Game reviews / Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
2024 · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S · PC · Role-playing · JRPG · Turn-based RPG
3 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is widely regarded as the definitive version of a foundational JRPG, preserving its approachable adventure structure while adding striking HD-2D visuals, orchestral music, a Monster Wrangler vocation, expanded exploration, objective markers, battle-speed options, and other quality-of-life improvements. Critics consistently praised its charm, atmosphere, party-building, and faithful modernization. However, the remake retains old-fashioned limitations, including frequent random encounters, basic combat, simplistic storytelling, clunky menus, and limited character development. Nintendo Switch performance issues were also repeatedly noted. It is an excellent introduction to classic Dragon Quest, though newcomers may find its traditional design deliberately restrained.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-16
Pros
- Beautiful HD-2D presentation and atmospheric world design
- Faithful classic adventure enhanced with useful quality-of-life features
- Flexible party composition, class changes, and rewarding exploration
- Charming localization, music, and Dragon Quest personality
Cons
- Frequent random encounters can make exploration and dungeons tedious
- Combat and narrative remain simple by modern RPG standards
- Nintendo Switch version has noticeable frame-rate drops
- Menus and the personality system feel dated or clunky
Review sources
3 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- Nintendo Life · United Kingdom · 80/100
- Push Square · United Kingdom · 80/100
- GameSpot · United States · 80/100