Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake gameplay in new teaser trailer hints at big story changes coming to these legendary titles

On March 27, 2025, during the Nintendo Direct of that same month, Square Enix unveiled the initial gameplay trailer for their upcoming Xbox JRPG, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.

This game collection is called a “two-pack” and it includes updated versions of the first two games from the Dragon Quest series. The updates include enhanced gameplay and an attractive HD-2D visual style, similar to that seen in Octopath Traveler and the Live A Live Remake.

Below you can find a teaser trailer showcasing the gameplay for the upcoming remakes. It includes brief scenes from each game’s narrative, as well as subtle indications of notable modifications compared to the original versions.

If you’re not familiar, Dragon Quest I and II occur several years after the events in Dragon Quest III and constitute the second part of what is commonly referred to as the ‘Erdrick Trilogy’. These games revolve around Erdrick, the principal character from Dragon Quest III, and his lineage.

In Dragon Quest 1, you take on the role of a nameless, legendary hero who is summoned by the king of Alefgard. Your mission: Rescue his kidnapped daughter and thwart the malevolent Dragonlord to save your kingdom from impending doom.

In Dragon Quest 2, you take on the role of the Prince from Midenhall, setting off on an adventure together with your two kin, aiming to thwart the malevolent sorcerer Hargon’s conquest of the realm.

In the 1980s, the first two installments of Dragon Quest – Dragon Quest 1 and 2 – were highly acclaimed games, shaping the way future generations of console-based turn-based Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) would be designed and experienced.

Based on the gameplay trailer shown, it appears that the core gameplay and narratives of Dragon Quest I and II will largely stay the same in their HD-2D remakes.

In the trailer’s conclusion, there appears a hint of a fresh character joining our team in Dragon Quest II, represented by a youthful girl in a sunny dress – a suggestion rather than an explicit statement.

The original Dragon Quest II was unique as it only featured three party members throughout the entire game. However, in the HD-2D remake, it seems that we will be introduced to additional party members, suggesting a change from the initial trio.

It seems possible that the Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake could introduce fresh gameplay elements. Might we anticipate a change in the hero’s adventure, as he potentially welcomes companions to join him on his quest for the first time, unlike the original Dragon Quest where only the main character embarked alone?

To find out for sure, we’ll need to keep an eye on the progress of the game, as it’s due for launch towards the end of the year on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo platforms, and personal computers through Windows and Steam.

In my critique, I found myself utterly captivated by the improved gameplay elements and modifications in the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. I’m absolutely thrilled at the prospect of witnessing Square Enix breathe new life into the initial two installments of this iconic series, tailoring them for the contemporary gaming landscape.

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2025-03-27 22:39