Dragon Quest VII Reimagined May Be the Best RPG of 2026 (Review)

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Square Enix is well-known for role-playing games, and Dragon Quest is one of their most popular franchises. The latest installment, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, is a complete remake of the beloved Dragon Quest VII. While the updated graphics are immediately noticeable, it quickly becomes clear that this remake was made with a lot of care and dedication. The original game was already excellent, but Square Enix has addressed its shortcomings, potentially creating one of the best RPGs of the year.

When it first came out, Dragon Quest VII was known for being a very long and substantial game, though it started slowly. Having played it, I can confirm it’s still a massive adventure, and revisiting the islands and their stories is a joy. Thankfully, Square Enix has sped up the beginning in Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, and this improved pace continues throughout the game. My only minor criticisms are that the characters could be more diverse visually, and the camera doesn’t always show off the world as well as I’d like. However, these don’t take away from what is still one of my favorite RPGs.

Rating: 5/5

Pros Cons
Striking, beautifully modernized visuals. Camera controls feel more limited than they should.
Thoughtful accessibility options. NPC diversity could be expanded.
An endearing cast full of personality.
Combat feels dynamic, strategic, and rewarding.
A charming narrative that isn’t afraid to hit emotional notes.

Stunning Visuals and Smarter Systems Make a Classic Feel New

While not the first remake in the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined offers truly remarkable changes from the original. The game boasts a beautiful, modern look with a unique HD diorama art style, which is a refreshing change from the HD-2D approach seen in other Dragon Quest remakes. This new style vividly brings the characters and worlds to life while staying true to Akira Toriyama’s classic designs. The islands are colorful and detailed, monsters move with personality, and dungeons feel more immersive than ever before. It’s more than just a visual upgrade; the art direction enhances the atmosphere of each location, making it feel carefully crafted.

Improved systems make a big difference, particularly in a long game like Dragon Quest VII. The game now flows more smoothly: you unlock job classes at a reasonable rate, battles are faster, and exploring feels rewarding instead of repetitive. Plus, players can customize their experience with gameplay modifiers – adjusting things like battle speed and healing – to play exactly how they want. These options are flexible, and I found them helpful for speeding up dungeons and returning to save points.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined feels incredibly vibrant and welcoming, making it a great entry point for new players. Long-time fans will also appreciate the extensive improvements and effort Square Enix has put into this classic RPG. It addresses the limitations of older versions, making the game feel modern and fresh, not just a nostalgic throwback. Even if you’ve played previous versions, RPG enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this reimagining – it’s a truly new and exceptional experience.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Is a Triumph of Storytelling and Discovery

Unlike many RPGs today, Dragon Quest VII stands out because of how its story unfolds. While there’s a main quest, it’s enriched by time travel and cleverly woven side stories that actually help you achieve your goal. You don’t just travel through different time periods – you rebuild entire civilizations, save islands from disaster, and see the long-term effects of your choices. Each island feels like its own little puzzle, and solving them gradually reveals more of the world. It truly felt like discovering lost history and changing the fate of the world.

Replaying this story, I was struck by how powerfully emotional it still is. The updated graphics and voice acting truly bring the characters and their journeys to life, making everything feel much more impactful. While the game maintains the delightful charm of Dragon Quest, it also features some unexpectedly somber moments. Discovering a cursed village or finding the remains of a fallen friend felt surprisingly affecting, and the remake really emphasizes these emotional beats. The cutscenes are beautifully done, the voice acting is sincere, and the story unfolds at a perfect pace, never rushing its more melancholic themes. Even after moving on, the experience stayed with me long after I finished playing.

The characters are a real highlight, with genuinely charming personalities. Kiefer’s bravery, Maribel’s witty remarks, and Ruff’s sweet nature are all incredibly well-developed – I didn’t realize how much I needed these characters until now. Their conversations feel realistic and are often surprisingly funny, which keeps the complex, time-traveling story emotionally grounded. I also appreciated Maribel’s development; though I initially found her harsh, she became a favorite character as the story progressed and she matured.

At its core, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is all about exploration and uncovering new things. Each island, kingdom, and story feels carefully made. I often found myself taking my time to chat with characters and search every building, not to get help or items, but simply because their lives and personalities made the world feel more real. It’s an RPG that truly values your curiosity, making you feel like an explorer discovering lost civilizations rather than just a hero finishing tasks.

Dragon Quest’s Most Ambitious and Rewarding Adventure Yet

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined offers a truly expansive experience, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s the kind of epic scope you expect from a classic JRPG, with a massive story, tons of different character classes, and a world that changes as you play. The game has been significantly improved, especially in combat. Battles are now faster, more thoughtful, and require strategy. Each character ability feels useful, and defeating tough bosses and monsters demands careful planning and teamwork. For players who enjoy optimizing their characters, the game offers a level of depth comparable to the best modern turn-based RPGs.

The game boasts impressively detailed worldbuilding. The central mystery is revealed at a good pace, keeping you hooked, and each island feels connected to the larger story, even though the game is divided into episodes. Unlike some RPGs, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined never feels repetitive and actually builds excitement as you play. There are truly touching moments that highlight the characters’ development and make the adventure feel rewarding.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a truly exceptional remake – one of Square Enix’s most ambitious yet. It respects the original game while updating almost everything with modern gameplay features. The game is beautiful to look at, emotionally engaging, and offers a lot of depth in its mechanics, all while maintaining a delightful charm. Most importantly, it recaptures the sense of wonder and exploration that made classic JRPGs so special. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a must-play for any RPG fan, and hopefully, it will inspire Square Enix to create even more fantastic remakes in the future.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is coming to PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on February 5th and will cost $59.99. We received a PlayStation 5 code from the publisher to review the game.

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2026-02-02 19:12