In more casual terms: Although Final Fantasy has been more popular lately compared to Dragon Quest, both games are crucial in shaping the Japanese role-playing game genre. Just like how Final Fantasy remakes have offered players a revamped way to relive the past, Dragon Quest is planning to let fans experience history with the Erdrick Trilogy – a remastered collection of the first three Dragon Quest games. The third Dragon Quest game was enjoyable, and now they’re releasing a package that includes Dragon Quest 1 and 2, in an HD-2D Remake format. I’m a big fan of old-school RPGs, but my knowledge about early Dragon Quest is limited; after trying out the remakes, I can’t wait to finish each game from start to end.
Initially, I was taken aback by the remarkable fusion of vintage pixel art and contemporary elements in these games. Frankly, I hadn’t fully appreciated Square Enix’s “HD-2D” aesthetic until now. My previous encounters with Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy left me feeling that HD-2D tended to lean towards a more subdued and muddy look. Despite my enjoyment of those games, the art style didn’t quite captivate me. However, Dragon Quest 1+2 has transformed this aesthetic into a much more vibrant universe. The color scheme and saturation evoke memories of 8-bit classics, making the stunning sprite work stand out even more.
This bundle encompasses not only the initial but also the second installments of Dragon Quest, games that, while basic compared to modern standards, are adorably charming due to their simplicity. The original Dragon Quest game served as an early blueprint for the series, showcasing a solitary hero battling hordes of slimes and creatures to vanquish evil. The second game, in a way, resembles early Final Fantasy titles with its rotating cast of characters joining and departing as the narrative unfolds. However, even at that time, the controls were predetermined to allow you to control the main hero directly while the other party members moved independently.
It seems like these two games are bundled as they individually have a narrow focus. However, when combined with Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, which was launched last year, they form a “trilogy” of the original Dragon Quest series. Dragon Quest 3 is actually a prequel to the other two, hence Square Enix opted to release them in the order that follows their chronological storyline. Yet, if arranged according to their original release – 1, 2, 3 – they provide a comprehensive view of the progression in early role-playing games. Initially, you start as a solo character, then move on to a group of nomads, and finally, you get a customizable party with job classes. Furthermore, Square Enix has added an epilogue at the end of DQ1+2 that neatly concludes this trilogy.
In my experience with both games, I’ve only delved into a few initial levels, limiting my exposure to intricate strategies and equipment management. However, it appears Square Enix recognizes the need for a ‘fast-forward’ feature in certain battles, particularly simpler ones at the beginning. While it’s enjoyable to pause mid-battle and appreciate the charming enemy attack animations occasionally, there’s no issue with speeding things up once you’ve seen them.
The narrative appears to adopt an antiquated English tone during translation, which stands out more noticeably compared to the DQ3 remake, in my brief experience. Initially, it felt somewhat comical, but given its playful approach, I grew to appreciate it after a slight adjustment of expectations.
What sets Dragon Quest apart, even though I’m a bit behind the curve (for those who are fans of Dragon Quest), is its rich characterization. From the music to the design of the enemies, everything seems both epic and delightfully cheerful. The enemy designs, viewed from the player’s perspective in DQ, have a humorous touch. It creates an enjoyable world to explore and embark on adventures within, and I’m eagerly looking forward to completing my journey.
The remastered 2D version of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 will be available for play on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 starting October 30.
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2025-05-27 19:11