Explaining why the slower pace of classic Japanese RPGs appeals to me can be tricky sometimes. Sure, I might occasionally gripe about random battles or dungeons leading nowhere, but the rhythm of a well-crafted RPG is something I cherish—it’s like indulging in a hefty plate of gaming comfort food. Dragon Quest III HD-2D could very well be my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting to experience that nostalgic coziness. It’s incredible to think that an NES RPG from the 1980s could still resonate so well over 35 years later. Even more impressive is that this revamped version feels refreshingly simple. This remake is essentially the same beloved game from 1988, adorned with some modern enhancements. It’s a clever, respectful update that keeps the essence of the original without feeling outdated.
For those newer to the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest III was the game that truly cemented the franchise’s place in Japanese pop culture. When it hit the shelves in 1988, it sold over a million copies on its first day, sparking an urban myth about the Japanese government banning weekday releases of Dragon Quest games (which isn’t true). The game’s incredible reception was well-deserved—Dragon Quest III was groundbreaking for its time. The first two titles, also set for HD-2D remakes, laid the foundation. The original game introduced the world with a single-character party and a straightforward quest, while Dragon Quest II expanded the party size and added more mechanics, albeit with a bit of awkward execution. However, Dragon Quest III truly excelled in every aspect.
You step into the shoes of a 16-year-old hero, the child of the legendary Ortega who fell battling the evil Baramos. After a stat-determining quiz in the opening, you embark on a global adventure to avenge your father and defeat Baramos. As you journey, you assemble a four-member team with characters and classes of your choice, embarking on different stories that involve helping various groups. The class system, initially simple, becomes increasingly complex and engaging. As your team gains experience, you can change their classes, retaining learned skills while resetting their stats to level one. This system encourages experimentation—transform a magic user into a powerful Sage or train a Priest with healing abilities and reshape them into a melee powerhouse. Revisiting Dragon Quest III and rediscovering its class system was like being wrapped in a familiar, warm embrace.
The timeless turn-based battle system reinforces that comforting sense of familiarity. The core mechanics of battle remain largely unchanged, though I found myself using the Tactics feature to enable auto-battles more frequently, especially against random overworld encounters. While it’s not my favorite turn-based system, it’s steadfastly reliable. It’s cozy not in the way a farming simulator might be, but through its familiar ambiance and atmosphere.
The remake supplements and enhances the original experience without overshadowing it. One notable addition is the Monster Arena, where you can recruit monsters for battles reminiscent of Pokémon. The storyline has been expanded to further explore the background of your hero’s father, Ortega. While not earth-shattering, this deeper dive enriches an essential character in Dragon Quest history. The remake also offers modern touches like voice acting in both English and Japanese, customizable battle speeds, three difficulty levels, convenient auto-saves, and more. If you wished for a current-day convenience in this remake, it’s likely included.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D successfully reintroduces an iconic game to a broader audience. It might be a classic RPG at heart, but the quality it exudes endures through the decades. Although it doesn’t come packaged as an “archival” release akin to a museum piece, it shares a similar purpose by honoring a monumental game with the care it deserves, opening it up for more players in this era. While many RPGs have surfaced in the last 35 years, most owe a debt of gratitude to Dragon Quest III for paving the way.
