Square Enix’s Dragon Quest series is getting a modern makeover with the HD-2D remakes, and recent developments suggest the project could span a trilogy revisiting the iconic first three games. A new official domain registered by the publisher, “DragonQuestHD-2D.com,” notably omits any numbered entries – fueling speculation that it encompasses revamped versions of Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest II, and Dragon Quest III in Square’s distinctive retro-inspired visual style.
The first concrete details about the highly anticipated HD-2D remakes emerged during Dragon Quest Day celebrations this week. While remaining tight-lipped on specifics, Square Enix revealed the initial wave of platforms for the Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake’s release: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
A teaser trailer from 2021 showcased how the RPG classic will translate to Square’s striking 2D-HD art style, melding retro pixel art charm with modern high-definition visuals. After debuting with 2018’s Octopath Traveler, the eye-catching HD-2D aesthetic has graced acclaimed remakes like Live A Live and the opera scene in Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster.
【Dragon Quest】
【Domain Expansion】Square Enix registered a web domain for Dragon Quest HD-2D on April 24.https://t.co/xEitB499Z4
— みどり (@MbKKssTBhz5) June 1, 2024
Series creator Yuji Horii expressed excitement at bringing Dragon Quest III to current hardware during the anniversary celebration while cryptically teasing “the HD-2D remakes draw near.” With major gaming showcases like Summer Game Fest on the horizon, fans could get a firmer release window and additional details in the coming weeks.
While Square Enix has solely discussed remaking Dragon Quest III thus far, the absence of any numbered subtitle from the newly registered “Dragon Quest HD-2D” domain suggests a potential trilogy project spanning all three 8-bit Dragon Quest entries. Such an undertaking would introduce long-awaited contemporary remakes for the NES originals that kicked off the legendary JRPG franchise upon its 1986 debut in Japan.
Given Dragon Quest’s enduring acclaim and Square Enix’s recent retro revival kick, revisiting the series’ 2D roots with ultra-faithful HD remakes makes perfect sense. Fans have already witnessed the critically praised Live A Live remake breathe new life into a lost 16-bit classic by porting the 1994 release to HD-2D.
With E3 returning and publishers ramping up gaming showcases, the coming months could finally reveal Square Enix’s grand plan for bringing this revered trilogy to modern platforms with a fresh coat of retro-inspired 2D-HD polish. Eager Dragon Quest devotees have ample reason to stay tuned for more information on this exciting historical remake project.
