Maroc - 3RD-STRIKE.COM - A La Une - 04/Nov 03:06

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake – Review

Few games have been so influential on the JRPG genre as the original Dragon Quest. Whether it’s Square Enix’ very own latest Final Fantasy entry or an indie game like Chained Echoes, their roots can all be traced back to the little JRPG that could. Nearly forty years later, Square Enix is revisiting those very same roots, giving both Dragon Quest I and II the same treatment that Dragon Quest III got last year. The two classics return bundled together, giving long-time fans and newcomers alike the chance to experience the beginning of the series. The question, then, is whether these remakes can capture the sense of adventure and discovery that made the originals so timeless or if their age is showing through that new coat of paint. Story If you’ve ever played a Dragon Quest game before, then you already have a good idea of what to expect here. Both stories follow the archetypal structure that would go on to define JRPGs for decades: a chosen hero, a looming darkness, and a world waiting to be saved. In Dragon Quest I, you take on the role of the legendary descendant of Erdrick, tasked with defeating the Dragonlord and rescuing Princess Gwaelin. It’s a simple premise, especially by modern-day standards, but it carries an unmistakable charm in its sincerity. This is a game hailing from a different time, but the simplicity makes it feel like a breath of fresh air. Offering a broader world and a more ambitious story, Dragon Quest II expands upon the foundation laid by that very first game. Set a century later, it follows three more descendants of Erdrick as they join forces to defeat an evil sorcerer. The jump in scope is noticeable here, not just in geography, but in tone as well: where the first game feels like a fable told around a campfire, the second feels significantly more epic. The focal shift to multiple heroes adds a layer of camaraderie that was missing before, and the world feels richer for it. That said, the writing retains the same level of simplicity across both games. It’s less about shocking revelations and more about the comforting rhythm of good versus evil, heroism versus despair. Graphics Square Enix’s HD-2D style remains one of the most visually distinctive aesthetics in modern gaming. We’ve already seen just how well the style pairs with the Dragon Quest series last year, and the effect hasn’t lost any of its luster here. Every frame of these remakes feels like a storybook illustration come to life, with painterly backdrops, soft lighting, and character sprites that glow with nostalgic charm. The world is bustling with life: Water glimmers under pixel sunlight, flames flicker inside cozy inns, and forests feel dense yet welcoming. We especially loved how the lighting subtly shifts depending on the time of day, giving even familiar places a sense of passage and presence. The camera occasionally zooms in to showcase specific details, like a bridge, a castle gate or a monster encounter. It’s in those particular moments that you really appreciate the visual depth this remake adds to the classic pixel art. That said, it’s worth noting that the environments retain the simplicity of their original layouts, which can make certain dungeons or towns feel empty compared to modern RPGs. On PC, the experience feels remarkably smooth as well, effortlessly keeping up a 60FPS frame rate. Sound For fans of the series, Koichi Sugiyama’s compositions will be instantly recognizable, and with good reason. Despite the limitations of the original hardware that the music debuted on, the 8-bit tunes have cemented their place in many a gamer’s playlist. They’ve been remade here, and the newly recorded orchestral arrangements breathe new life into these familiar melodies. Sound effects are appropriately nostalgic as well: Every weapon swing, spell cast, and enemy defeat is accompanied by a satisfying chime that feels as retro as it is crisp. Environmental audio has been expanded compared to the original, with small touches like rustling leaves and distant waves adding audible texture to the world. The only area of the soundscape that remained untouched with these remakes is voice acting, or the lack thereof. It’s not a huge miss, but actually hearing these characters come to life would have added to the overall immersion regardless. Gameplay When it comes to gameplay, the HD-2D remakes stay remarkably faithful to the source material, for better and for worse. These are still the same traditional, turn-based RPGs that the JRPG community has come to know and love over the last four decades. Combat is straightforward: you’ll attack, defend, cast spells, and manage resources. Every encounter demands patience and strategy rather than quick spectacle. It’s a deliberate change of pace that rewards careful planning. It might feel archaic to players accustomed to the faster, flashier systems of modern titles, but if you can get in the rhythm of things, there’s a meditative quality to Dragon Quest’s combat. Balancing spells, equipment, and turn order contributes to that. The overall progression curve remains satisfying throughout, especially in Dragon Quest II, where the way you assemble your party of heroes adds a layer of strategy. Dungeons hide clever puzzles and hidden treasures, and exploration feels rewarding thanks to smooth navigation and subtle environmental cues that come with the HD-2D visuals. That said, there’s no escaping the simplicity of the core loop. These games were made in a time before branching narratives, moral choices, side quests and dynamic dialogue trees. The structure is straightforward: explore, fight, rest, repeat. It’s a feeling that persists, despite the introduction of the expected quality-of-life improvements. Those include the ability to save anywhere, adjust difficulty options, and enjoy automatic battle speed-ups that keep grinding from becoming tedious. These subtle tweaks ensure the flow remains brisk without diluting the identity of the original games. It’s admirable just how close Square Enix decided to stick to the spirit of the games, and even more admirable that they were bundled together. It’s likely that this has to do with how short these games are: Dragon Quest I is only about 10 hours long, with Dragon Quest II doubling that runtime. Selling them separately at full price would have undoubtedly left a sour taste, but bundled together, the €59.99 RRP feels very reasonable. Conclusion While not as ambitious of a reimagining as Romancing SaGa 2 or as experimental as Octopath Traveler, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake succeeds in bringing two essential RPGs into the modern era. The HD-2D presentation gives these classics a new coat of shine without overwriting their legacy, and the quality-of-life updates make them far more approachable than ever before.The gameplay remains as simple as ever, and the stories won’t surprise anyone, but these games aren’t trying to reinvent themselves. Instead, they’re inviting players to experience the roots of the genre that shaped everything that came after. For series veterans, it’s a nostalgic homecoming. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to see where it all began.