Game Information
Game Title: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Platforms:
- Xbox Series X/S (Nov 14, 2024)
- PlayStation 5 (Nov 14, 2024)
- PC (Nov 14, 2024)
- Nintendo Switch (Nov 14, 2024)
Trailers:
Developers: Square Enix, ARTDINK
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 85 average - 92% recommended - 60 reviews
Critic Reviews
33bits - Fernando Sánchez - Spanish - 92 / 100
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake offers an experience that respects and enhances the legacy of the original game. It maintains the soul of the classic game but the combination of an improved and expanded narrative, quality of life improvements, the refinement of mechanics and a superb audiovisual section makes this remake a mandatory gem for any player who likes JRPGs, knows or not the original game.
Atomix - Sebastian Quiroz - Spanish - 95 / 100
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the definitive version of one of the pillars of this industry. With this title, Square Enix has made it clear that they are capable of honoring the extensive legacy they have, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Final Fantasy VI or Chrono Trigger will get this treatment in the future. Make no mistake, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is one of the best remakes ever, and something that everyone should play.
But Why Tho? - Mick Abrahamson - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake made me a fan of Dragon Quest. This remake is an excellent introduction to Square Enix’s third RPG pillar.
COGconnected - James Paley - 80 / 100
Make no mistake, this is definitely the superior version of Dragon Quest III. The modern mechanics and slick visuals strike that balance between retro and modern sensibilities. Combat is as easy or as difficult as you need it to be. I wish the auto-battle system was less powerful, but it’s still an optional mechanic. Beyond all my gripes about it, playing this game was still a relaxing, compelling experience. I love level grinding, scouring dungeons, and taking down nasty monsters. The story is simple, but in a sweeping, grand fashion perfectly suited for Dragon Quest. Whether or not you’ve played the original, you’ll have a great time with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
Checkpoint Gaming - Pedro Cooray - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a triumphant remake of a classic. The new visuals and sound design are beautiful and elegant, with new systems updating just enough to keep it palatable to modern audiences while still keeping systems that make this game unique. Though some elements don't hold up to scrutiny, including some parts of the voice acting and writing, and enemy behaviour, they aren't enough to detract from how enjoyable this game is, now made more accessible than ever. With similar remakes of the first two Dragon Quests on the way, fans and new players are going to have a good time. The quality of Dragon Quest HD-2D Remakes hopefully inspires a higher quality of classic remakes to come.
ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9.5 / 10
Square Enix and Artdink have gone above and beyond to make sure this has been modernized and enhanced so that first-time players will have just as magical an experience as those who played the original in 1988. That’s the sign of passion and exactly what a remake should be
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is an excellent remake. Despite some cumbersome traditional gameplay mechanics the series holds onto, like item and party management, the classical turn-based combat is well-paced and offers a fair challenge to everyone.
Digital Trends - George Yang - 4 / 5
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake gives an NES classic the royal treatment it deserves.
Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 5 / 5
Dragon Quest III was a pioneer and was very far ahead of its time. The first Final Fantasy had only been released shortly before this game, yet in terms of storytelling, worldbuilding, and themes, Dragon Quest III was much more sophisticated than Square’s inaugural title. The HD-2D engine is just the cherry on top. Thanks to that, this is one of the best retro remakes I’ve ever played.
Digitec Magazine - Kevin Hofer - German - 4 / 5
“Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake” does justice to the original in all respects. The visual and acoustic presentation is simply brilliant. The few additions to the story make sense and don't distort the spirit of the original – even if its storytelling feels a bit old-fashioned. The new quality of life features in the menus and during battle are a welcome addition. Though, I would have liked the option to switch off the random battles completely.
DualShockers - Murillo Zerbinatto - 8 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D is unapologetically a remake made for long-time series fans. Anyone looking for a faithful representation of the classic game with updated graphics will get precisely that. The addition of Ortega's backstory is mildly interesting, but it doesn't elevate the story, which remains extremely basic. Gameplay and exploration remain the highlights of Dragon Quest III HD-2D and will provide hours of enjoyment for turn-based RPG enthusiasts. While it might serve as an entry point for newcomers to the franchise, its mechanics stand in contrast to what many expect from a contemporary RPG, potentially deterring them within a few hours.
Eurogamer - Daniella Lucas - 3 / 5
Some excellent enhancements make this the ultimate version of Dragon Quest III, but it could still do more to make it wholly welcoming to newcomers.
Everyeye.it - Antonello Bello - Italian - 7.5 / 10
Following the example of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an extremely faithful remake of the original material which, instead of aiming to conquer the new generations, chooses with conviction to address almost exclusively historical fans and those who still prefer gaming experiences that respect the typical canons of the old school.
Evilgamerz - Peter Derks - Dutch - 8.6 / 10
Is this really the definitive version of Dragon Quest III? Is this the version with all the content from all the other versions? Nope, not everything from the Gameboy Color version has been added. Is this the best version of the game? In my opinion, yes. Combat could have been balanced a bit better with fewer fights that for no reason suddenly give you a game over screen. The extra vocation, the stories of Ortega, the monster arena and all the other small quality of life additions limit the damage and ensure that this has once again become a fantastic remake.
Final Weapon - Angelus Victor - 4.5 / 5
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake brings the first of the Erdrick trilogy to a modern audience, and it manages to do so with beautiful graphics and various nice quality-of-life improvements that make the ageless RPG yet again a must-play for newbies or even veterans to the Dragon Quest franchise.
Forbes - Ollie Barder - 10 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is probably one of the best remakes I’ve ever played. Doubly so, as it nails what made the original game so special.
GAMES.CH - Sven Raabe - German - 87%
Even more than 26 years after its original release, Dragon Quest III has lost none of its likeable adventure flair. Although the HD-2D Remake could have been more modernized here and there, this does not change the fact that this is the best version of the JRPG classic.
Game Rant - Matt Karoglou - 9 / 10
Square Enix has taken one of the most beloved Dragon Quest games and given it a heavy visual uplift along with a slew of quality-of-life improvements.
GameBlast - Ivanir Ignacchitti - Portuguese - 8 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an excellent new way to experience a classic RPG. The new edition brings many elements that make the experience more accessible, but, amidst so many high quality titles of the genre, it's important to keep in mind the basic nature of the journey before diving in. Generally, it's a comfortable trip down a major reference for the genre, and it's specially recommended for those who are already enamored with the classic hero journey [archetype].
Gameblog - French - 8 / 10
Dragon Quest 3 Remake is a real sweet that brings us back to a time we sometimes miss terribly. With its beautiful 2D-HD graphics, reorchestrated music, non-negligible comfort options, excellent full French translation and sometimes timid new features, Artdink Corporation and Team Asano deliver the best version of one of the founding episodes of the license. A game that is good for nostalgia and whose touches of modernity sublimate a timeless work. A must for lovers of the saga and fans of turn-by-turn role-playing games and a very good gateway for neophytes.
Gameliner - Philip Zeldenthuis - Dutch - 5 / 5
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is an enjoyable JRPG with an engaging story, beautiful world, hidden treasures, deep dungeons, and challenging battles, enhanced by quality-of-life upgrades that make it more accessible; it's a nostalgic treat for fans and a worthy entry for newcomers, showing why the series is beloved—and with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake completing the trilogy next year, I’ll definitely be back for more.
Gamersky - Chinese - 8 / 10
If you're new to the beloved Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake could be the perfect introduction. Staying true to the original gameplay and combat system, this remake adds a few new touches, each of which is thoughtful and commendable. However, the core of the game remains rooted in its 30-year-old origins. Whether that feels 'a little too dated' depends entirely on your point of view.
GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a prime example of enhancing a classic without taking away the things that made it so endearing. It's a must-play experience and well worth diving into for fans of the original.
GamingTrend - David Flynn - 90 / 100
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake comes with its share of flaws and oddities that prevent it from being the perfect version of itself, but it's still just so darn good that they're easy enough to overlook. This is a beautiful remake of an already incredible game that is very faithful to its original, with changes only attempting to enhance what was already there. It may not always succeed, but when it does it makes for a sublime experience.
God is a Geek - Lyle Pendle - 8.5 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a wonderful way to play a classic of the genre, with gorgeous visuals and super fast combat.
Hardcore Gamer - Chris Shive - 4.5 / 5
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is how a classic game should be remade. The new graphics style brings Dragon Quest III into the modern era while maintaining the original iconic designs. The quality-of-life improvements also make the 36-year-old game feel modern without sacrificing the core elements of the original experience.
Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 80 / 100
Even among modern JRPGs, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake surprises with the great freedom it offers in the gameplay (even at the cost of sacrificing the narrative facet). And thanks to this new version and its improvements, we can discover a little piece of video game history in its final version.
IGN Italy - Alessandra Borgonovo - Italian - 7.5 / 10
A classic entry in the series comes back revamped in many aspect less the major ones such as combat system and generally balancing.
Kakuchopurei - Alleef Ashaari - 80 / 100
While Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake doesn't offer a ludicrous 100-hour playtime like Persona, recent Final Fantasy games or even the franchise's own Dragon Quest XI Echoes Of An Elusive Age, it doesn't need to because a game doesn't need to be 100+ to be a rich and rewarding experience. These combinations of the old and new are what make the Dragon Quest franchise still so iconic and relevant to this day. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake continues that tradition, adhering it to a tee while also dishing out some welcome quality-of-life additions.
LevelUp - Santiago Villicaña - Spanish - 8.7 / 10
Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake is the best way to play this classic JRPG thanks to its additions but also because it has the same soul that made the original game so important for the genre. It's visually stunning, magical and very attractive for new and old players.
Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 9.8 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a true masterclass in how to create a faithful remake of the original material, preserving all the magic of the 1988 game while making it accessible to a new audience through a series of quality-of-life improvements in combat and exploration. Just like the original game, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a must-play title for any fan of Japanese RPGs.
MonsterVine - James Carr - 3.5 / 5
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake accomplishes its goal of bringing a decades old game to modern standards, offering a gorgeous art style and some quality-of-life additions. The tactical nature of the combat still works, although the lack of tactics during boss fights is disappointing. A chunk of battle animations could have used more love as it doesn't feel like complete remake. The story isn't as compelling as more focused modern RPGs, but it does still offer satisfying world-building and a few emotional beats. That said, the pros outweigh the cons for this remake, even if the remaking could have gone a bit further.
Nintendo Blast - Lucas Oliveira - Portuguese - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake respects its origins while incorporating improvements that make the experience more accessible and compelling for a modern audience. With many pleasant additions and an impressive visual revamp, the title efficiently modernizes the 1988 classic, generates hype to check out the already announced remakes of the first and second chapters of the trilogy, besides giving us hope for the other 2D games in the franchise to also get upgrades in the same vein.
Nintendo Life - Mitch Vogel - 8 / 10
It's been a long time coming, and we're happy to report that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake largely lives up to expectations. Disappointing performance issues aside, this is a faithful adaptation of a treasured RPG classic that elevates its strongest aspects while doing its best to make up for any shortcomings. Some may be put off by its relative simplicity but, refreshingly, it neither overstays its welcome nor spreads itself thin with too many half-baked ideas. It goes without saying that fans of the original will want to snap this up, but if you're looking for a good 'entry-level' RPG or you just want to know what the long-running franchise is all about, Dragon Quest III is the game for you.
NintendoWorldReport - Neal Ronaghan - 9 / 10
It's not much more than a classic RPG, but the quality still shines through decades later. This might not have the archival material of some of the video game museum games that have come out lately, but it feels of a similar disposition as them because this is taking a titanic landmark game and giving it the tender loving care it deserves so it can be enjoyed by even more players in the current age. There might have been better RPGs made in the past 35 years, but most of them likely wouldn't be as good as they are without Dragon Quest III leading the way.
Noisy Pixel - Bailey Seemangal - 8 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake gives this classic a fresh coat of paint with a gorgeous HD-2D look and smart gameplay tweaks that make revisiting it feel worthwhile. With quality-of-life improvements and a flexible job system, it sticks close to its roots but doesn’t shy away from modern touches. While the high encounter rate and straightforward story might feel like holdovers from the past, it’s a satisfying trip back to a genre staple for those who don’t mind a little grind along the way.
One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 8 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake successfully balances the preservation of the original game while making it accessible to modern players. With features like autosave, a recall function, and difficulty selection, players can enjoy the classic game on their terms.
The graphical overhaul and fully orchestrated soundtrack enhance the visual and auditory experience, allowing players to appreciate the game as it was originally intended. However, there are minor issues such as the extremely slow pace of combat and uneven difficulty settings, which can easily turn off certain players.
PC Gamer - Kerry Brunskill - 91 / 100
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is welcoming for newcomers, a fan's dream, and a truly timeless classic.
PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 90 / 100
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a timeless classic with simple gameplay and narratives that engage and captivate the player. The title delivers an exquisite end-to-end experience thanks to its myriad of welcome improvements, stunning graphics, and delightful soundtrack.
Pizza Fria - Lucas de Azevedo Soares - Portuguese - 8.6 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a true treat for longtime fans and a great starting point for new players. The combination of HD-2D visuals and fidelity to the source material are top-notch, creating an experience that balances nostalgia with modernity.
Press Start - Steven Impson - 8.5 / 10
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a delicious serve of JRPG comfort food. It's got depth that kept me experimenting with new party setups, challenging enough situations to really test them, and an overall story that's keeps things interesting from start to finish with a beautiful visual style and music to match.
ProjectN - Dudu Cavagnari - Portuguese - 94%
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake captures the essence of what a video game should be. It's a simple game, yet it has so much charm and personality that it invites you to play. The HD-2D graphical style and the soundtrack blend perfectly with the game's vision, combining nostalgia with the power of modern technology.
Though challenging and with demanding grinding, it's recommended for all audiences, serving as a love letter to the series' fans and a stunning gateway to the world of JRPGs, which are gaining increasing recognition. However, the lack of localization in some languages is a downside, limiting the recommendation for those without an advanced level in the available languages.
Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 8 / 10
That eternal Dragon Quest charm is especially potent in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake - a thoughtful repackaging of a classic RPG. With its quality of life additions and delightful 3D visuals, it's easy to argue that this is the adventure's definitive form - even if some of its structural weaknesses remain in place.
RPG Fan - Zach Wilkerson - 90%
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake respects the original while also making it accessible to a modern audience, and it looks stunning while doing it.
RPG Site - Cullen Black - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest III returns with it's first new remake in years, recapturing the spirit of what made the original so special.
RPGamer - Matt Masem - 4 / 5
While it’s perhaps not quite as necessary these days to form long lines to purchase Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, playing the most up-to-date version of this legendary JRPG is equally as encouraged today as it was back then.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Sophie Glass - Unscored
A vast fantasy romp whose charming, breezy tone is occasionally threatened by little irritations and ugly stereotypes.
Seasoned Gaming - Alex Segovia - 8 / 10
I really appreciate Square-Enix going the extra mile to ensure one of the JRPG genre’s most celebrated early examples is available with a lot of thought and effort put into it.
Shacknews - Lucas White - 9 / 10
I admit, as fun as it looked with its shiny, new coat of paint and new features to play with, I approached Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake with some cynicism. How couldn’t I with a title like that? Seriously, it sounds more like I bought a used car than played a video game. But the charm and timelessness of Dragon Quest 3 will shine through anything, and having it on a big screen and operating like a modern game was admittedly exciting. For all the bells, whistles, and flourishes, this is still the classic adventure that inspired millions of players over thirty years ago. A polish job like this just makes it shine brighter.
Siliconera - Shaun Musgrave - 9 / 10
An excellent new take on one of the true classics of the JRPG genre. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers newcomers a wonderful entry point while also giving veterans a reason to tackle this quest again.
Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 8.2 / 10
This HD-2D Remake does justice to the grandaddy of the JRPG genre, a seminal game that is equally simple and charming in execution. New content, shiny new graphics and all that worked in the original title are included in this remake, and so it comes recommended for both old-time fans and newcomers.
SteamDeckHQ - Noah Kupetsky - 4 / 5
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a fantastic re-imagining of one of the best entries in the Dragon Quest series, even if it misses some quality-of-life improvements I would have loved to see. The game is drop-dead gorgeous and has a solid gameplay loop that I enjoyed. The extra features to speed up battles and automatically let your team fight helps with late-game grinding, and the vocation system is a joy to play around with. The new content is also a nice touch, and I particularly enjoyed playing with the new Monster Tamer vocation.
However, there are some little nuisances here and there that I wish were touched on. Some of the text can take a long time to read, with some unnecessary pauses, which is in stark contrast to how fast-paced other parts of the game are, and it ends up feeling like a nuisance. It's small in the grand scheme, but it happens in almost every battle or whenever you need to save, and many other JRPGs go a lot faster when doing something similar.
However, Dragon Quest 3 is a joy to play on the Steam Deck. The small compromises don't hinder the performance and playability of the Steam Deck, and it deserves that Verified badge it has. Regardless of how you play it, whether you want better battery life or 60 FPS, it will be wonderful no matter what.
TechRaptor - Tanushri Shah - 6.5 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a piece of eye candy that falls a bit flat on all other aspects.
The Games Machine - Danilo Dellafrana - Italian - 8 / 10
There's a Shakespearean love story that has cursed a village, a wayward king waiting for the right opportunity to get rid of the crown, a fantasy world modelled on our own, and a story that has decisively influenced Japanese fiction: Dragon Quest III is an invaluable piece of history, and this remake is the best way to play it. Provided you are able to stomach a dose of antiquated mechanics.
The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the best way to experience this RPG classic. With new QoL features, expanded story content, and a gorgeous new visual style, this is an unmatched entry in the whole franchise. And while there are a few things that feel dated, it still stands out as a masterpiece of the genre.
The Outerhaven Productions - Scott Adams - 5 / 5
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the best way to play Dragon Quest III. It looks beautiful, sounds amazing, and is an extremely satisfying game to complete.
TheSixthAxis - Miguel Moran - 9 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a wonderful new version of perhaps the single most influential JRPG. It isn't a top-to-bottom remake or a surprising meta-retelling – it's classic Dragon Quest, brighter and better than ever.
Video Chums - Mary Billington - 8.6 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake delivers the classic with an astonishing amount of upgrades that make it well-worth revisiting with its beautiful visuals, a superb new vocation, and many impactful quality of life enhancements. ⚔️
Wccftech - Kai Tatsumoto - 8.6 / 10
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, while not the definitive edition that includes all of the previous side content, embodies the perfect version of Erdrick's adventure that both old and new fans can appreciate as if a brand new adventure from Yuji Horii.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10
Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake is a charming and well-made update of one of the most classic RPGs of all time. It doesn't reinvent the mold and is too safe for its own measure, but at the same time, it's easily the most accessible and fun version of the game to date. You'll need to have some tolerance for dated design choices, but if you've ever wondered why people love the classic Dragon Quest so much, this is the game to play.
I have this problem as well. Especially at Metapgor right now. I can't finish the game without max all classes and social stats. While it's a lot easier than in Persona, i don't know when the game ends and how much time i get. So i try to finish a dugeon is the leadt amount of possible days, i'm able to archive. I once end up grinding on low lvl mobs, just to not lose a day.