Review of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake: This is what nostalgia looks like

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake by Square Enix updates the classic JRPG with stunning HD-2D graphics, providing a sense of nostalgia through modern visual enhancements and features. The game retains its traditional gameplay mechanics, offering customizable difficulty settings and new content like story chapters and classes, but maintains the core experience of old-school RPGs, which can alienate new players.

While the addition of new mechanics such as auto-save and objective markers aims to make gameplay smoother, the game's old-fashioned turn-based combat and frequent grinding may deter casual players. The nostalgia is palpable, capturing the classic feel of the original, yet there is a clear tension between honoring the past and providing contemporary gaming conveniences.

The world exploration is rich and engaging despite the repetitive encounters, with regional English accents adding to the charm. However, certain voice acting choices might feel outdated, demonstrating the challenge of translating past elements to today's global audience. Fans of the original will likely appreciate the revisited landmarks and gameplay, but newcomers could struggle with the more demanding or monotonous segments of the game.