Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake

Capsule ComputersDustin Spencer

10/10

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is not just a remake - but a triumphant tribute to the franchise and its fans. Seeing this game rebuilt from the ground up is an absolute joy to behold, making it one of the strongest RPGs to hit modern platforms in years. Not bad for a game designed over three decades ago.

Dragon Quest III was a pioneer and was very far ahead of its time. The first Final Fantasy had only been released shortly before this game, yet in terms of storytelling, worldbuilding, and themes, Dragon Quest III was much more sophisticated than Square’s inaugural title. The HD-2D engine is just the cherry on top. Thanks to that, this is one of the best retro remakes I’ve ever played.

CBRRenan Fontes

9/10

Square Enix have gone above and beyond honoring the original duology's legacy, whilst addressing virtually every single flaw both games originally had. Dungeons are massive labyrinths that'll challenge you every step of the way; the world is dense with secrets for those who can't help but explore every nook & cranny; and the series' deceptively deep combat is equal part addictively fun and rewardingly strategic. Stylish, gripping, and full of the heart that's defined the series since 1986, Dr...

Checkpoint GamingPedro Cooray

9/10

The marketing for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake spoils a lot of its story. This is the third Dragon Quest game, and it’s only revealed well into the second half that – spoilers – this is a prequel to Dragon Quest 1, something most trailers for this remake state outright. With similar remakes of DQ1 and 2 coming out next year, part of me wonders why they’re being released in “chronological order” when that’s not how these stories are designed. Regardless, this is a phenomenal rem...

Press StartSteven Impson

8.5/10

Dragon 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.

Impulse GamerGareth Newnham

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a curious beast.

GameSpotHeidi Kemps

8/10

You won't find a more fundamental JRPG than Dragon Quest III, and this is easily the best way to experience it

XboxEraGenghis "Solidus Kraken" Husameddin

7.3/10

Make no mistake, I had fun playing DRAGON QUEST III. I appreciate what it’s done and brought to the table. But over the course of its runtime, I found myself losing interest thanks to a bombardment of random encounters and not enough between all that. So many games have come since then (and are still coming out today!) that have been greatly influenced by this JRPG classic, bringing their own twists and turns to storytelling and battle systems. There’s a good time to be had here in the HD-2D Remake, but if you’ve never played DRAGON QUEST III before, walk in with tempered expectations and to b...

GameSpewRichard Seagrave

7/10

Consisting of remakes of the first two games in the series, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is a somewhat simpler experience than Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. You play the first game with just one party member, for example. It's still charming, though, with Dragon Quest 2 being a highlight, but both titles still might feel a little too archaic in ways.

TechRaptorTanushri Shah

6.5/10

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a piece of eye candy that falls a bit flat on all other aspects. 7

EurogamerDaniella Lucas

Some excellent enhancements make this the ultimate version of Dragon Quest III, but it could still do more to make it wholly welcoming to newcomers.

PolygonMichael McWhertor

Unscored

For the Dragon Quest-curious, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake offers a slickly designed new way into the venerable RPG franchise. It’s a solid starting point, thanks to its relative simplicity and ease of play. It’s also the very first Dragon Quest game chronologically, setting up the story for next year’s Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. So if you’ve ever been charmed by Dragon Quest’s Slimes but weren’t sure where to start on your adventure, strangely, it’s the glossy remake of the third installment in the franchise.