Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Preview: Timeless Classics Reborn

The original Dragon Quest is, without a doubt, one of the most influential video games of all time. The game’s legacy lives on as being widely considered the first real JRPG, and its success spawned a franchise that is one of the most recognizable and popular in all of video games today.

Although the mainline games haven’t seen a new entry since 2017, Square Enix most recently released an incredible remake of the third game in the series last year. A year later, and they’re back, with another HD-2D art style remake, this time remaking the first two games in the series.

During PAX East 2025, I was able to get some hands-on time with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, and although my time with the games was brief, it’s clear that Square Enix is keen on giving fans the ultimate experience when it comes to playing these legendary games in a new way.

My first stop in the preview for the new batch of remakes was Dragon Quest I. Similar to Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, the first thing you’ll notice when playing is just how fantastic the game looks. The HD-2D style of art, popularized by games like Octopath Traveler, works incredibly well in a setting like the original Dragon Quest games.

Whether it be traveling the overworld or making your way through a small town, the game’s visual overhaul is a sight to be seen. Partially due to the fact that it’s been so long since the original game’s release, but the new look really does lend itself well to getting lost in the giant world of Dragon Quest. Even smaller animations like transitioning into a battle or leaving an area have been updated a bit to provide a clearer and more concise feel.

After some time with the first Dragon Quest, it was time to move over to the second game. My time here was a bit shorter, and spent mostly on one of the earlier portions of the game, visiting the destroyed kingdom of Moonbrooke. It’s here that the game’s visual overhaul really shone. While the original game does a great job of depicting the ruined castle for its time, this time around, the game can showcase the destruction and ruined aspect of the area significantly more.

Visuals aren’t all that’s new to these remakes, though. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake also sports several of the same quality of life updates that Dragon Quest III’s update received. These include things like the introduction of a mini-map while traveling around the world, easier save options, the ability to move faster in the world, and perhaps best of all, the ability to speed up battles as you’re fighting.

Gameplay wise, both Dragon Quest I and Dragon Quest II don’t differ too much. The game is still very much a classic JRPG, and Square Enix has made sure to keep that style a strong driving factor. As noted before, some of the quality of life changes do make things better, though. For as fun as the games are, the combat in both can be a bit tedious, so the option to speed up fights and get through areas faster really is a much-needed luxury.

Of course, mechanical changes aren’t all that’s new to these remakes. While we’re unable to discuss them fully, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake both sport some new features that enhance the already classic games. Ranging from somewhat helpful features to brand-new, full-fledged things that build upon the story of the game, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of things fans of the series have never seen before.

Unfortunately, my time with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake was brief. However, even in a short time, it’s clear that Square Enix has found a successful method to bringing back these timeless classics. Similar to its Dragon Quest III remake, the new versions of Dragon Quest I and II are more about presenting these games in an package that makes it easier for modern audiences to check out.

While there are some changes that make things easier, the game’s are largely kept intact, with Square Enix instead choosing to focus on what made them so incredible all those years ago. For fans of the Dragon Quest series, JRPGs, and newcomers alike, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a must-play and something that elevates a classic to new heights.

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

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