The Dragon Quest games that started it all are coming to the Nintendo Switch with flashy new graphics, as the Erdrick trilogy will be released as Dragon Quest III HD-2D and Dragon Quest I-II HD-2D.
Dragon Quest’s original trilogy has been released on many platforms. The 2D-HD remakes are drastically improving the visuals by bringing them in line with the Octopath Traveler series, with incredibly detailed sprites on a 3D background.
These classic titles should retain their turn-based gameplay and stories, though the upcoming rereleases will add a fresh visual style. But when can people actually play them?
Dragon Quest III HD-2D release date
Dragon Quest III HD-2D is coming to Nintendo Switch on November 14, 2024. This means fans will have the holiday season to go through the adventure.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D trailers
Dragon Quest III HD-2D was originally announced during the series’ 35th anniversary celebrations. A video of the initial trailer can be seen on the official Japanese Square Enix YouTube channel.
Another trailer was shown during the June 2024 Nintendo Direct and can be seen on the Nintendo UK YouTube channel. This was the trailer that finally revealed the game’s release date, as well as the announcement for Dragon Quest I-II HD-2D.
One more trailer debuted during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. The video announced that players could now customize characters’ appearance and voice and that there was a new Monster Wrangler vocation.
The newest trailer was revealed at the Xbox showcase at Tokyo Game Show 2024 which showed 4 minutes of gameplay and how the characters begin their journey in the game. It also showed different classes of characters you can find and how you can modify their appearance.
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However, the highlight of the clip was how the skill system and vocations work in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and how players will be able to set out for iconic battles.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D story & gameplay
Dragon Quest III HD-2D follows the unnamed hero, who is the child of a warrior named Ortega. Years before, Ortega had died trying to defeat a monster named Baramos. On their sixteenth birthday, the player takes up their father’s mission and slays Baramos once and for all.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D features a character class system where you can bring hirelings into your party and tailor their jobs and abilities to your liking.
Like other entries in the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest III HD-2D uses a turn-based combat system. The only change the new version has made is the game’s aesthetics. It’s currently unknown if it will add any content.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D release date & trailers
Dragon Quest I-II HD-2D is coming in 2025. As of the time of writing, no trailers have been released (outside of its reveal in the above-mentioned Dragon Quest III HD-2D trailer), and no gameplay footage has been shown.
We will update this section when more information is revealed.