Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake Sets the Standard for Square Enix Remakes Going Forward

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The Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it hints at exciting things to come from Square Enix. They’ve lovingly rebuilt these classic RPGs, blending the familiar with modern updates to create a fresh experience. After playing both games, I was really impressed by this balance, and I hope to see the studio use this approach for all future remakes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this remake perfectly captures the enduring appeal of Dragon Quest.

This updated version of the game successfully improves almost everything while still feeling true to the original. Previous remakes from Square Enix have either been very faithful to the source material – sometimes leaving things out, like with Final Fantasy Tactics – or have made big changes, as seen in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake finds a sweet spot, offering both fresh improvements and respect for the games people already love.

Beautiful Remakes That Honor the Series’ Classics

The Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake isn’t just a visual update; it reimagines how we remember these classic games. Square Enix used the beautiful HD-2D style – also seen in Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy – to give the games a fresh, yet timeless look. While the original games were limited by older technology, those limitations actually helped create their unique charm. These remakes really let those special qualities stand out.

The game’s graphics are stunning, looking like beautifully detailed, living dioramas. The pixel art is especially impressive during battles and in the environments, giving everything a dreamy, painted quality. While the characters still have a classic, simple design, their animations are now fluid and expressive. The towns feel truly alive with small details – flickering lanterns, shimmering water, and environments that feel solid despite maintaining the charming, old-school grid layout. This is exactly how I always imagined these games should look.

The remakes feel both true to the originals and wonderfully fresh. The first two Dragon Quest games were incredibly influential, essentially creating the blueprint for countless Japanese RPGs like Final Fantasy, Tales, and Persona. Square Enix has done a fantastic job bringing them back to life. Playing these updated versions really highlighted how much these early games influenced titles I’ve loved for years.

Modern Features That Enhance Dragon Quest Gameplay

The real strength of Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake isn’t just its updated graphics, but how much better it plays. Square Enix didn’t simply make it look prettier; they’ve carefully improved the gameplay with features that make it more enjoyable and accessible. These include options to speed things up, use cheats, and easily find secrets. This makes the game welcoming for new players and offers a fresh experience for longtime fans.

Battles feel quicker, more fluid, and react better to your commands. The game still uses a turn-based system, but improvements like easier enemy targeting, smoother visuals, and a more user-friendly menu make repetitive battles less tedious and the strategy clearer. You can also customize the speed of animations and adjust the difficulty to create a gameplay experience that fits your preferences. I found speeding up the battles especially helpful, as the default pace can feel a bit slow.

While the remake isn’t flawless, with some uneven pacing, minor changes to enemy difficulty, and small visual differences between the original games, these issues are minor. Overall, Square Enix’s Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake is a success. It manages to feel modern and fresh while still preserving the charm and nostalgia of the originals, a formula Square Enix should definitely build on in future remakes and projects.

How Future Square Enix Remakes Could Follow Suit

The Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake proves Square Enix has figured out how to successfully update its older games. They’ve tried different approaches over the years – sometimes with great results, like the Final Fantasy VII Remake, and other times with less success, as seen in Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition. This remake strikes a perfect balance, staying true to the original games while adding worthwhile improvements and honoring what fans loved about them.

Let’s use this as a standard for future remakes. Many fans, like me, are hoping for a remake of Chrono Trigger, and the Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake provides a great example of how Square Enix could approach it. Specifically, an HD-2D style that stays true to the original game but also adds worthwhile improvements. While I love the original story, I’d also love to see even more content, perhaps a new area like the one added in Dragon Quest II HD Remake, to expand the Chrono Trigger experience.

Several classic Square RPGs would benefit from the same treatment as Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake. A remake of Final Fantasy VI with updated 2D graphics would be amazing, especially for Terra’s story, and could make the villain Kefka even more frightening. Vagrant Story is another deserving title. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined would also be a great way for Square to demonstrate its remake capabilities. The success of Dragon Quest I + II HD Remake shows the huge potential for reviving these beloved JRPGs.

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2025-10-29 19:12