- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: Nov 14, 2024
- Also On: PC, Switch, Xbox Series X
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a captivating JRPG with a rich story, stunning world, and challenging gameplay, enhanced by welcome QoL upgrades. Whether you're a fan or newcomer, it’s a must-play, and with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D on the way, the trilogy is shaping up to be unmissable.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is probably one of the best remakes I’ve ever played. Doubly so, as it nails what made the original game so special. While some have had issues with how Japanese role-playing games work, the Wizardry lineage is also hard to ignore, so those criticisms are clearly moot and quite ignorant by this point. In any case, if you’ve never played a Dragon Quest game, then this is the one to start with.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake from developer Artdink and publisher Square Enix has set a new standard with how remakes of old RPGs are done. The release improves and tweaks elements of gameplay while maintaining the core structure that made the original release great. Add in a creative visual comprise between old and new school with a gorgeous soundtrack underneath, and you have yourself one of the better remakes in 2024.
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Nov 21, 2024A Remake that is a lesson in how to make a game more enjoyable without losing its originality. Some of the mechanics may feel dated to modern gamers, but players who grew up with retro J-RPGs will be in heaven.
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Nov 17, 2024Fans of the original Dragon Quest III will feel right at home with this stellar HD-2D Remake. Rise, fellow heroes, and slay the great Archfiend.
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Nov 15, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D walks a tightrope of appealing to a brand new audience while also remaining true to the original that helped shape gaming as we know it today. This endeavor could have ended up a disaster in so many ways, but it ended up being nearly perfect. I fell in love with this series all over again and find myself more appreciative of the time-saving mechanics than ever. This is the best way to play one of the best games of all time, and it has catapulted my excitement for the upcoming HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest I & II into the stratosphere.
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Nov 13, 2024With this remake, Square Enix breathes new life into the beginning of the Erdrick-Trilogy. Where our imagination had to do its part in the original, now the games breathtaking visuals leave us stunned. Whether you are a complete Dragon Quest newbie or an accomplished hero of past adventures, we can wholeheartedly recommend the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake to any fan of an amazing JRPG experience.
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Nov 13, 2024There's enough in here to keep longtime fans happy, and it's an excellent starting point for those who want to experience one of Dragon Quest's older entries. Despite the new art style and QoL improvements, the game still shows its age at times - mostly in its story structure and exploration. The original DQ3 is often hailed as an RPG masterpiece, and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has breathed fresh air into it. One might even say it's a new classic of an old classic.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake manages to bring together the best of both worlds: the charm and freedom of old-school games with the comfort and fluidity of modern titles. This starts from a visual point of view with a more successful HD-2D style than ever that looks like an achievement for Team Asano. Controller in hand, the adventure benefits from so many comfort options that it becomes more fluid than ever and modular to satisfy all audiences. Thanks to all this, we find with great pleasure the feeling of freedom typical of Famicom games with gameplay that shines as much by its simplicity as by the combinations offered. And if we can criticize it for the structure of its dungeons, some less beautiful environments and its technique on Switch, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake still succeeds in its bet to bring back to taste a timeless classic in the best possible conditions.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is something magical. Not only does it provide a grand experience for long-time fans, but it also has enough quality-of-life improvements for those looking to start their Dragon Quest adventuring. This is quite possibly the gold standard of classic RPG remake.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a prime example of enhancing a classic without taking away the things that made it so endearing. It's a must-play experience and well worth diving into for fans of the original.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is how a classic game should be remade. The new graphics style brings Dragon Quest III into the modern era while maintaining the original iconic designs. The quality-of-life improvements also make the 36-year-old game feel modern without sacrificing the core elements of the original experience. There are certain aspects that may not appeal to everyone, such as maintaining the original first-person battle perspective instead of changing it to the more animated one seen in more recent Dragon Quest games, or the omission of the Pachisi minigame. Even with these criticisms, however, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is among the best releases of 2024, reimagining the classic game in a contemporary form without sacrificing any of the original charm.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a triumphant remake of a classic. The new visuals and sound design are beautiful and elegant, with new systems updating just enough to keep it palatable to modern audiences while still keeping systems that make this game unique. Though some elements don’t hold up to scrutiny, including some parts of the voice acting and writing, and enemy behaviour, they aren’t enough to detract from how enjoyable this game is, now made more accessible than ever. With similar remakes of the first two Dragon Quests on the way, fans and new players are going to have a good time. The quality of Dragon Quest HD-2D Remakes hopefully inspires a higher quality of classic remakes to come.
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Nov 13, 2024As a remake, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D honors the spirit of the original game in a way that preserves it for future audiences. For better or worse, this means retaining the grindy nature of an old-school JRPG and some occasionally obtuse mechanics. But throughout the experience, it's hard to shake the undeniable feeling of nostalgia that permeates every moment of gameplay. Playing Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is the equivalent of JRPG comfort food, and if that's any indication of what players can expect from the upcoming remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, I can't wait to pull up a seat at the table again.
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Nov 13, 2024When I finally beat the superboss, when I finally finished doing everything I wanted to in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, I hesitated to turn it off. I walked around. I grinded. I tried to picture my grandparents playing through it, tried to replicate how they’d play it. I couldn’t, of course. They are gone. But what a treasure it is to remember them with this lovingly crafted, faithful, and pure remake of a game in a series we cherish so much. Square Enix got it right, and I’m excited for the families who get to share this experience for the first time.
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Nov 13, 2024A gorgeous JRPG that is even better now. One of the best remakes in the last years, full of improvements and new content.
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Nov 13, 2024Square Enix brings back a cornerstone from the JPG golden era through a remake that does exactly what it needed to do: adapt both its visual style and gameplay to current standards. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake thus becomes a living legacy to the cultural heritage of the original entry.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a timeless classic with simple gameplay and narrative that engages and captivates the player. The title delivers a polished experience from start to finish thanks to its myriad of welcome improvements, stunning graphics, and delightful soundtrack.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake is the best way to play this classic JRPG thanks to its additions but also because it has the same soul that made the original game so important for the genre. It’s visually stunning, magical and very attractive for new and old players.
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Nov 13, 2024Even more than 26 years after its original release, Dragon Quest III has lost none of its likeable adventure flair. Although the HD-2D Remake could have been more modernized here and there, this does not change the fact that this is the best version of the JRPG classic.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, while not the definitive edition that includes all of the previous side content, embodies the perfect version of Erdrick's adventure that both old and new fans can appreciate as if a brand new adventure from Yuji Horii.
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Nov 13, 2024Overall, I think the changes and new features were enough to make the game much more enjoyable today, not to mention the incredible visuals provided by HD-2D and the unforgettable art by Akira Toriyama. Other than that, I think if you give Dragon Quest III HD-2D a chance, you'll be really surprised by how innovative it was and everything it was able to deliver as a small NES game in 1988 and, now, again in 2024.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake delivers the classic with an astonishing amount of upgrades that make it well-worth revisiting with its beautiful visuals, a superb new vocation, and many impactful quality of life enhancements.
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Dec 2, 2024The Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake beautifully reimagines the original with great visuals. While its traditional gameplay mechanics might deter newer players, fans of classic JRPGs, particularly those with nostalgia for Dragon Quest, will thoroughly enjoy the experience.
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Nov 18, 2024The remake brings several good quality of life improvements, new content, a newly recorded soundtrack and more. The visual style chosen also fits perfectly, making the experience feel timeless. So for fans and newcomers alike, this game is excellent to get in on, although it is a bit curious that a 4K at 60fps option is missing. Also, the encounter rate is just a bit too high, which can be a bit annoying.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a delicious serve of JRPG comfort food. It’s got depth that kept me experimenting with new party setups, challenging enough situations to really test them, and an overall story that’s keeps things interesting from start to finish with a beautiful visual style and music to match.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a formidable reconstruction that is absolutely faithful to the original games, which includes the additions that were made in different versions, adding even more aspects to make it a very enjoyable RPG today. Due to the high fidelity with respect to the classic, its conventions and a very purist style of play are maintained, something that is aimed especially at veterans. In any case, it is an excellent entry point to discover the Dragon Quest license, and it is important to play it in case in the future you want to be encouraged to discover its narrative sequel, which we will have next year with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.
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Nov 13, 2024If you are fan of the retro, slower, turn-based JRPG systems of yesteryear, then you’re going to love Dragon Quest III HD-2D, but if not, then this game is probably going to test your patience pretty quickly and probably won’t be the game to change your feelings towards the classic way to play.
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Nov 15, 2024Old meets new in this gorgeous, JRPG that long time fans of the genre are bound to adore.
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Nov 13, 2024This HD-2D Remake does justice to the grandaddy of the JRPG genre, a seminal game that is equally simple and charming in execution. New content, shiny new graphics and all that worked in the original title are included in this remake, and so it comes recommended for both old-time fans and newcomers.
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Feb 7, 2025With beautiful visuals and new scenes in its story, this remake successfully translates the original’s charm and storytelling that allows the player to imagine the world and story in their own way. However, the essence of this adventure is diluted by the many modern quality of life improvements, resulting in a remake that takes a direction that can be questionable for fans of the original.
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Dec 28, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a remarkably fresh and modern title despite the age of its original. It provides numerous ways to appeal to contemporary gaming audiences while keeping pathways open for traditionalists who cherish the classic experience. Its greatest strength lies in its atmosphere and stunning audiovisual presentation. Beyond that, it’s "just" an excellent JRPG.
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Dec 2, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a constant blur in my brain. What I see, and what I hear, is not felt in my hands, which return to the late '80s and embark on a pixel art adventure, but now more HD than ever. This is not bad, on the contrary, it is a dichotomy that no other remake or remastering has made me feel until now.
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Nov 19, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D is a good adaptation that stays very faithful to the original material, though at times it can feel a bit tiresome. It’s a satisfying and well-prepared experience that only RPG fans, in general, will truly appreciate.
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Nov 14, 2024If you're new to the beloved Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake could be the perfect introduction. Staying true to the original gameplay and combat system, this remake adds a few new touches, each of which is thoughtful and commendable. However, the core of the game remains rooted in its 30-year-old origins. Whether that feels 'a little too dated' depends entirely on your point of view.
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Nov 14, 2024It’s hard to deny Dragon Quest III HD-2D is anything other than the perfect remake. It’s a faithful recreation that does an admirable job of fixing up the creakier aspects of a nearly 40 year old game while keeping the original’s spirit very much intact. While it may be a little tough to recommend to anyone new to Dragon Quest (or RPGs in general), longtime fans of the series will find a lot to love.
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Nov 14, 2024Dragon Quest 3 Remake is a real sweet that brings us back to a time we sometimes miss terribly. With its beautiful 2D-HD graphics, reorchestrated music, non-negligible comfort options, excellent full French translation and sometimes timid new features, Artdink Corporation and Team Asano deliver the best version of one of the founding episodes of the license. A game that is good for nostalgia and whose touches of modernity sublimate a timeless work. A must for lovers of the saga and fans of turn-by-turn role-playing games and a very good gateway for neophytes.
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Nov 13, 2024Make no mistake, this is definitely the superior version of Dragon Quest III. The modern mechanics and slick visuals strike that balance between retro and modern sensibilities. Combat is as easy or as difficult as you need it to be. I wish the auto-battle system was less powerful, but it’s still an optional mechanic. Beyond all my gripes about it, playing this game was still a relaxing, compelling experience. I love level grinding, scouring dungeons, and taking down nasty monsters. The story is simple, but in a sweeping, grand fashion perfectly suited for Dragon Quest. Whether or not you’ve played the original, you’ll have a great time with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake is a charming and well-made update of one of the most classic RPGs of all time. It doesn't reinvent the mold and is too safe for its own measure, but at the same time, it's easily the most accessible and fun version of the game to date. You'll need to have some tolerance for dated design choices, but if you've ever wondered why people love the classic Dragon Quest so much, this is the game to play.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D is unapologetically a remake made for long-time series fans. Anyone looking for a faithful representation of the classic game with updated graphics will get precisely that. The addition of Ortega's backstory is mildly interesting, but it doesn't elevate the story, which remains extremely basic. Gameplay and exploration remain the highlights of Dragon Quest III HD-2D and will provide hours of enjoyment for turn-based RPG enthusiasts. While it might serve as an entry point for newcomers to the franchise, its mechanics stand in contrast to what many expect from a contemporary RPG, potentially deterring them within a few hours.
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Nov 13, 2024Although not perfect, DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake modernizes the decades-old classic while setting the stage for the sequel, ultimately making it an essential game for JRPG enthusiasts and DQ die-hards alike.
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Nov 13, 2024Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake gives this classic a fresh coat of paint with a gorgeous HD-2D look and smart gameplay tweaks that make revisiting it feel worthwhile. With quality-of-life improvements and a flexible job system, it sticks close to its roots but doesn’t shy away from modern touches. While the high encounter rate and straightforward story might feel like holdovers from the past, it’s a satisfying trip back to a genre staple for those who don’t mind a little grind along the way.
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Nov 13, 2024That eternal Dragon Quest charm is especially potent in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake — a thoughtful repackaging of a classic RPG. With its quality of life additions and delightful 3D visuals, it's easy to argue that this is the adventure's definitive form — even if some of its structural weaknesses remain in place.
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Nov 13, 2024Following the example of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an extremely faithful remake of the original material that, rather than aiming to conquer the new generations, confidently chooses to address almost exclusively historical fans and those who still prefer gaming experiences that respect the typical canons of the old school. Although the adjustments made to the gameplay have made it more accessible and enjoyable, the combat system lacks the strategic depth for which the series and its genre are renowned; as a result, the options available in battle are very limited and the random encounters consume practically the same way, resulting in a repetitive and boring experience in the long run. While fans might find Ortega's flashbacks and the new graphics a pleasant incentive to dust off a great classic from another time, newcomers risk coming up against outdated logic and mechanics, which unfortunately the Dragon Quest series doesn't seem ready to bury in its glorious past yet.
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Nov 13, 2024A classic entry in the series comes back revamped in many aspect less the major ones such as combat system and generally balancing.
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Dec 2, 2024The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a stunning tribute to one of the most influential RPGs of all time. While not without its flaws, it successfully captures the heart of the original while offering a polished, modern experience. Fans of the series and newcomers with an appreciation for retro-inspired games will likely find this remake a worthy addition. However, for those seeking a more action-packed or dynamically animated experience, the game may not fully meet expectations. With its rich legacy and careful modernization, this remake strikes a delicate balance between honouring the past and embracing the present.
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Nov 25, 2024Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake is enjoyable to explore, but the endless random battles get tiring after a while.
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Nov 13, 2024This remake of Dragon Quest 3 remains very old-fashioned; it's at times uncompromising and it's missing some modern quality of life features. For existing fans of the JRPG classic and those who aren't afraid of a challenge, however, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake will no doubt prove to be captivating.
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Nov 13, 2024Graphically polished and therefore visually attractive gem for genre and series fans. However, a lack of depth in the story and characters quickly leads to monotony.
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