DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake is a faithful reimagining of the original Dragon Quest games that built the foundation of the franchise. While the originals now feel quite old and clunky to play, this remake fixes many of those issues, making them much easier to enjoy by modern standards. What stood out to me the most is how this collection includes two separate games that, while connected through their story, each offer several hours of solid content.
Dragon Quest I is the shorter of the two. It is a simple game that reflects a time when developers focused less on story and more on creating a solid adventure and fun gameplay. The original versions are tough to go back to today. I tried playing the Switch ports, which were based on the smartphone releases, but found it hard to finish them. They felt slow, the combat was outdated, and the story didn’t hold my attention.
The remake, however, was a real surprise after seeing how basic the originals were. It completely revamps the story, adding new cutscenes that make it far more engaging, and improves the battle system so it feels faster and more interactive. I played mostly on a Switch 2, which felt like a perfect fit for this remake. There are two display modes to choose from: Graphics Mode and Performance Mode. The game defaults to Performance Mode, which I preferred since it ran smoothly and looked great in both handheld and docked play. Graphics Mode seemed more suited for portable play, but Performance Mode remained my go-to option throughout.
The story in Dragon Quest I is straightforward. It follows the descendant of the legendary hero Erdrick, who must stop the Dragonlord from plunging the world into chaos. The hero sets out on a journey to prove Erdrick’s legacy and save the land from destruction. The remake adds several new story elements, including extended cutscenes that help bridge the gap between the games in the Erdrick trilogy (Dragon Quest I to III). For players coming directly from Dragon Quest III, there are several moments where events connect between the titles.
The gameplay system has been fully overhauled in the remake and applies to both games in the collection. They now share a unified battle system that includes the option to adjust battle speed. This feature is essential, as the default pacing can feel too slow. Since these games include frequent random encounters, being able to speed up battles makes grinding far more manageable. Other improvements to the system include the new Sigil mechanic, additional skills and spells that can be learned through ability scrolls found in treasure chests, and several quality-of-life upgrades such as showing enemy weaknesses, adding objective markers to the map, and allowing players to customize their party’s tactics.
Dragon Quest I is a relatively short game with a straightforward quest structure. The main story takes less than 20 hours to complete. What stood out to me is how Square Enix has managed to cater to both newcomers and long-time fans by offering multiple difficulty options. The default setting, called Dragon Quest, serves as the normal mode. It strikes a good balance—not too hard, not too easy, and with just the right amount of grinding. For players who want a more relaxed experience, there is an easier option, while those seeking a real challenge can try the Draconian mode, though it is not recommended for beginners. While the story in Dragon Quest I is not its strongest aspect, the revamped combat system makes it much more enjoyable to play through until the end.
This leads to Dragon Quest II, which might be my favorite entry in the trilogy. It opens with a long, lore-rich cutscene that sets the stage for the world and introduces the main characters. The story takes place several generations after the events of Dragon Quest I and features a wider cast of characters, resulting in a more diverse and engaging party dynamic. The narrative revolves around three kingdoms—Midenhall, Cannock, and Moonbrooke—and focuses on the growing threat of evil that endangers them. New heroes rise to confront this menace and restore peace to the land. The remake includes the same combat refinements and quality-of-life improvements as the first game. I also appreciated the new save system, which now allows players to save progress at any time, making it much easier to take short breaks during long play sessions.
The second game has seen the most significant narrative changes compared to the first. The newly added content, including the ability to play as some of the newer characters, adds more depth and variety to the story. There are also new boss encounters, and the overall story length now feels closer to a traditional JRPG, running about 30 to 40 hours. The villains receive much better development this time, which makes their presence and threat feel more impactful. There is also a small bonus for players who have experienced Dragon Quest I and III, though I will not spoil what it is here. For both games, Square Enix has included the option to choose between the original Japanese voice acting or an English dub, giving players more flexibility in how they experience the story.
Overall, this remake feels like a dream come true for Dragon Quest fans. The original titles have long felt outdated compared to other classics like the recently remastered Final Fantasy series, so this overhaul was well overdue. This release shows how a remake should be done—staying as true to the source material as possible while making smart, creative improvements where necessary. The Switch 2 version remains my preferred way to play, offering the ideal mix of performance and portability, though the PC and Steam Deck versions are equally strong alternatives.
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
