Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake usher in bold updates to the original games that made turn-based RPGs what they are today.
The team goes hands-on at PAX East and enjoys the stunning changes as new life is breathed into the classics.
One of the most noticeable things we saw upon our time with both remakes of the classic Dragon Quest games is just how gorgeous the new games are turning out to be. They’re not just a carbon-copy of the recent Dragon Quest III remake, they seem to push aspects of the games in new ways, from flowing topography to improved frame rates.
While Dragon Quest II sees huge improvements, it was the original game that we wanted to see the most. Just how would a now seemingly basic trun-based experience translate into modern times? The answer is that Square Enix’s development staff have create magic, redefining the game while tracking those original story beats with new ties to Dragon Quest III. Not only is it beautiful, but the quality of life changes — like facing more enemies in combat and the shifts in leveling and power that go along with it — create what amounts to as almost a new game.
To paraphrase the old saying, it’s like playing the first game again for the first time. It’s that new, but it’s still the same.
Word was also given to us that the game will now launch on Switch 2 alongside its previous Switch, PS5, Xbox and PC versions on October 30, 2025.
Stick tuned to SideQuesting for more info on the game!
SideQuesting had a chance to go hands-on with the project at PAX East 2025.
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