The first major review for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake has arrived courtesy of Famitsu (via), and it paints an encouraging picture of Square Enix’s reimagining of the franchise’s earliest adventures. The long-running Japanese publication awarded the collection a composite score of 9/9/8/8 (total 34/40), praising its faithfulness to the original games while commending the developers for modernizing the experience without losing the heart of what made the classics so enduring.
According to Famitsu’s impressions, the remake successfully evokes the same feeling of adventure that defined the 1980s originals. The magazine noted that the new HD-2D visuals and reworked presentation bring the series’ iconic world to “Reiwa-era” (modern) standards, offering a nostalgic yet refreshed take on the foundational Dragon Quest experience. The publication remarked that while the original titles were simplistic by design, the remake’s updated field exploration and combat systems provide a smoother, more accessible experience suited to contemporary audiences.
The review highlights how the remake strikes “a good balance between retaining the essence of the original and increasing the overall content and volume.” Players who cherish the old-school charm of Dragon Quest’s early titles will find that the remake preserves their sincerity and purity, while newcomers will appreciate the streamlined gameplay and subtle narrative enhancements. Famitsu also emphasized that the battle system, though minimalist at first glance, is designed to prevent fatigue from long stretches of grinding—a thoughtful touch for an experience that can last dozens of hours.
Interestingly, the publication described the storytelling as “divisive,” noting that the narrative’s simplicity and reliance on implication might not appeal equally to all players. However, it also observed that following the reinterpreted story feels surprisingly fresh, with unexpected twists that lend new life to familiar moments. The magazine added that the remake is “full of surprises,” suggesting that veterans of the series will still find plenty of reasons to revisit these classic tales.
Famitsu reported that Dragon Quest I takes approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete, while Dragon Quest II offers a more substantial journey at around 35 to 40 hours. This expanded scope is reflective of the remake’s broader ambition—to reintroduce the origins of the legendary JRPG saga with the polish and depth expected from modern releases.
Developed and published by Square Enix, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake reimagines the first two entries in the series through the studio’s celebrated “HD-2D” visual style, the same hybrid of pixel art and high-definition lighting that defined Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. Beyond the visual transformation, the remake introduces numerous quality-of-life improvements, such as enhanced party management, new spells, faster battle pacing, and additional story content. Notably, the hero of Dragon Quest I can now fight multiple enemies at once—a change designed to make early combat more engaging and efficient.
Set in the world of Alefgard, the two titles chronicle the generational adventures of Erdrick’s descendants, charting the rise of heroism that laid the foundation for the Dragon Quest mythos. By combining reverence for the original storytelling with modern presentation and design, the HD-2D remake aims to bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is scheduled for release on October 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store.
