While it's clear that Square Enix isn't making any dramatic changes to Dragon Quest 3 for its HD-2D Remake — outside of the obvious graphical glow-up — it is pushing a handful of smaller improvements and adjustments. This includes a modernised user interface, and the ability to speed up combat — the kind of little things that can really start to add up.
And now, more information on the remake is starting to circulate. According to Japanese publication Game Spark, the game's story has actually been "revised" for this revival, while remaining true to the original adventure. The specifics are unclear from the preview itself, but it does sound like the developer's made some tweaks, which is interesting when you consider the kinds of additions that have been present in past Dragon Quest re-releases.
Next up, there's confirmation that the PS5 version will boast dedicated graphics and performance modes — which is bound to raise a few eyebrows. The latter prioritises frame rate, begging the question of why such a remake would ever struggle to hit 60fps. We'll need more info on that one.
And lastly, the preview notes that the remake will offer three difficulty levels. A first for mainline Dragon Quest titles, a new easy mode — charmingly named Dracky Quest — will make the turn-based combat less demanding. The normal difficulty is simply called Dragon Quest, and Draconian Quest returns as the hard mode, with battles sporting stronger enemies, and awarding less experience and gold.
Are you looking forward to Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake ahead of its November launch? Do you like the sound of these changes and additions? Raise your sword to the skies in the comments section below.
[source gamespark.jp, via automaton-media.com]
Comments 25
Revised story is an interesting one, could be very divisive. It still stands up imo, it’s the archetypal hero’s journey and was the basis for a lot of games going forward. I can only guess that it’s going to tie into XI.
Right... but it's $60...
"PS5 performance mode" is an odd feature...I can run Octopath Traveler 2 on my Asus Ally non-extreme edition at 40-60fps with medium-high visuals. My Legion extreme version can do 60 at ultra. I'd certainly hope a PS5 could handle 60fps at full bore ultra settings, and if not, they've seriously done something wrong with the HD2D engine.
@nessisonett The new story will be revised with 50% more CHAOS.
I have no interest in this game, but that performance mode is some utter nonsense lol, but not surprising.
It's been a while since I've been impressed by a game. Probably TLOU2 or RDR2, so nothing on PS5.
Then along comes this little game, throwing around performance modes...
Makes you wonder. And laugh
@NEStalgia Erdrick’s gonna have a realistic panic attack and say f**k.
@B_Lindz It’s a full remake of a game in one of the most beloved franchises in Japan, and possibly the most beloved game IN said franchise. Fairly sure its the most beloved of the NES releases at least. I’m pretty sure they can get away with it here.
I read this as the performance mode will be 120fps and regular mode will be 60fps. Weird if that isn't the case, honestly.
@SodaPop6548 Would be nice. I replayed Octopath 1 on PC with max settings and 120fps and it was so good. Would be so nice if Performance mode for DQ3HD means 120 on ps5!
I will probably get this for Switch - just because I'm weird like that and it feels almost "wrong" to play it elsewhere (despite getting better graphics and performance on more powerful hardware).
Yeah I need more info on that performance/fidelity option too. I was defaulting to the Switch version, but would happily reconsider if PS5 has a noticeable optimization when playing. I bought Octo 2 on PlayStation and didn’t seem to miss the handheld experience (I play Switch 90% undocked), so I may try this one with PS5 too.
Probably gonna play through the original 3 first then this one. It's looking amazing tho
Don’t care about the performance or fidelity stuff, doubt it’ll make a noticeable difference to me. Without knowing the original story however, I am concerned about how it might be altered in the story or characterisation. Changing things for “modern” audiences almost always ends badly.
I wonder if the revised story has something to do with the 3 games being released in a different order? Since this was released last originally but first now maybe they are going to change some dialogue to hide a few things that will happen in the first and second games which are now the second and third games.🤷🏻♂️
Still not sure about playing these but the more I read the more it’s growing on me. Maybe when they finally release 1 & 2 (now 2 & 3) there will be a financial incentive to get them in a bundle? I bought FF7 Rebirth digitally b/c it included FF7 Remake and the Yuffie dlc at no extra cost.
I would think the Switch version would have no trouble doing 60fps so if the performance mode for PS5 isn't for 120fps then something has gone wrong, maybe they have to rush for a deadline or something.
Super excited!
Pixels games like this best played on handheld I think, I hope the next switch has BC and can uprez the games automatically so I can play it on portables and tv.
Define "Revised" Story 😅
Still doesn’t justify the price. Now if you throw in some metal slime plushies, that’s a different story.
Best videogame year in eons
I was kinda hoping this would come out with the Switch 2 as a launch game... Like with Octopath 2 I like playing JRPGs like this portably for like grinding or playing mini games (DQ casino) but that game ran and looked better on PS5 so it was an annoying choice. Assume it'll be the same this time. No idea how Nintendo will be handling back compat and I could see Square Enix releasing a new edition rather than a patch.
@nessisonett I’m assuming it’s nothing super drastic. They likely aren’t going to change the entire story. 4-8 on DS and 3DS had some changes too.
Anyway, can’t wait to play this! Have it preordered for both PS5 and Switch.
@B_Lindz no! more than that in the UK at this point at $70, i feel extorted, i would rather play Octopath Traveler 2 on switch and get a better experience, my time is already challenged with these excessively long RPGs and i want the best experience i can get without the high price!
@Nei nah, the 1st dragon quest game i fully completed was DRAGON QUEST XI S Echoes of an Elusive Age on PS4 and PC, also note worth mention dragon quest builders 2 on PS4 to platinum but i don't feel the need to buy this HD remake when nintendo and luigi's mansion 2 HD is just around the corner, if they don't respect my respectful gaming time then it's simply not worth it with my backlog!
The story always has to be revised when revisiting anything not released in the last five years, for reasons we're all familiar with. After all, it would be an absolute SCANDAL if any of our current narratives or ideologies were contradicted in even the most minor of ways.
@Judal27 make sure not to play the Switch or mobile editions, then. They all look like ass, mixing up several art styles on the screen simultaneously.
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