Never fully played this one -- tried the Switch mobile port, but fell off it. Picked it up on PC on release and didn't put it down for 55 hours. Felt like I was renting a cartridge from the local video store and trying to beat it over the weekend before I had to return it. Just goes to show how powerful nostalgia is and how old I'm getting. Loved every minute of it.
Beat this 2 weeks back after about 60 hours playtime. An absolute joy. My only critique is switch performance when in towns chugs somewhat and the towns themselves share mostly the same music every time bar a few late game towns. Overall a fantastic experience. I left the help features like quest markers off as I hate that kinda handholding but wholly embraced the combat speed up option. Great game.
That's because that's how it was in the original. Change the town music as you described, and then the game would get the much harsher critique of "not being true to the original" from the die-hard fans (See: body type SNAFU outrage for a prime example). And if there is a company that is about nostalgia when it comes to its classics, it's Square Enix. So I doubt they'd change that. As for switch performance, that's a problem that is not exclusive to that title. It's the switch we're talking about.
@MarthSR true but octopath 1 and 2 ran fine on switch maintaining 30fps while DQ 3 remake stayed around the 18-20 fps mark consistently in most towns. Also though you make a point about being faithful to original I tend to have this critique with any dragon quest I play. They dont vary up the town music when most jrpgs even on the snes did so. That said this is a remake so i suppose it gets a pass in that regard
At the beginning of the game the game asks you if you want to have objective markers. This game is definitely much better played without objective markers as that's how the original game was designed, and the game is designed as one giant puzzle, which the objective markers spoil the solution.
I still need to pick it up too. It's not the price point for me though. I just need to finish up daybreak and get through Metaphor first. My job doesn't give me much time to game during the fall so my gaming progress comes to a screaming halt that time of year.
I really enjoyed my time with DQ3R but by the end I found myself in a position where I don't think I can recommend this to a series newcomer. It's great for existing fans but there are at least a few points that put me off a full endorsement: -The battle UI is atrocious. So much unused screen real estate and yet the command menu very prominently obscures the sprite work. I'm very glad I played on PC where there is a mod that shoves the HP/MP readouts and command menu layout to one just like the original and it works great and you can admire your characters properly. -Why are the ship and the bird so painfully slow? Mods to the rescue here again. -I can't help but feel that the 80s/90s encounter rate mentality could've stood to take a rebalance in the form of fewer encounters but more XP to keep the leveling pace overall the same. The constant interruptions makes exploration, which is otherwise fantastic, sometimes a plain chore. Especially in the late game when every enemy attacks multiple times with annoying stat-sticks and insta-kill spells. -I'm aware that it's basically CERO's fault but censorship of any kind just sucks. Modding once again fixing the work of supposedly AAA teams here. I think I'd steer anyone who hasn't played DQ but wants to get into it to go play 11S instead (or 8 if you don't mind emulation - now THERE'S one that needs a remake and no the 3DS version doesn't count that was a downgrade). If it has to be something new I'd even recommend Romancing SaGa 2's recent remake over DQ3R as better value for money and probably the best "modern update" I think I've ever seen. To wit, RS2R cost me $65 and took me 52 hours to complete, DQ3R was full AAA $80 and I was done in 39 (not including postgame for either). At any rate it may sound like I'm dumping on DQ3R but that's because this post is already a novel so I'm not listing the dozens of things I thought were fantastic... it's definitely a B+ from me at the very least, and a full A grade with aforementioned mods.
Ya, that's basically what I said. Perfect for DQ fans or fans of the old school genre. If not, then, maybe a pass. I didn't mind the boat so much, but that bird navigation was pretty bad. I don't understand why, but it seemed to go fast when alternating between high and low.
I'd draw the line with this game being the peak of HD-2D graphics when Octopath Traveler 2 exist. But everything else is very solid. Also, how would you stack this against Star Ocean Second Story R?
"Lacks some QoL"?!? You're really gonna put a minus on that when there has been TONS of QoL improvements from the originals? You are nitpicking like crazy on that one!
I mean, this is a complete remake, at the price of a full priced game. There are many small additions that could have been added to further enhance the experience. Eg - unused shoulder buttons up the top that could have quickly activated certain abilities, or quickly selling items at the shop.
Remake re-milk sick of these producers milking us dry. And 2 remakes coming in the next few years. Why not release 123….oh wait now that’s 3 times the charge they can dupe you….no thanks
I'm all for it, especially since the DQ1, 2, 3 collection was already released as a single title, for the price of one game. These remakes take a lot of time money and bundling them together for a small price tag wouldn't be financially viable. If that were the case, then we wouldn't get them at all.
It's gorgeous but too bad they didn't choose a DQ with a better story, like V, VII. I know they already have remakes but anyway. I will wait for sales for this one, since it has bee been selling well, I don't need to support it hard core
Man I hate when I'm just trying play some DQ and the game asks for my card number along with 3-digit number on the back. It really spoils the immersion!
![[REVIEW] Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake | I was not prepared for THIS!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4yfhJxVj5gs/mqdefault.jpg)
Good review mate!
Thanks!
I'd say both Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and Fantasian: Neo Dimension are my JRPGs of the year 2024 if I'm being quite honest.
I've really enjoyed them, but putting them over Infinite Wealth, Rebirth, and Balatro would be a reach for me.
Rebirth, Infinite Wealth and Unicorn Overlord were all significantly better in my opinion. Very tough year to be a standout JRPG.
Absolutely love these games - beat 100% DQ3 (remake) two days ago. It’s now my 3rd favorite in the whole line-up
@phanum0181 awesome. There's quite a few I haven't played. Hopefully get a chance after more remakes
Great review! I can’t wait to dive into this one!
Never fully played this one -- tried the Switch mobile port, but fell off it. Picked it up on PC on release and didn't put it down for 55 hours. Felt like I was renting a cartridge from the local video store and trying to beat it over the weekend before I had to return it. Just goes to show how powerful nostalgia is and how old I'm getting. Loved every minute of it.
My GOTY 2024. For some reason I find the grinding in this game surprisingly pleasant.
A very solid JRPG, but there were too many other powerhouse titles for me.
You sneaking in jokes and the timing is hilarious especially the CO worker joke
Haha, I'm sure that's something we can all relate to.
Amazing review man! Such a gorgeous game this one is, and I really hope Square Enix does justice for more HD-2D remakes in the future!
I know! So many classics that I would love to replay again (or play for the first time).
I want FF Tactics more than anything, however.
@HellFireRPGs That'd be great!
Good review mr hellfire
Hmmm don't I know you from somewhere?
@HellFireRPGs nope
Thanks, dude. Very good review. 💯
Appreciate it!
Beat this 2 weeks back after about 60 hours playtime. An absolute joy. My only critique is switch performance when in towns chugs somewhat and the towns themselves share mostly the same music every time bar a few late game towns. Overall a fantastic experience. I left the help features like quest markers off as I hate that kinda handholding but wholly embraced the combat speed up option. Great game.
That's because that's how it was in the original. Change the town music as you described, and then the game would get the much harsher critique of "not being true to the original" from the die-hard fans (See: body type SNAFU outrage for a prime example). And if there is a company that is about nostalgia when it comes to its classics, it's Square Enix. So I doubt they'd change that.
As for switch performance, that's a problem that is not exclusive to that title. It's the switch we're talking about.
@MarthSR true but octopath 1 and 2 ran fine on switch maintaining 30fps while DQ 3 remake stayed around the 18-20 fps mark consistently in most towns. Also though you make a point about being faithful to original I tend to have this critique with any dragon quest I play. They dont vary up the town music when most jrpgs even on the snes did so. That said this is a remake so i suppose it gets a pass in that regard
At the beginning of the game the game asks you if you want to have objective markers. This game is definitely much better played without objective markers as that's how the original game was designed, and the game is designed as one giant puzzle, which the objective markers spoil the solution.
Terrific review as always. Could not agree more if the game deserves it. Spend some time to re release after a lot of polish
Love your reviews. Looking forward to trying it when it goes on sale. Does $60 feel expensive to you for this type of game?
I still need to pick it up too. It's not the price point for me though. I just need to finish up daybreak and get through Metaphor first. My job doesn't give me much time to game during the fall so my gaming progress comes to a screaming halt that time of year.
@@TheSteelers4190 Daybreak is a long one for sure. I finished up at 101 hours. Then started trails in the sky which I'm on the last chapter of.
I don't mind it at that price point. It's just that we've been treated to other MASSIVE titles this year that take 100+ hours.
I really enjoyed my time with DQ3R but by the end I found myself in a position where I don't think I can recommend this to a series newcomer. It's great for existing fans but there are at least a few points that put me off a full endorsement:
-The battle UI is atrocious. So much unused screen real estate and yet the command menu very prominently obscures the sprite work. I'm very glad I played on PC where there is a mod that shoves the HP/MP readouts and command menu layout to one just like the original and it works great and you can admire your characters properly.
-Why are the ship and the bird so painfully slow? Mods to the rescue here again.
-I can't help but feel that the 80s/90s encounter rate mentality could've stood to take a rebalance in the form of fewer encounters but more XP to keep the leveling pace overall the same. The constant interruptions makes exploration, which is otherwise fantastic, sometimes a plain chore. Especially in the late game when every enemy attacks multiple times with annoying stat-sticks and insta-kill spells.
-I'm aware that it's basically CERO's fault but censorship of any kind just sucks. Modding once again fixing the work of supposedly AAA teams here.
I think I'd steer anyone who hasn't played DQ but wants to get into it to go play 11S instead (or 8 if you don't mind emulation - now THERE'S one that needs a remake and no the 3DS version doesn't count that was a downgrade). If it has to be something new I'd even recommend Romancing SaGa 2's recent remake over DQ3R as better value for money and probably the best "modern update" I think I've ever seen. To wit, RS2R cost me $65 and took me 52 hours to complete, DQ3R was full AAA $80 and I was done in 39 (not including postgame for either). At any rate it may sound like I'm dumping on DQ3R but that's because this post is already a novel so I'm not listing the dozens of things I thought were fantastic... it's definitely a B+ from me at the very least, and a full A grade with aforementioned mods.
Ya, that's basically what I said. Perfect for DQ fans or fans of the old school genre. If not, then, maybe a pass.
I didn't mind the boat so much, but that bird navigation was pretty bad. I don't understand why, but it seemed to go fast when alternating between high and low.
I'd draw the line with this game being the peak of HD-2D graphics when Octopath Traveler 2 exist. But everything else is very solid. Also, how would you stack this against Star Ocean Second Story R?
I prefer the crisper, sharper style of DQ3.
DQ3 vs SO2R in terms of visuals or as a whole? Would be leaning more towards Star Ocean 2, I think.
"Lacks some QoL"?!?
You're really gonna put a minus on that when there has been TONS of QoL improvements from the originals? You are nitpicking like crazy on that one!
Not being able to rotate the camera is a big one. Especially on the world map it's very annoying.
I mean, this is a complete remake, at the price of a full priced game. There are many small additions that could have been added to further enhance the experience. Eg - unused shoulder buttons up the top that could have quickly activated certain abilities, or quickly selling items at the shop.
Your title is missing the word REVIEW
Oops. Thanks for the heads up :)
Remake re-milk sick of these producers milking us dry. And 2 remakes coming in the next few years. Why not release 123….oh wait now that’s 3 times the charge they can dupe you….no thanks
I'm all for it, especially since the DQ1, 2, 3 collection was already released as a single title, for the price of one game. These remakes take a lot of time money and bundling them together for a small price tag wouldn't be financially viable. If that were the case, then we wouldn't get them at all.
It's gorgeous but too bad they didn't choose a DQ with a better story, like V, VII. I know they already have remakes but anyway. I will wait for sales for this one, since it has bee been selling well, I don't need to support it hard core
Man I hate when I'm just trying play some DQ and the game asks for my card number along with 3-digit number on the back. It really spoils the immersion!
Agreed, but totally worth it for a good personality type.
Love the review but i refuse to even touch a game that paints over a dead artist work
Mainstream Japanese cultural imports were way more censored and stripped of their cultural context in the 90s and early 2000s than they are today.
Fight the good fight Spartacus..
Edgy
🤣🤣🤣
Ok....😂