The Hero Returns! Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Switch In-Depth Review

Hello Switch players, I'm your old friend, a seasoned game critic, and today I'm bringing you an in-depth review of the highly anticipated Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. As a DQ fan with over 10 years of gaming experience, I can't wait to share my thoughts on this classic remake. From the nostalgic pixel art to the revitalized HD-2D visuals, how does this game perform? Is it worth fighting another battle on your Nintendo Switch 2 (or existing Switch)? Let's take a look!

1. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake: An Adventure Weaving Nostalgia and Innovation

Originally released in 1988 on the Famicom (FC), Dragon Quest III is one of the pinnacles of the Dragon Quest series, laying the foundation for many classic elements of Japanese RPGs. This Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake utilizes SQUARE ENIX's acclaimed HD-2D technology, perfectly blending the classic pixel style with modern lighting effects. This is not just a simple graphical upgrade, but a brand-new interpretation of a classic game.

2. Gameplay Experience: A Modern Interpretation of a Classic RPG

2.1 Character Creation and Job System: Freely Customize Your Hero Squad

At the beginning of the game, players need to create a protagonist and choose their gender. Subsequently, you can recruit three companions and freely choose their jobs. Warrior, Mage, Priest, Merchant... the classic job system provides players with rich strategic choices. Different job combinations will directly affect combat strategy and difficulty. This also reflects the core gameplay of the DQ series - freedom and strategy.

2.2 Combat System: The Depth and Fun of Turn-Based Strategy

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake still uses the classic turn-based combat system. Players need to use skills and items rationally based on the enemy's weaknesses to achieve victory. This game has made some tweaks to the combat system, such as adding AI control options, allowing you to command your team more easily.

2.3 Map Exploration: A Vast World Awaits Your Adventure

The game's world map is very vast, containing all kinds of terrains and towns. Players can freely explore the map and discover hidden treasures and secrets. The addition of HD-2D technology makes the map scenes more vivid and brings more fun to exploration.

2.4 Potential Advantages of Nintendo Switch 2: Higher Performance for a Better Experience

Although the game currently runs on the existing Nintendo Switch platform, we can imagine that if it runs on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the game's visual performance will be even better. Higher resolution and smoother frame rates will greatly enhance the game's immersion. And considering the backward compatibility of Nintendo Switch 2, players can seamlessly transition to the new platform and continue their adventure. More details can be found at nintendo switch2 compatibility.

3. Graphics and Sound: A Perfect Fusion of Nostalgia and Modernity

3.1 HD-2D Graphics: A Gorgeous Upgrade to Classic Pixels

HD-2D technology is one of the biggest highlights of this game. It retains the classic pixel style while adding modern lighting effects and depth of field, making the game screen both nostalgic and vibrant. The buildings in the towns and the scenery in the wild are all brought to life. Especially on the Nintendo Switch 2, if it can achieve higher resolution and more stable frame rates, the HD-2D visuals will be even more stunning.

3.2 Sound Effects: A New Interpretation of Classic Melodies

The game's music is still composed by Koichi Sugiyama, who has rearranged the classic tracks to make the music even more beautiful. This game also adds voice acting, giving the characters more personality.

4. Plot: The Classic Story of Saving the World

Dragon Quest III tells the story of the protagonist, as a descendant of the legendary hero Ortega, embarking on an adventure to defeat the Great Demon Lord Zoma and save the world. The plot is full of twists and turns, filled with friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Although the plot itself is already a classic, the HD-2D visuals and the new interpretation give this story a new brilliance.

5. Handling: Optimized for the Switch Platform

The handling of this game has been optimized for the Nintendo Switch platform. Whether in handheld mode or TV mode, you can play the game smoothly. The button layout is reasonable, and the operation is simple and easy to learn. If we consider the potential improvements of Nintendo Switch 2, such as more sensitive joysticks and more comfortable buttons, the game's operating experience will be even better. nintendo switch2 first look

6. Pros and Cons Analysis: Objective Evaluation, Rational View

6.1 Pros:

• HD-2D Graphics: A gorgeous upgrade to the classic pixel style, with stunning visuals.
• Classic Plot: A classic story of saving the world, full of emotion and memories.
• High Degree of Freedom: Character creation, job selection, create a personalized hero squad.
• Well Optimized: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch platform, smooth operation.
• Beautiful Music: Classic melodies by Koichi Sugiyama, rearranged to be even more beautiful.

6.2 Cons:

• Some players may be tired of turn-based combat: Turn-based combat is slow-paced and may not be suitable for all players.
• The plot is slightly old-fashioned: Although the plot is classic, it may lack freshness for players who have played the original.
• High price: As a remake game, the price of this game is relatively high.

7. Comparison with Similar Games: The Unique Charm of HD-2D

Compared with similar RPG games, the biggest advantage of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake lies in its unique HD-2D visuals. This visual style retains the charm of classic pixels while adding modern lighting effects, which is refreshing. Compared with other remake games, this game is not just a simple graphical upgrade, but also makes some tweaks to the gameplay and plot, making the game more in line with the tastes of modern players.

8. Rating and Conclusion: The Classic Endures, Worth Looking Forward To

Considering all aspects of the game, I give Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake a score of 8.8/10.

Reasons for the rating:

• HD-2D graphics are stunning, perfectly blending classic and modern.
• Classic plot full of emotion and memories.
• High degree of freedom in character creation and job selection.
• Optimized for the Nintendo Switch platform, smooth operation.
• Koichi Sugiyama's music is still beautiful.
• The slightly old-fashioned plot and high price are its shortcomings.

Reference Ratings:

• IGN: To be determined
• Metacritic: To be determined (You can follow Metacritic to get more authoritative ratings: Metacritic)

Overall, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a classic remake game worth looking forward to. It is not just a simple graphical upgrade, but also makes some tweaks to the gameplay and plot, making the game more in line with the tastes of modern players. If you are a fan of the DQ series, or you like RPG games, then this game is definitely not to be missed. Especially considering the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, this game will have even better performance on a more powerful platform. Currently, information on the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 can be found at nintendo switch2 price. I believe that on the Nintendo Switch 2, we can get a smoother and more detailed gaming experience and better enjoy this classic masterpiece.

9. Purchase Recommendations: Make a Choice Based on Budget and Needs

If you are a loyal fan of the DQ series and don't mind spending the money, then it is highly recommended to buy this game. If you are interested in RPG games and like the nostalgic pixel style, then this game is also a good choice. If you have a limited budget, you can wait and see if there are any discounts. In addition, if you plan to buy a Nintendo Switch 2, you can also consider buying this game on the new platform to get a better gaming experience.

10. Player Interaction: Welcome Questions and Exchanges

Dear players, the above is my in-depth review of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, please leave a message in the comments section. I will try my best to answer everyone's questions and discuss the charm of this classic game with everyone. Let us look forward to the arrival of Nintendo Switch 2 and welcome a more exciting gaming experience together!

11. Prospects for Nintendo Switch 2

Although Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has already performed well on the existing Nintendo Switch, we still have higher expectations for Nintendo Switch 2. More powerful performance, higher resolution, and smoother frame rates will greatly enhance the game's immersion. In addition, Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to bring more innovative features, such as more advanced touch technology and more powerful network functions. These improvements will bring a richer gaming experience to players. Let us wait and see, and look forward to the official release of Nintendo Switch 2!