As someone who played the original Dragon Quest trilogy many years ago, the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake released last year rekindled my love for the series—and left me hoping that Dragon Quest I & II would receive the same modern touch. A year later, Square Enix has delivered. The first two chapters in the legendary saga return with the same stunning HD-2D visual style that captured fans’ hearts in Dragon Quest III’s remake. Now bundled into one collection, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake allows players to relive these classic adventures in a single package—revisiting beloved moments, creating new memories, and discovering thoughtful additions that make this long-awaited release feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Faithful to the Classics, Elevated by Modern Design
The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake maintains the same production quality and care that made Dragon Quest III HD-2D such a standout. This collection compiles the first two entries of the series—originally released as Dragon Warrior in North America—and will feel immediately familiar to longtime fans. The heart of each story remains untouched, but the experience is enriched by the gorgeous reimagined visuals, orchestrated music, and full voice acting that breathe new life into these 8-bit classics.
For newcomers, Dragon Quest I & II actually serve as direct sequels to Dragon Quest III, which explains why Square Enix tackled the third game first. Following the events of Dragon Quest III, Dragon Quest I begins as the Dragonlord rises once more to threaten Alefgard with his monstrous horde. As a lone warrior claiming to be a descendant of the legendary Erdrick, the hero pledges allegiance to the king and embarks on a perilous journey to rescue the kidnapped princess and restore peace to the realm.
Dragon Quest II continues generations later, in an age of peace founded by Erdrick’s descendants. When darkness once again spreads across the land, three young heirs must unite, seek out the legendary artifacts, and embark on an epic journey to banish evil anew.
Freedom and Faithfulness in One Package
Players can freely choose which title to start with—either dive straight into Dragon Quest II or begin with the first game to experience the story chronologically after Dragon Quest III. While Dragon Quest I features a solo adventure, Dragon Quest II introduces a party system, expanding the scope of exploration and combat.
One of the biggest questions with any remake is: what’s new? Thankfully, Square Enix has packed both games with meaningful quality-of-life updates. In Dragon Quest I, players can now face multiple monsters at once—a feature absent from the original—and explore brand-new dungeons that add challenge and depth. A few new story segments enrich the lore without altering the overall plot, offering a subtle but welcome expansion to the narrative.
Meanwhile, Dragon Quest II introduces a major surprise for longtime fans: the addition of Princess Cannock as a playable character. Her inclusion adds nuance to the story and variation to the combat dynamic. The sequel also includes new locations and expanded storylines, making this familiar journey feel more complete than ever before.
Modern Enhancements That Respect the Past
Fans will be pleased to know that Mini Medals make their return, rewarding those who scour every corner of the map for secrets. Players can now also find or purchase spell scrolls, adding a layer of customization that benefits both newcomers and veterans. Modern conveniences, such as on-screen guidance markers, make exploration far less frustrating—an appreciated improvement over the sometimes-opaque navigation of the original releases.
Combat remains classic turn-based fare but now feels more fluid thanks to new monster and attack animations, as well as the ability to adjust battle speed. These enhancements streamline the experience, cutting down on the grind that characterized older JRPGs while preserving the strategic depth that defines Dragon Quest.
Smooth Performance, Whether on PC or Handheld
On the technical side, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake runs beautifully on PC, including handheld systems like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED. Even at a modest 10–12W TDP, the game maintains a steady 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth performance without the need for tinkering—perfect for portable JRPG sessions on the go.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake isn’t just a modern refresh of two foundational RPGs—it’s a celebration of their enduring legacy. Square Enix and Artdink have managed to preserve everything that made these classics so beloved while reimagining them with artistry and respect for their roots. From the breathtaking visuals and orchestrated soundtrack to the thoughtful quality-of-life improvements, every detail feels crafted with care.
What makes this remake truly special is its ability to bridge generations of players. Veterans will find comfort in the familiar rhythms of turn-based combat and nostalgic storytelling, while newcomers will appreciate how approachable and visually captivating these once-retro adventures have become. It’s proof that even nearly four decades later, Dragon Quest still has the power to inspire wonder.
Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake: Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake sets a new gold standard for how classic RPGs should be revived. It’s visually stunning, mechanically polished, and emotionally resonant—a love letter to the origins of one of gaming’s most important franchises. Whether you’re reliving the past or discovering Alefgard for the first time, this remake isn’t just a return to where it all began—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with RPGs in the first place. – Mark
