Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

Publisher

Square Enix

Developer

Square Enix

Series

Dragon Quest

Genre

RPG

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

5 GB

Release Date (NA)

Oct 30, 2025

Release Date (JP)

Oct 30, 2025

Purchase From

Amazon

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake follows the story of the aftermath of Dragon Quest III, which received an HD-2D remake in the fall of 2024. Both entries are combined into one game, bringing back even more nostalgia for those who remember playing the original games on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

The First Quest

Dragon Quest I was the first to be released back in 1986 and players only had one character to play as, the Hero. There were no party members, creating a challenge that many role-playing games don’t touch. Now with the HD-2D style of sprites in a 3D environment layout and added depth of field effects, the game is very similar to the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and the Octopath Traveler series. The overworld where you travel between locations is vibrant, and the towns have depth with their visual enhancements.

Like the original NES version, players only control one character. This is an uncharted area that many role-playing game (RPG) fans aren’t used to, as many other RPG titles typically have a party of characters to strategize with, such as one being a healer and another a fighter. This game adds a challenge that is worth the time for many RPG fans to try.

Playing the first Dragon Quest demo during PAX West for about thirty minutes brought back some nostalgic moments while adventuring, but even more so during battles. The battle music from random to boss battles captures the aesthetics of the original game, playing a different tune than other Dragon Quest games.

Battling is similar to the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, with your character’s back facing you as you challenge foes in front. You’ll need to pay more attention to the enemies’ attacks per round than before, as a costly mistake could lead to your doom. However, during this demo, the Hero was quite formidable in random battles. The true challenge was the boss fight against Robbin’ ‘ood and his two minions, a three versus one battle. The enemies put up a tough fight, and with enough strategic thinking, it is doable to beat them.

The Second Quest

Dragon Quest II takes place after the events of Dragon Quest I and allows you to have a party of four, one more than the original 1987 NES game. It is the second entry in the Erdrick Trilogy, with Dragon Quest III being the first story that occurs before the first two installments, which is why Dragon Quest III was released first.

Similar to the remakes of Dragon Quest I and Dragon Quest III, the second installment features the same HD-2D style and vibrant colors. Playing thirty minutes of Dragon Quest II at PAX West, the game feels more like another Dragon Quest III but with a different set of characters. However, the characters are introduced as part of the story rather than random characters players can choose. What sets the Dragon Quest games apart is their storytelling. Players can expect a good story with many Easter eggs from other Dragon Quest titles.

The music in the game is an updated score of the original NES game, featuring unique battle and other creative scores. Battles are similar to Dragon Quest III, allowing players to utilize each party member for different rows. The Hero, Prince of Midenhall in Dragon Quest II, cannot use spells but relies on brute strength. Players will need to rely on other allies to make up for what the Hero lacks.

During the demo, most of the time was spent on exploration and random battles, as reaching the top of the tower in Dragon Quest II quickly consumed the time, even with fleeing random battles. However, it left me eager to play and see what awaits the heroes in the final installment of the Erdrick Trilogy.

Journey Afterwards?

With the Erdrick Trilogy wrapped up this fall, it will be interesting to see if Square Enix will tackle more Dragon Quest titles after the third entry. Which other Dragon Quest titles should be remade to the HD-2D style?

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will be released on October 30, 2025, and will be available on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.