Dragon Quest I and II come back in HD-2D remakes nearly four decades later
Dragon Quest I & II return as HD-2D remakes after 39 years.
Square Enix, a renowned video game developer, has opened pre-orders for the HD-2D remakes of Dragon Quest I and II, heralding a significant return to the roots of console RPGs. The development taps into the nostalgia of fans by reviving these classics nearly forty years after their original releases. These two entries are not only tightly interlinked with each other but also form a vital part of the revered Erdrick Trilogy, which concludes with Dragon Quest III.
The remakes are priced at $59.99 for the bundle, reflecting their packaging as a singular narrative experience, albeit across two distinct titles. Players interested in the series can look forward to launching the games on October 30, 2025. Both physical and digital editions will be available for various platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for fans across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC systems, including the Nintendo Switch.
A noteworthy feature accompanying this announcement is the array of in-game items included with pre-orders, such as a set of elevating shoes and unique seeds providing diverse abilities. Furthermore, Square Enix has created an incentive for those already invested in the series: players with save data from the Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake can unlock additional content when linking accounts.
Dragon Quest I and II initially captured hearts with their release in 1986 and 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System. While both games were launched promptly in Japan, North American audiences had to wait until 1991 to experience the trilogy’s conclusion with Dragon Quest III. These titles encapsulate the classic narrative and strategic elements that defined early console RPGs.
These HD-2D remakes uphold the legacy of their predecessors by offering visually enhanced reimaginings, staying true to their original storyline and mechanics. The arrival of these two games is timed with the 39th anniversary of the franchise, celebrated with an online showcase, including a teaser trailer lauded for its reverence of the iconic art and music that longtime players recall fondly.
Sources: TechSpot, Game Informer, IGN, Polygon, Kotaku