Square Enix’s HD-2D series has quietly become the go-to treatment for reviving classic JRPGs while keeping their soul intact. With Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake the studio finishes the Erdrick arc started by last year’s Dragon Quest III remake, and packages the first two adventures into a single modern release. That means players can now experience the origin stories and the early worldbuilding of the franchise in a single sitting, with visuals, UI and some mechanical upgrades designed for contemporary play.
Start at the beginning
If you got introduced to the Dragon Quest franchise later on, say with Dragon Quest XI or the recently remastered Dragon Quest III, then Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake should be the perfect introduction of the lore building NES-games. But instead of working your way through to uncompromising game design of 1987 and early game UI shenanigans. Square Enix’s HD-2D approach that blends crisp 2D sprites with subtle 3D lighting and depth. Expect the small world structures that defined the originals to be rebuilt with layered parallax, richer textures and more readable combat. In general the added fidelity turns the once rudimentary RPG into a completely modern game.
Of course, Square Enix has already signalled a number of conveniences that will matter to anyone that is not looking for the original 8-bit experience. Expect options to save anywhere or at least in many places. It has clearer map markers, improved inventory management and an easier route to late game content. If you happen to pre-order the game you will receive a Trouble-Free Travel Kit as a pre-order incentive. The travel kit bundles a selection of seeds and elevating shoes that will speed up traveling. You can always opt not to use them. Of course, all of these are also obtainable through play if you prefer to avoid bonuses.
Symphonic upgrade
Music has always been central to Dragon Quest’s identity, and the HD-2D series tends to treat the score with respect. Expect orchestral reworkings and rearrangements that should living up the great and DQ compositions, in their original state, should be considered cultural heritage of the video game industry. Along the soundtrack the sound design will be completely overhauled with improved sound design for spells, actions and environmental cues. Square Enix’s asset pages show several tracks and suggest a full soundtrack will be available in game and possibly in a seperate album and streaming release.
These are single-player story-driven RPGs at their core. The remakes balance preservation with modernization. On PC, Square Enix includes legacy versions in select storefronts, giving archivists a way to compare editions. While mod support is not a focus, having multiple versions available still helps creators study how game design evolved across ports.
The perfect prequel
For those who played and enjoyed the Dragon Quest III Remake, Dragon Quest I & II Remake should be a no-brainer. If you’re only vaguely familiar with the DQ series but like the idea of experiencing it through Square Enix’s HD-2D engine, this could be your perfect gateway into the franchise. And if you’re already a fan of the HD-2D style, this remake, built on a well-regarded foundation, should absolutely be your next Square Enix adventure.
