It’s hard to start talking about DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake from Square Enix without mentioning the game’s heritage. It’s a callback to the JRPG’s golden era, and while it has its rough spots as one Steam review pointed out – the questionable voice acting and considerable grinding, it respectfully revamps a classic game. The game could’ve used some additional balancing but overall, given its roots, it feels like a satisfying journey of strategy and character development.

That’s true. Square Enix really nailed the turn-based battles and the speed at which they move. They’ve included quality of life improvements like auto battle and x4 battle speed that many modern JRPGs now use, but aren’t often found in remakes. It aids in making the game more fluid and easier to navigate.

Speaking of navigation, I really loved the game’s world. It’s not every day you come across a game that rewards exploration as much as this one does. It was nice to find all these towns, castles, and dungeons tucked away throughout the game, ready to be discovered by the player. The game world felt rich and expansive, staying true to the original layout but with enhanced visuals and depth.

Indeed! And the dialogue drives the exploration beautifully, creating a nice balance between exposition and discovery. The plot may not be as complex as some modern RPGs, but it clearly lets you understand the stakes and what motivates your character. The inclusion of the new ‘monster wrangler’ vocation was also a masterstroke. It allows for a greater depth in character customization and strategy, a real treat for completionists like me.

The new vocation was interesting, but I found more enjoyment in the strategic turn-based battles. Square Enix did well in highlighting the significance of weapon, ability, and spell choices. They influence combat results considerably, providing an extra layer of challenge for gamers looking to optimize their performance.

And don’t even get me started on the game’s visuals. The HD-2D graphics combined with sprite animation are nothing short of stunning. It was as if I was playing a hand-drawn masterpiece! The animations felt smooth, creating a great atmosphere during my speedruns.

I agree! Those HD-2D graphics are a feast. Besides, the orchestra soundtrack really helps liven up the audio side of things, and compliments the game’s epic scope immensely. Some users pointed out the mixed voice acting but in my opinion, it didn’t detract much from the overall experience.

Absolutely. The opening story segment left me thoroughly enticed, setting a high tone for the rest of the game. The narrative feels weighty and timeless – very DRAGON QUEST indeed. The unique character personalities and their interactions make for a compelling dynamic.

Well, even though it has its challenges like grinding and strategic battles, the game still feels balanced. It’s generous yet does not give everything away easily, you have to put in the time to level up and understand your characters’ skills and abilities.

In terms of replay value, the opportunity to uncover hidden secrets and explore branching paths adds a great deal of replayability to the game. The class swapping feature also encourages return playthroughs to try out different character builds and tactics.

I would recommend this game to fans of classic JRPGs or anyone interested in experiencing a beautifully remastered piece of gaming history. For similar experiences, games like FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE or OCTOPATH TRAVELLER also offer engaging stories, unique gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals.

Definitely! If you loved the original Dragon Quest III, or just enjoy a good JRPG, this game is well worth your time. Spend some time exploring, optimizing your party, and enjoy the journey. You won’t regret it.

Add DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake to your Steam Library today!