DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake: Story, Gameplay, Editions and Everything You Need to Know Before November 14

Fans of classic RPGs, rejoice! DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is officially releasing on November 14, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Windows and Steam). The game is a full-scale reimagining of DRAGON QUEST III, one of the most beloved titles in the legendary franchise.

“Long, long have we waited” ✨

The wait is almost over!#DragonQuest III HD-2D Remake arrives on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Windows PC and Steam on November 14. pic.twitter.com/sJUQ4qSHNM

— DRAGON QUEST (@DragonQuest) October 31, 2024

This new version breathes fresh life into the original with an upgraded HD-2D visual style, additional content, voice acting, and a new playable vocation, bringing the timeless classic to the modern generation. On the other hand, fans familiar with the original Famicom and NES releases, or the various remakes for Super Famicom, Game Boy Color, and mobile, will find this version introduces beautifully enhanced graphics, enriched storytelling, and refined mechanics without deviating from its roots.

Here’s everything you need to know about DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake, including its story, revamped gameplay, unique features, and unforgettable world.

Everything You Need to Know About DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake

A Familiar Storyline

Set in the kingdom of Aliahan, the story begins with the protagonist (the child of the legendary hero Ortega) tasked by the king to defeat the malevolent Archfiend Baramos. DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake preserves this classic tale but with exciting new episodes that delve deeper into the background of Ortega, adding depth to his character and quest.

For context, at the beginning of the game, you can choose between a Type A or Type B hero (essentially a male or female protagonist), and a personality quiz from the goddess sets your character’s personality, which affects how their stats increase upon levelling up. While your hero will always be strong, this quiz adds a layer of unique customization to the journey.

Throughout the journey, players traverse a vast and vibrant world with varied biomes, including meadows, deserts, and snowy landscapes. Day seamlessly transitions into night, and townsfolk, monsters, and mysterious puzzles await at every turn. New and returning locations include the seafaring nation of Portoga, the picturesque island of Jipang, and the desert kingdom of Ibis.

Enhanced Gameplay and Combat

Besides the storyline, combat remains true to DRAGON QUEST’s roots with turn-based, strategic battles. For instance, you’ll assemble a party of up to four characters with unique abilities and vocations to help you battle foes across the overworld and deep within dungeons. A new feature lets you adjust battle speed to suit your style, adding a level of accessibility that invites both new and seasoned players to enjoy each encounter fully.

In addition, unique to DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is the “Helping Hands” feature, which lets players share party members across saved files within the same account. This system allows for a mix-and-match approach, enabling players to try different strategies and experience greater customization as they recruit new allies and register adventurers.

New Monster Wrangler Vocation and Party Customisation

A core feature of DRAGON QUEST III has always been its “vocation” system, and the DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake introduces a new vocation: the Monster Wrangler. With this unique vocation, players can harness an array of monster abilities to aid in battle, from healing allies to unleashing devastating multi-target attacks. In addition to the Monster Wrangler, the remake boasts eight classic vocations, including Hero, Warrior, Martial Artist, Mage, and Sage, each offering distinct skills, equipment options, and growth paths.

At Patty’s Party Planning Place, you can create custom party members by selecting their vocation, appearance, hair colour, and voice. Your character’s personality plays a crucial role in shaping their attributes, and items or accessories can change these personalities if you want to adjust your party’s dynamics. And for those up for a challenge, Alltrades Abbey offers players a chance to change vocations, allowing characters to retain abilities from previous roles for even more tactical possibilities.

Also Read: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Last Epoch: Classes, Skills, Farming, Crafting, and More!

Monster Arenas, Secret Spots, Soundtracks and More

Lastly, one of the standout additions in the DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is the Monster Arena feature. Across various towns, players will encounter arenas where friendly monsters can engage in combat. Here, you can build a team of up to three monsters, set their tactics, and compete in tournaments for gold and rewards. Monster Arenas add a fresh layer of strategy and immersion as players form bonds with their monster allies and refine their tactics to take on sturdy challenges.

The world in DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake also hides Secret Spots on the map. Often marked by distinctive landmarks, these areas contain valuable items, gold, and occasionally friendly monsters. These hidden treasures reward players for exploration and encourage deeper engagement with the game’s lush environments.

As for the music and soundtracks, Square Enix’s HD-2D visuals shine here, combining nostalgic sprites with gorgeous lighting and detailed environments. Caves feel haunting, while sunsets cast a warm, inviting glow over towns. Sparse voice acting enhances battle scenes, making every encounter feel dynamic. The remake’s music, recorded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, revives Koichi Sugiyama’s legendary compositions in beautiful orchestration. Every note resonates, breathing new life into familiar tunes.

Pre-Order Bonuses and Parting Notes

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake releases on November 14 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, allowing new and returning players to experience this beloved RPG in a reimagined format.

Players who pre-order DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake will receive an array of in-game items that enhance gameplay, including Elevating Shoes, Seeds of Strength, Defense, Agility, Life, and Magic. These items give an early advantage as you embark on your journey, making the pre-order a tempting offer for anyone eager to start their adventure fully prepared.

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