It’s always challenging to remake a beloved classic, especially one from a famous series. But with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, producer Takeshi Ichikawa and his team have successfully done just that. They didn’t just update the graphics or gameplay; they carefully improved and simplified the original game to make it even better. Their aim was to enhance the story, make the game flow more smoothly, and create a more engaging experience, all while preserving what fans loved about the original.
I just got to talk to Ichikawa and play Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, and wow, it’s clear they didn’t just remaster it – they really thought about how to make it better. It looks fantastic with all the updates, but it’s more than that. The way the game unfolds feels really smart, and they’ve clearly put a lot of work into making the story richer. As someone who loved the original, it still feels like Dragon Quest, with all that classic charm, but it’s also so welcoming for anyone new to the series. It’s like they carefully crafted it for both longtime fans and fresh players!
Dragon Quest VII Reimainged, A Modern Classic for the Ages
We at egmr.ru recently had the chance to interview Ichikawa about the upcoming release of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. With Dragon Quest celebrating its 40th anniversary and this game marking its 26th, Ichikawa shared details on what both longtime fans and new players can expect. He discussed changes made to improve the game, as well as exciting new content designed to surprise and please those who have played before.
ComicBook: Dragon Quest VII is regarded as one of the longest entries in the series and is known for its deliberately slow opening. How did the team balance the original’s structure while adjusting the pacing to meet modern player expectations?
Ichikawa explains that the changes to the story are meant to improve the game as a whole, making it more engaging and immersive. To achieve this, they simplified the storyline by removing side plots that didn’t directly contribute to the main story. They also added completely new content. The team aimed to enhance what players loved about the original game and create a richer, more compelling experience for today’s gamers.
ComicBook: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined features a visual style that is notably distinct from previous Dragon Quest remakes. How did the team decide on this art direction, and what led to choosing this approach over the HD-2D aesthetic used in other titles?
When we rebuilt DRAGON QUEST VII, we really wanted players around the world to love the characters, which were originally designed by Akira Toriyama. To make the story feel more immersive, we experimented with a unique art style – think of it like a detailed diorama or ‘hand-crafted’ look. This style also helped the characters, who have a different design than in other DRAGON QUEST games, really stand out and fit the world.
ComicBook: Dragon Quest VII is often remembered for its darker and more somber narrative tone. During development, was there any consideration given to softening these elements for modern audiences, or was preserving that tone a key priority?
Ichikawa explained that they’ve completely revamped the game, but kept the spirit and main story of the original intact.
ComicBook: As the Dragon Quest series approaches its 40th anniversary, how does the development team view the significance of Dragon Quest VII within the legacy of the franchise?
Ichikawa hopes this title will be a great way to kick off the 40th anniversary celebration of DRAGON QUEST and bring joy to fans.
ComicBook: Dragon Quest VII has already received a remake in the past. What factors led the team to revisit this title again, rather than focusing on other classic entries within Square Enix’s catalog that have yet to be remade?
DRAGON QUEST VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past first came out in 2000, making this year its 26th anniversary! We decided it was a great time to share its story and special atmosphere with more people, especially given the world we live in today. DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined isn’t just a retelling of the story and characters’ feelings; it also makes the game much easier to pick up and play. We think both longtime fans and new players will really enjoy it!
ComicBook: For players who completed Dragon Quest VII when it originally released, what aspects of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined do you hope will feel most surprising or impactful?
Ichikawa says the team really concentrated on updating the game’s graphics, story, and combat. They hope players will get completely lost in these key areas and have a great experience.
You can play Dragon Quest VII Reimagined on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC starting February 5th. If you’re not sure if you’ll like it, a demo is available, and you can even carry your progress from the demo into the full game if you decide to buy it.
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2026-02-06 17:20