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Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake - Reviews Thread

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Draugoth

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Game Information

Game Title: Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Platforms:

  • PC (Oct 30, 2025)
  • Nintendo Switch (Oct 30, 2025)
  • PlayStation 5 (Oct 30, 2025)
  • Xbox Series X/S (Oct 30, 2025)
Trailer:



Critic Reviews

Cat with Monocle - Seth Hay - 4.5 / 5

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a must-play for role-playing fans who want to relive a classic tale and its challenges. It's a love letter to what made Dragon Quest remarkable and how it shaped the genre. Serving as a reminder that this series still knows how to slime its way into our hearts.
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Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 8 / 10

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Dragon Quest series' early roots. It combines familiar elements with refreshed lighting, expanded worlds, and improved user experience to deliver thoughtful quality-of-life updates while preserving the core game mechanics of the originals. You might ask why the Erdrick trilogy is the focus of the series over the last few years, and I can tell you it's worth sticking through to the end.
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Digitec Magazine - Kevin Hofer - German - 4 / 5

Square Enix delivers a charming remake of two JRPG classics. The opulent pixel graphics and orchestral soundtrack breathe new life into the over 35-year-old games, while modern features such as fast travel, battle acceleration, and optional quest markers make the game mechanics more accessible. Despite the successful modernization, the simple good-versus-evil stories and repetitive grinding cannot hide the age of the games. For fans of the series and JRPG nostalgics, however, the remake is still highly recommended.
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Evilgamerz - Peter Derks - Dutch - 8.5 / 10

Despite minor shortcomings, these are two delightful remakes that are slightly limited by their origins. The stories of both games have been further developed and are therefore better than they were. Part two, in particular, does much more in this regard. It does, however, become a bit tedious after a while, as the core remains the same. This is one of the few times it can be said that there are complete versions of a Square-Enix game. Both are interesting remakes for newcomers and those already familiar with the series, allowing them to (re)acquaint themselves with the franchise, and I see no reason to recommend any other version of either game.
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Final Weapon - Angelus Victor - 4.5 / 5

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake masterfully modernizes two timeless RPGs with the gorgeous HD-2D art style. Significant story changes, wonderful quality-of-life improvements, and flawless performance on Nintendo Switch 2 make this a must-play game for any fan of the genre. Without a doubt, this is the definitive way to experience the Erdrick Trilogy for both newcomers and longtime fans alike.
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Gameliner - Philip Zeldenthuis - Dutch - 5 / 5

The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake shines with stunning visuals, a fitting soundtrack, and welcome quality-of-life upgrades, offering a charming yet accessible JRPG experience full of strategic combat, added content, and nostalgic appeal—making it a must-play for fans of classic adventures and a hopeful sign of what's to come for other legendary titles.
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Gaming Boulevard - Toon Borremans - 9 / 10

Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake is a tribute to the two iconic games released forty years ago. It is a museum piece that showcases the origins of the Fantasy JRPG series to modern and returning audiences. The stunning visuals and musical score will sweep you away, while new additions to the gameplay and storyline will ensure this classic formula remains engaging.
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Infinite Start - Mark Fajardo - 10 / 10

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake sets a new gold standard for how classic RPGs should be revived. It's visually stunning, mechanically polished, and emotionally resonant—a love letter to the origins of one of gaming's most important franchises. Whether you're reliving the past or discovering Alefgard for the first time, this remake isn't just a return to where it all began—it's a reminder of why we fell in love with RPGs in the first place.
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MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 4.5 / 5

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a brilliant package that brings new life and depth to two of the most influential RPGs of all time. The improved visuals, voice acting, and story changes go a long way in making these classics feel both retro and new, even if the first game is a little tough for modern players. This is the best way to play these two once-revolutionary titles, and I truly hope that Square Enix continues to remake the earlier Dragon Quest games with such care and style.
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NookGaming - Isaiah Parker - 9 / 10

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake surprised me with the transformative experiences they offer. While they fall short of the highs of Dragon Quest III's modern conversion, that's more in testament to how these games specifically aimed to offer the fullest and most complete-feeling iterations of the first two titles. Dragon Quest I in particular left me very pleasantly surprised, turning an experience many would call antiquated into something fresh and modern, but still dedicated to the old-school roots that defined it. Dragon Quest II's turns one of the more unremarkable chapters in the series' history into something to be celebrated. The new map was a lot of fun to explore, and the new party member brings in some considered rebalancing to the entire game that makes it even more enjoyable than before. When combined with III's remake from last year, I dare say this is my favorite modern RPG trilogy in recent memory.
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PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 90 / 100

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is an exceptional remake of two of the most important titles in JRPG history. Completely updated for modern times without losing their own identity, they are in no way inferior to similar (and inspired) current titles. Both deserve the attention and dedication of every good fan of the genre.
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ProjectN - Dudu Cavagnari - Portuguese - 97%

Dragon Quest I & II H2-2D Remake is living proof that classics don't just survive the passage of time, they shine even brighter when treated with care. Impeccable visuals, a legendary soundtrack, simple yet fun gameplay full of identity. It's a pure and captivating adventure, with that spirit of "a real videogame." Its only shortcomings lie in the lack of more language options and the use of archaic wording, which may push some players away. But in the end, the package is beautiful, engaging, and packed with content. Recommended for both longtime fans and first-time players.
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RPGamer - Matt Masem - 4 / 5

While it offers a whole host of improvements, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake experiences end up being quite different. Dragon Quest I's remake offers an amazing story upgrade but has frustrating battles throughout, while Dragon Quest II's remake is one of the most amazing and memorable Dragon Quest experiences there is.
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The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9 / 10

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake wraps up the legendary Erdrick Trilogy in fantastic fashion. While the second entry is the winner in terms of new features and additions, both are must-play titles for RPG newcomers and Dragon Quest diehards alike.
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Twisted Voxel - Salal Awan - 9 / 10

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake successfully modernizes two foundational, aged RPGs with a unified, speedier battle system and essential quality-of-life upgrades, making them finally palatable for modern players. The package, which shines on the Switch 2 with its HD-2D visuals, delivers a definitive, streamlined experience, though the core narrative of the short first game remains simplistic.
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Game sounds amazing, can't wait to dive in
 
Absolutely love how these games look.

Having never played the original DQ trilogy, should I play DQ I and II first or start with DQIII (which I already have in my Switch library)?
 
A little higher than I expected. I enjoyed the DQ3 remake last year, so I will definitely pick this up eventually.

Also, Switch 2 is missing from the platform list in the OP.
 
Hmm. As a DQ fan, I don't know if I should be excited, numbers notwhitstanding. The games are very, very dated and kinda mid, even though their historical value is unmeasurable.

Are they merged in a single running game or is it a "select your game" situation? Because you technically could do both.
 
Review scores can be very deceptive for a game like this. I've seen lots of players upset for purchasing stuff like this or DQ3 HD-2D and other remakes of old games and say they're too slow or still outdated etc. but come on, it's still a very old game with updated features. If you didn't like the old stuff you're not going to like this type of game even if the scores are high. Take that in to account.

For me, I grew up playing these old games and the new content, coat of paint and qol additions makes me happier than you can imagine. It was made just for me!
 
ShadyAcshuns said:
Review scores can be very deceptive for a game like this. I've seen lots of players upset for purchasing stuff like this or DQ3 HD-2D and other remakes of old games and say they're too slow or still outdated etc. but come on, it's still a very old game with updated features. If you didn't like the old stuff you're not going to like this type of game even if the scores are high. Take that in to account.

For me, I grew up playing these old games and the new content, coat of paint and qol additions makes me happier than you can imagine. It was made just for me!
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839625.jpg


lol i think im gonna get the 3 HD 2D remake and play that one first....the QOL stuff makes it sound that much more awesome.
 
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i went tryhard in hardmode in DQIII-R, and I got my butt kicked a lot. probably just gonna go regular in I and II
 
Definitely buying this, just not at 70€, it's way too much in my eyes. 50€ at launch would have been sweet.
 
Been playing DQ III remake on Switch 2. Awesome game. I loved 7 on 3DS, 11S on Switch, and even DQ Builders 2 on Switch. Tremendous franchise.

Might have to put this on the Christmas list since I'm only about 8 hours into III.
 
Jack Videogames said:
Are they merged in a single running game or is it a "select your game" situation? Because you technically could do both.
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You can select each game from the main menu.
 
Got dq3 hd2d having never played any of these older DQ games and while it's totally gorgeous, i can't handle how often battles happen in dungeons. I've played many old rpgs and don't remember feeling quite this bored from constant battling ....it makes exploring for treasure such a drag and god forbid you have to back track
 
Roughly how long is each game, I'm guessing with the new QoL, speed up etc options it's gonna be 20~ hour or so each?
 
adamsapple said:
Huh.

A 10 hour JRPG sounds absurd, but then again this is a nearly 40~ year old game.
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Might also be like the third game, where reviewers (and eventually, players) had pretty wildly different playtime reports that most likely came down to the fact that these games are remakes of older and beloved games. The first time I played the first game, it took me an entire summer to finish. Now I can run through the NES game in about 7 hours because I know where all the secrets are and where to go to what places in what order.

If you're playing through these games for the first time (and not just following a guide online) then you'll probably need to maybe even double IGNs playtime.
 
Feel Like I'm On 42 said:
Got dq3 hd2d having never played any of these older DQ games and while it's totally gorgeous, i can't handle how often battles happen in dungeons. I've played many old rpgs and don't remember feeling quite this bored from constant battling ....it makes exploring for treasure such a drag and god forbid you have to back track
Click to expand...

Yea it does get really frustrating lol. Just gotta old school spam the sneak foot skill and the holy water. But that doesn't help if the enemy is a higher level.
 
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