make for a magical experience that no fan of classic JRPGs will want to miss. Though I’m hesitant to call this the 'definitive' version of the game, given the content cuts, I would certainly say it’s the most fun version yet. Combine the more engaging pace of the narrative with some nice gameplay updates like moonlighting and those gorgeous visuals, and it’s tough to argue that the previous versions are more enjoyable.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined shows how to update the classical JRPG into the current era. There is undeniable well-working ecosystem at the core but thanks to new enhancements and graphics, it plays better than before. The amount of options will please many fans, even on repeated playthrough.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a well-done remake of the classic JRPG. The fantastical journey through time to save magical islands may seem a bit naive, but that's not a bad thing if you ask me. The new version boasts stunning graphics, full voice acting, and numerous improvements – although players who hate grind will find plenty of it here.

It’s wonderful to play Dragon Quest VII Reimagined today, knowing the importance of the original in JRPG history more than 25 years ago. It also does exactly what it says on the tin; this is a reimagining of the original, removing some parts entirely and vastly improving its pacing and story flow. Its combat is still as fun as ever, with dual vocations allowing for more experimentation, and the puppet and diorama art style pops. Purists may struggle with or question some of the bolder changes here, but this version feels like a solid entry point and is far easier to recommend than its clunky, long-winded original, even if it may feel just a little bit less epic.

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a classic RPG in a wonderful new form. With a streamlined story, countless options to ease the experience and a new visual style it hopefully means a new chapter for Dragon Quest remakes.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is the best way to play one of the most unique entries in this franchise. Many of its shortcomings won't be felt by first timers, and its countless improvements make it all too easy to revisit this adventure. It's still an unbelievably huge JRPG, but one that retains its unrivalled sense of cosiness and charm.

With Reimagined, forget the laborious epic of the original Dragon Quest VII on PS1. More beautiful than ever with its unique aesthetic, the game offers a much more enjoyable, condensed adventure thanks to its numerous accessibility and difficulty options. In this customizable experience, combat gains depth through the richness of dual vocations, allowing for combinations that are as improbable as they are powerful. However, in addition to some flaws from the original game that are still present, this modernized version sometimes pushes the accessibility features too far, making the adventure too easy at times. But make no mistake: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined elevates a great RPG to new heights and will be a landmark title in the category of ambitious remakes.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined brings back one of the longest JRPGs in the franchise with a reimagining that modernizes the visuals, streamlines the pacing, and preserves the spirit of the original. A charming adventure on Nintendo Switch 2 for fans of the genre.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined gives the game a whole new modern look while keeping faithful to the Dragon Quest spirit and identity. Thanks to its absolutely charming looks, outstanding quirkiness, and better pacing than previous versions, this remake strikes a good balance between nostalgic appeal and giving new fans a big welcome, which would work even better if its difficulty level was more demanding and its mechanics more complex.

All in all, I think Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is a great representation of the game, but I still think the 3DS version feels like the more complete package. The cut content is disappointing, even though some of the early streamlining and quality of life changes are nice to see. It’s still a really fun adventure with a charming story and beautiful visuals, but maybe not the version of Dragon Quest VII that hardcore fans were hoping for. Everyone else new to the game will likely not notice the changes though, and considering the secondary market price point on the prior releases of Dragon Quest VII, this Reimagined version is the way to go if you’re wanting to jump in for the first time.

Remagined mostly offers a rollicking good time that’s rarely too demanding as an RPG, asking only that you contain your cynicism about its typecast troupe of Irish and other nationalities.

While the audio and visual elements of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined are top-notch, those familiar with the depth of the original might not be entirely on board with the drastic changes. Although some are legitimate improvements, there is always a nagging feeling that there could have been a definitive Dragon Quest VII, and not just a "reimagined" iteration. Despite some misgivings from a long-time Dragon Warrior VII fan, this is still a righteous JRPG that delivers on most fronts. It’s easier than ever now, but thankfully not so easy that failure is impossible, and no one is likely to be stuck for long.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a comfy blanket of JRPG nostalgia, and despite having some pacing issues I never wanted it to end.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined offers both a refreshing visual and technical leap for those who enjoyed previous instalments in the series, as well as a different journey for those veterans who have already spent countless hours sailing the seas of previous versions of the game. It retains the purity of a classic and gives it enough flavour and agility to at least deserve a chance from any JRPG lover.

Perhaps it’s okay that Dragon Quest 7 is a bit of an odd duck. It’s because of that struggle that Dragon Quest found itself more in later entries, and became a series that could thrive and stand out as more than the funny, old school RPG with the goofy monsters. Perhaps this is a case of trying to cram a square peg into a round hole, making Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined feel “forced” in some ways. While it’s a gorgeous and fun adventure that feels quite good to play in a mechanical sense, it’s not one that’s leaving an impact on my soul the same way other entries have. It’s been nice to see these characters again in such a fascinating visual style, and some of the new additions are cool, but there’s a palpable Cliff Notes energy to the scenario that I can’t see resonating well with newcomers. I can’t speak for what actually happens when people play it of course, but my curiosity to see how that plays out is stronger than my actual emotional response to playing it myself.

Despite its 'bite-sized' diorama aesthetic and fragmented episodic structure, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is a masterclass in JRPG fundamentals. While the main narrative takes its time to find its footing, the game triumphs through its gorgeous visuals, a sweeping orchestral score, and modern quality-of-life features that respect the player's time. It is a charming, customisable, and deeply endearing adventure that proves even in the shadow of the Final Fantasy giants, Dragon Quest remains a premier franchise that demands your attention.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined leaves me in a weird position. If you were to ask me which version of the game I would rather play, I’d likely choose one of the previous ones. There’s just a vibe to them that this game intentionally chooses to abandon. But if you were to ask me which version of the game I would recommend to others, it’s this one. It’s a far brisker, friendlier game and one that I think most people would have a better time playing through.

The longest Dragon Quest is charmingly remastered and noticeably trimmed, but loses a bit of its heart in the process.

With its reworked graphics and battle systems, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is the definitive way to play the beloved JRPG, though some of its mechanics aren't as revolutionary as they once were.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined wants to have its cake and eat it too, but ends up feeling incredibly bland in most aspects. It's still a Dragon Quest game and is fun to a point, but in sanding off the edges of the original game it loses the charm of a time traveling adventure and becomes a rote, forgettable RPG checklist of a game.