If you’re an RPG fan, you probably need no introduction to Dragon Quest III. This RPG is one of those rare, precious games that captured the imagination of players, critics, and creators alike, and changed the genre. If you’ve ever played a Japanese RPG, it likely owes a debt to Dragon Quest III.
So, it’s pretty exciting that this legendary game is making a return as Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. The new game reimagines this classic adventure from the ground up, bringing its world and characters to life in the vibrant HD-2D visual style made famous by games like Octopath Traveler I and II and Live A Live.
But Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake doesn’t just look to recreate the past – it builds on it. The game includes new features that make the game feel fresh, modern, and deeper.
We’re excited to reveal just a few of these new additions.
New party customization
In Dragon Quest III HD-2D, you play as a young hero sent on a quest to do what your father could not: defeat the Archfiend Baramos. It’s not an easy task, but fortunately, you can get some backup to help you out.
You can form a team of up to four characters, including your hero, near the start of the game by visiting Patty’s Party Planning Place. In the original game, you could simply choose their vocation, which determines their role and skills in battle. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, however, gives you a lot more options.
For example, you can now change up how they look…
… with fourteen different hair colors to choose from.
You’ll also get to select what kind of voice they have – their appearance won’t limit the voice types you can give them.
Combined with the many different personalities, which affect characters’ strengths and weaknesses, it lets you create a party that’s easier to become attached to – after all, they’re distinctly yours.
Friends forever
What if you create your perfect party member? Once your adventure is done, is that bold recruit lost forever?
Not in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake! The new game lets you register a volunteer so you can use them in another playthrough on the same account. They’ll even keep the attributes, level, and equipment they had when you registered them!
Meet the Monster Wrangler
Everyone in the party, your protagonist included, has a vocation. This determines what spells and abilities they’re capable of learning, how their stats will increase and the equipment they can use.
There are multiple vocations in the game, including classics like Warrior and Mage, but this remake adds a brand-new addition: Monster Wrangler!
Dragon Quest III features some of the most charming and iconic adversaries in gaming – even those new to the series will likely recognize the humble Slime, for example. Monster Wranglers know more than most about the world’s monsters and will help you befriend any creatures you find who looks lonesome.
They can also do battle with an array of monstrous abilities, from awesome attacks that hit multiple enemies at once, to helpful heals that can bring your party back from the brink.
Master the Monster Arenas
As you play through the adventure, you may encounter monsters of a kinder disposition to those you take on in battle. They’re hidden all over the world – in towns, dungeons, and even secret areas on the world map.
If you scout these monsters, you can use them in another new addition to this remake: Monster Arenas.
You can use a team of three monsters in various arenas around the world, pitting their battle skills against those of other trainers. You can’t control monsters directly, but you can set their tactics to influence how they act. Each tournament has its own rank, so you’ll need a good team and a good strategy to overcome the tougher challenges.
It’s well worth it, as you’ll be richly rewarded with gold and other prizes!
That’s just a few of the new features coming in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Of course, there’s plenty more to discover, including new voiceovers, illustrations and more. And, of course, that HD-2D visual style makes it all look positively gorgeous.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D launches for PS5 on November 14, 2024. Preorder now to enjoy the following in-game bonus items:
- Equipment: Elevating Shoes – gain XP with each step!
- Consumable: Seed of Strength x3 – permanently raises strength attribute
- Consumable: Seed of Defence x3 – permanently raises defence attribute
- Consumable: Seed of Agility x3 – permanently raises Agility attribute
- Consumable: Seed of Life x3 – permanently raises HP
- Consumable: Seed of Magic x3 – permanently raises MP
