Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake cover image

Links

Steam

Playstation

Twitch

CRITIK

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Item: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableNov 14, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X

DeveloperArtdink

Overview

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally appreciate the classic and straightforward nature of the story in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Critics like Pure Xbox and Meristation find the story engaging, with small side stories adding depth to the adventure. They praise the traditional JRPG elements and the protagonist's journey to save the world from evil, which sets a solid foundation for the game's narrative. Additionally, Impulsegamer and RPG Fan highlight the emotional depth and character development brought by flashback scenes, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the simplicity and lack of depth in the narrative. Critics like GAMINGbible and Digital Trends mention that the story may feel lacking compared to more contemporary RPGs, with interchangeable companions and a flavorless narrative. Multiplayer.it criticizes the story for being approximate and the characters for being anonymous, indicating a lack of memorable or impactful storytelling elements. These critics feel that the game focuses more on classic RPG conventions and exploration rather than delivering a compelling narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers a classic and straightforward story that appeals to fans of traditional JRPGs. While some critics acknowledge the simplicity and lack of depth in the narrative, others appreciate the emotional depth brought by character development and flashback scenes. The game's focus on a hero's journey to defeat evil and save the world resonates well with the essence of old-school RPG narratives. Critics like Pure Xbox and RPG Fan find the story engaging and enjoyable, while others like GAMINGbible and Digital Trends feel that it falls short compared to more modern storytelling standards. Ultimately, the game's narrative is seen as a nostalgic throwback to classic RPG storytelling, with its strengths lying in its traditional approach and emotional depth for those who appreciate the genre's roots.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for its engaging classic JRPG story and emotional character development through flashback scenes, while some find the narrative lacking depth and impact compared to modern RPGs. Overall, the game offers a nostalgic and straightforward storytelling experience that appeals to fans of traditional RPGs.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The critics generally praised the gameplay of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for its classic turn-based combat system and the freedom it offers in team composition and exploration. Critics like Pure Xbox and Gameblog.fr highlighted the introduction of new features such as customizable classes, Monster Wrangler vocation, and quality-of-life improvements like fast-forwarding battles and skipping cutscenes. The game's engaging class system, character creation, and party customization were commended by CGMagazine and LevelUp, emphasizing the strategic depth and replayability it adds to the RPG experience. The addition of new mechanics like switching classes, befriending monsters, and diverse job systems, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and Impulsegamer, further enhanced the gameplay and provided players with more options for customization. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with the gameplay of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Critics like GLHF on Sports Illustrated and Eurogamer criticized the game for feeling like a slog due to frequent battles, lack of modern conveniences, and frustrating mechanics that may not appeal to modern gamers. Noisy Pixel mentioned a high encounter rate that could be divisive among players, while Digital Trends highlighted high difficulty spikes and expensive equipment as potential drawbacks. Additionally, GameSpew and Push Square noted the game's grindy nature, especially with the expanded world map and dungeons, which could lead to frequent random battles and potentially impact the overall pacing of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake successfully captures the essence of a classic JRPG experience while introducing new features and quality-of-life improvements to enhance gameplay. Critics like Forbes and GAMES.CH appreciated the game's blend of traditional turn-based combat with modern upgrades like adjustable battle speed and navigation markers. The strategic richness, depth in party customization, and challenging gameplay were highlighted as strengths by critics such as Gameblog.fr and RPG Fan. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and difficulty spikes, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be engaging, offering a mix of nostalgia and fresh elements that cater to both old and new players, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for its classic turn-based combat, customizable classes, and engaging gameplay. New features like Monster Wrangler vocation and quality-of-life improvements were highlighted. However, some critics found issues with the high encounter rate, difficulty spikes, and grindy nature of the game. Overall, the game successfully blends classic JRPG elements with modern upgrades, offering a mix of nostalgia and fresh content for fans of the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, highlighting its stunning HD-2D style that combines pixel art characters with modern 3D environments and effects. Critics like Pure Xbox and GameSpew commended the jaw-dropping visual makeover, with Square Enix's trademark style enhancing the pixel art with 3D elements and special effects, resulting in a fantastic and smooth visual experience. The game's environments, character designs, and lighting effects were lauded for their beauty and attention to detail, with Checkpoint Gaming mentioning the meticulously animated pixel art for locations and enemies, and Forbes appreciating the detailed world with glowing pickups and secret areas. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Nintendo Life pointed out performance issues, especially frame rate drops in larger towns and villages when playing on the Nintendo Switch handheld mode. GLHF on Sports Illustrated also noted that the HD-2D art style, while visually appealing, lacked the same level of polish seen in other RPGs like Octopath Traveler. GamingBolt highlighted issues with the depth of field effect and jittery shadows, indicating some minor technical shortcomings in the graphical presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience that successfully blends classic pixel art with modern 3D elements. The game's graphics were widely praised for their beauty, attention to detail, and ability to evoke nostalgia while offering a fresh visual perspective. Critics like RPG Fan and Worth Playing noted the significant improvement over previous versions, while Eurogamer highlighted the stunning HD-2D overhaul that captures the nostalgia of old games with smoother visuals. The majority of critics found the graphics and visual design of the game to be very good, setting a new standard for remakes in the genre and earning praise for its artistry and craftsmanship.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics loved the stunning HD-2D visuals of Dragon Quest III Remake, praising the blend of pixel art with modern effects. While some noted performance issues and minor flaws, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's beauty, attention to detail, and successful nostalgia-inducing overhaul.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Pure Xbox, Digital Chumps, and Meristation commended the orchestral music by Koichi Sugiyama for capturing the iconic melodies of the franchise and enhancing the overall experience. The use of familiar songs and beautifully orchestrated soundtracks was noted to complement the gameplay, adding to the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Additionally, the inclusion of voice acting, as mentioned by CGMagazine and Worth Playing, was appreciated for bringing depth to the narrative and characters, further enriching the fantasy world's atmosphere. However, there were some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of the game. COGconnected expressed that the new music arrangements didn't achieve the same impact as the original soundtrack, feeling somewhat antiquated and not as evocative. This sentiment was echoed by Vooks, who felt that while the music was wonderful, the familiar Dragon Quest themes may have felt stale to some players. Additionally, Gaming Age highlighted issues with the English voice acting, recommending the Japanese voice acting instead, indicating a potential inconsistency in the voice performances that could have detracted from the overall experience for some players. Overall, despite some minor criticisms, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. The majority of reviewers appreciated the orchestral music, iconic compositions, and voice acting that contributed to the immersive and magical experience of exploring the game world. The dynamic and engaging sound design in battles and abilities, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com and Checkpoint Gaming, further elevated the gameplay experience. The blend of modern sound with retro music, as noted by Gaming Age, and the faithful re-recorded versions of the original compositions, as highlighted by RPG Fan, added to the nostalgic charm of the game. Ultimately, the positive reception from multiple critics emphasizes that the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake were key strengths that significantly enhanced the overall quality of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake's Sound Design and Music, praising the orchestral music and voice acting for enhancing the game's immersion. While some found the music arrangements lacking compared to the original, overall, reviewers laud the nostalgic charm and engaging sound design that elevate the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has received praise from several critics for enhancing the immersive experience of the game. Pure Xbox appreciated the inclusion of both English and Japanese voice work, noting that it added to the overall atmosphere of the story. COGconnected and Forbes specifically highlighted the quality of the voice acting, with Forbes singling out the performance of the character Ortega as particularly praiseworthy, adding depth to the character and the overall experience. Atomix also commended the voice acting for adding weight to key interactions, especially in Ortega's memories, and for effectively utilizing different accents to characterize regions. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the voice acting in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Checkpoint Gaming pointed out that the addition of voice acting for important scenes clashed with cultural stereotypes in town dialogues, which they found cringe-worthy. Gaming Age criticized the English voice acting for various British accents, while Eurogamer mentioned awkward situations with accents, such as stereotyped Indian accents in a town of white people. These criticisms suggest that while the voice acting added to the immersion for some, it also raised issues regarding cultural sensitivity and consistency in accents. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake plays a significant role in enhancing the storytelling experience. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Push Square appreciated how voiced dialogue added to the immersion and storytelling, with distinct accents for different regions. Nintenderos and NintendoWorldReport highlighted how the voice acting modernized the game's atmosphere and added charm to the characters and story. While there were some concerns raised by critics regarding cultural stereotypes and inconsistencies in accents, the general sentiment leans towards the positive impact of voice acting on the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise the voice acting in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for enhancing immersion and storytelling, with accolades for English and Japanese options. Some critics raise concerns about cultural stereotypes and inconsistent accents, but overall, the voice acting is seen as a positive addition that modernizes the game's atmosphere and adds depth to characters and interactions.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox Series X and S, the general consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive. Pure Xbox noted that the game ran smoothly on the Xbox Series X and S without any technical issues, highlighting a seamless gameplay experience on these platforms. This sentiment is echoed by GamingBolt, who praised the solid performance throughout the game on the PS5, with only minor issues like jittery shadows and background blurriness in some areas. Atomix also commended the spectacular technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, despite occasional frame rate drops, emphasizing impressive visuals and smooth gameplay. On the flip side, the Nintendo Switch received mixed reviews regarding technical performance. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Nintenderos reported frequent slowdowns and loading times, impacting the overall fluidity and experience on the Switch platform. IGN Benelux highlighted lower resolution and frame rates on the Switch version compared to other platforms, affecting visual quality and performance. Additionally, Nintenduo mentioned performance issues, particularly at night, affecting frame rates and controls, although they anticipate these issues to be addressed in future patches. Overall, while the Xbox Series X and PS5 versions of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake were praised for their smooth performance and stability by critics like Pure Xbox and GameSpew, the Nintendo Switch version faced more technical challenges. Despite issues with loading times and occasional frame rate drops on the Switch, as mentioned by critics such as My Nintendo News and Nintendo Life, the portability factor was still highlighted as a redeeming quality by Jeuxvideo.com. The general consensus leans towards a positive reception of the game's technical performance across all platforms, with improvements like autosave features and quality of life enhancements contributing to a smoother gameplay experience, as noted by CGMagazine and Digital Chumps. However, it's evident that the Nintendo Switch version faced more noticeable technical hurdles compared to the Xbox Series X and PS5 versions, with room for optimization and future updates to enhance the overall performance on the handheld console.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Xbox Series X and PS5 for smooth performance in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, while Nintendo Switch faces technical challenges with frequent slowdowns and lower quality. Overall positive reception for all platforms, with potential for Switch improvements in future updates.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The critics unanimously praise the replay value of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, highlighting various positive aspects that enhance the game's longevity. Jeuxvideo.com and Pure Xbox commend the game for offering customizable classes, multiple difficulty settings, and new content like monster arenas and narrative additions, catering to both newcomers and veterans. CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the inclusion of features like the Monster Wrangler class, over 100 recruitable monsters, and the ability to explore new areas, providing players with diverse gameplay experiences. Additionally, COGconnected and Digital Chumps mention the custom difficulty settings, modern mechanics, and satisfying combat as factors that contribute to the game's replayability. On the other hand, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may affect the overall replay value of the game. Gameblog.fr expresses concerns about limited monster battles and early game difficulty spikes that could hinder long-term engagement for players. GamingBolt mentions the absence of a feature to prevent random encounters with weaker enemies, impacting the pacing of the game. Worth Playing notes that the auto-battle feature, while optimal, may lead to repetitive gameplay experiences for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Critics like LevelUp and RPG Fan highlight the game's class-changing system, multiple party compositions, and quality-of-life improvements as key factors that enhance replayability. The addition of new content, customizable options, and challenging gameplay mechanics contribute to a rich and engaging experience for players looking to revisit the world of Dragon Quest multiple times. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that the game offers a compelling and varied experience that caters to a wide range of players, ensuring that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake stands out as a title with substantial replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake's replay value, praising its customizable classes, new content, and satisfying combat. While some express concerns about limited monster battles and repetitive gameplay, the majority agree that the game's diverse features and challenging mechanics make it a standout title with substantial replayability for both newcomers and veterans.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics unanimously praised Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for its stunning visuals, faithful gameplay enhancements, and successful efforts to cater to both old and new players. Gameblog.fr highlighted the game's visual design and modern improvements, while SpazioGames commended its well-aged gameplay mechanics and appeal to both newcomers and series fans. The HD-2D visuals were particularly lauded by My Nintendo News for preserving the spirit of the original game and providing a rich world detail. Additionally, Eurogamer appreciated the game's ability to capture nostalgia effectively, even though it struggled slightly in balancing old-school charm with modern conveniences. On the downside, some critics pointed out minor technical issues and gameplay hangups that affected the overall experience of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. GLHF on Sports Illustrated noted that the game fell short in providing quality-of-life changes for a more enjoyable experience, while Checkpoint Gaming mentioned issues with voice acting and late-game AI. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics still found the game to be a faithful and enjoyable remake that stayed true to its roots while introducing modern enhancements, as highlighted by Noisy Pixel and RPG Fan. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake as a standout title in the genre. Forbes even awarded the game a perfect score of 10/10, recommending it as a great starting point for newcomers to the Dragon Quest series. The game was praised for revitalizing a classic JRPG with updated visuals and gameplay mechanics, appealing to both old and new fans alike. The blend of nostalgia, modern conveniences, and faithful recreation of the original game resonated well with reviewers, making it a highly recommended experience for RPG enthusiasts looking to explore the legend of Erdrick in a fresh and engaging way.

TL;DR

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake wows critics with stunning visuals, faithful gameplay enhancements, and broad appeal to old and new players. While some noted minor technical issues and gameplay hiccups, the majority lauded the game's nostalgia, modern upgrades, and overall faithfulness to the original. With accolades from top reviewers and a perfect score from Forbes, this remake is a must-play for RPG fans seeking a blend of classic charm and modern gaming.

CRITIK

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

Forbes

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is praised as one of the best remakes, capturing the essence of the original game while introducing new elements. The review gives it a perfect score of 10/10 and recommends it as a great starting point for those new to the Dragon Quest series.

Read full review

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake sets a new standard for remakes of old RPGs by enhancing gameplay elements while preserving the core structure. With stunning visuals, a captivating story, and a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack, this remake offers a compelling and enjoyable experience for players in 2024.

Read full review

Atomix

Nintendo Switch

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is praised as a fantastic remake that retains the essence of the original while improving key aspects, making the experience more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience, solidifying its position as one of the best remakes in gaming history.

Read full review

Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a triumphant remake of a classic, with beautiful visuals and sound design, updated systems, and enjoyable gameplay. Despite some issues with voice acting and late-game AI, the game remains accessible and enjoyable for fans and new players alike.

Read full review

IGN Benelux

Nintendo Switch

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D is praised for its modern update of a classic game, offering impressive visuals, engaging gameplay, and a rich world to explore. The game provides hours of enjoyable gameplay and sets a high standard for remakes.

Read full review

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is praised as an excellent JRPG that surpasses its predecessor with quality of life improvements, new content, and stunning visual design. It is recommended as a standout title in the genre that will likely become a classic over time.

Read full review

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Nov 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is praised for appealing to new and old players, maintaining the essence of the original while introducing modern conveniences. Described as nearly perfect and highly recommended.

Read full review

But Why Tho?

Nintendo Switch

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer praises Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake as an excellent introduction to the Dragon Quest series, turning a classic 1980s RPG into a modern and accessible experience. Despite some technical issues, the remake is highly recommended for RPG fans.

Read full review

RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is praised as a triumph, maintaining the simplicity and purity of the original while adding modern enhancements. The reviewer considers it a brilliant entry point to the series and a lovingly crafted remake that captures the essence of the original game.

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a visually stunning and faithful remake that will delight fans of the franchise. While lacking in some narrative depth, it excels in traditional RPG elements and exploration.

Read full review