I often find myself struggling to convey to others why I enjoy the slower, deliberate pace of classic Japanese RPGs. Sure, I might occasionally gripe about random encounters or labyrinthine dungeons, but there’s something inherently satisfying about the rhythm these games offer. For me, they’re some of the most comforting games out there. Dragon Quest III HD-2D could well be the perfect ambassador for this feeling, capturing that nostalgic warmth beautifully. It’s pretty mind-blowing how this RPG from the 1980s still shines today, more than 35 years down the line. And what’s truly impressive is how this remake manages to stay true to its roots without making the gameplay feel outdated. Essentially, it’s the 1988 classic, now adorned with modern enhancements, and it’s a brilliant example of how to update a beloved game with respect and care.
For those who aren’t steeped in the Dragon Quest lore, the third installment was a crucial moment for the series, cementing its place in Japanese pop culture. When it launched, it sold over a million copies on the first day, fueling the myth that the Japanese government had to mandate no weekday releases for the franchise (spoiler: that’s just a myth). Dragon Quest III was a landmark title for its time. Its predecessors each had their own roles in laying the series foundations: the original game introduced us to a party of one with a straightforward storyline, while Dragon Quest II offered a fuller party and deeper mechanics, albeit with some stumbles in gameplay. But it was Dragon Quest III that really hit its stride and delivered a standout experience.
In this adventure, you step into the shoes of the 16-year-old child of the legendary hero Ortega, who died battling the villain Baramos. Your journey begins with a personality quiz that sets your character’s stats, and from there, you embark on an epic quest to avenge your father’s death. You assemble a team of four, choosing different characters and classes, and engage in a series of mini-adventures helping various groups you meet along the way. The class system starts off simple but soon reveals its depth. As your party members advance, you can switch their classes while retaining learned abilities. This results in some truly fascinating party combinations. Perhaps you’ll upgrade a magic user into the powerful Sage class, or transform a skilled healer into a melee powerhouse who can both resurrect allies and pack a punch. It’s been years since I last played Dragon Quest III, but revisiting the flexible class system felt like a familiar embrace.
The turn-based battle system retains its classic charm, providing a reliable and comforting experience. While I found myself using the auto-battle mode via the Tactics settings more frequently, especially for random encounters, the system’s familiarity remains appealing. It’s like a cozy blanket—not in the cozy-farm-sim sense, but in how it wraps you in nostalgic vibes.
The remake adds thoughtful enhancements to enrich the experience. The Monster Arena is one of the standout additions, allowing players to recruit and pit monsters against each other in Pokemon-style battles. Additional story content fleshes out the backstory of your hero’s father, Ortega, adding depth to his character. While not earth-shattering, it’s a nice touch that shines light on an important figure in Dragon Quest history. The modern polish doesn’t stop there — expect voice acting options in both English and Japanese, adjustable battle speeds, three difficulty levels, user-friendly auto-saves, and more. If there’s a modern feature you wished for, it’s probably in there.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D brings this iconic game to a broader audience, serving as more than just a classic RPG. Its enduring quality still sparkles decades later. While it may not come bundled with the archival extras of some recent video game museum pieces, it’s very much in the same spirit—taking a historic game and giving it the loving upgrade it deserves for today’s players. Even though many fantastic RPGs have come since, they likely wouldn’t be the same without Dragon Quest III paving the way.
