Publisher Square Enix and developer Artdink Corporation have released new details and screenshots for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, introducing its story, protagonist, world, spells, and abilities. Several Japanese outlets have gone up with lengthy gameplay videos.

■ About

 

36 years after its initial release in 1988, the legend is set to return in HD-2D. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is scheduled to arrive Thursday, November 14, 2024 as a simultaneous worldwide release, and will be available to purchase for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Microsoft Store on Windows. This updated version of the classic game features new scenes that add greater depth to the world, as well as voiced cutscenes and an orchestral soundtrack.

—The Legacy Begins: Package artwork by Naoki Ikushima.

 

What is “HD-2D”?

 

HD-2D is a unique visual style developed by Square Enix, Inc.’s very own Team Asano that combines pixel art with 3D graphics. Pixel sprites blend seamlessly with 3D backgrounds, and brought to life with sumptuously detailed video effects for a contemporary visual experience that’s reminiscent of classic gaming.

■ The Story and Its Hero

 

The quaint kingdom of Aliahan, home of the great hero Ortega and you, his child and the story’s protagonist. On your sixteenth birthday, you receive an order from the king: to do what your late father could not and defeat the Archfiend Baramos. Thus begins your journey to save the world. What surprises does fate have in store for you?

■ The Protagonist (You)

 

You are the child of Ortega, Aliahan’s celebrated hero. On the morning of your sixteenth birthday, you set out on the same fateful path as your father once did to defeat the Archfiend Baramos.

Appearance A (voiced by Toby Laurence in English, Nobuyuki Hiyama in Japanese)

Appearance B (voiced by Jenna Sharpe in English, Yuuko Minaguchi in Japanese)

■ A World of Adventure

 

On your journey, you and your allies will explore all corners of a vast world. What mysteries await in the towns, castles, caves and towers they will discover? Perhaps the locals can provide a clue or two on how to solve some of the world’s problems.

—The world map. Aliahan is the birthplace of the protagonist.

—Meadows, forests, deserts, tundra and rocky escarpments dot the landscape.

—As you explore the world, day turns to evening and then nighttime.

—The residents of towns and castles can provide hints to help you on your journey.

—Caves, towers, and other dungeons may conceal treasure chests containing important items required to progress the story.

—With a ship in your possession, the seas and waterways open up new avenues of adventure.

—Monsters in town!? What is the world coming to!

■ Spells and Abilities Pave the Way to Victory

 

When exploring the world and its dungeons, monsters are never far away. Tense, turn-based battles proceed in classic Dragon Quest fashion, with you dishing out the orders to your party members. Attack with your trusty weapons, or employ a multitude of spells and abilities, each with their own unique effects, to take down foes in style. Defeating monsters rewards you with experience points which level up your party, and gold coins which allow you to purchase more powerful equipment.

—Whether you’re traversing the overworld or exploring a dungeon, monsters will attack without warning. In this game, you can adjust the speed of battle to your liking.

—Command your party in turn-based battles with no time limit to choose your next move.

—Break out your strongest spells and abilities, and enjoy each fight to the fullest.

—Powerful enemies lurk in the deepest recesses of many a dungeon. Teamwork will be key to taking them down.