One of the seminal JRPGs of the 80s is getting a modern remake that mixes the best of old and new, including in terms of the graphics. Square Enix has established a reputation as a master of remakes in recent years, principally via its ambitious (and ongoing) expanded three-part reimagining of Final Fantasy 7 . While determined modernists might dismiss remakes of old games as lacking in creativity and originality, there’s a huge catalogue of great old games out there that would benefit from modern technology and deserve to be introduced to a new audience.
Square Enix has decided that Dragon Quest 3 is such a game and is poised to release Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake this November. Given that Dragon Quest 3 was originally released in Japan in 1988 (on the NES), a little background would seem to be in order – especially as it was never originally released in Europe. In its day, it was undoubtedly a seminal role-playing game and one that helped define the genre.
Plus, it was a roaring success, to the extent that it caused a minor moral panic. Selling over a million cartridges on its first day of Japanese release, it triggered over 300 arrests for truancy among its young fanbase. It went on to shift nearly four million units worldwide (it wasn’t released in the US until 1992, as Dragon Warrior 3).
Square Enix’s decision to remake Dragon Quest 3, rather than one of the first two games, makes more sense than you might imagine. In a video introduction to Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D .