Dragon Quest 3, a beloved classic in the JRPG genre, is set for a modern remake by Artdink, launching on November 14, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Switch. This iteration revives the epic journey of the legendary hero Roto, marrying traditional gameplay with updated mechanics. Featuring beautifully crafted 3D environments and a stunning symphonic soundtrack, the remake maintains the charm of the original while introducing new elements like the monstrologist class. Expectations are high for what could be one of 2024’s standout JRPGs.
Considered a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, Dragon Quest is a legendary series that has consistently captivated players with its straightforward gameplay and captivating story, stunning designs by Toriyama, and beautiful compositions by Sugiyama. In the remakes of the original trilogy, we begin with the iconic Dragon Quest 3, featuring the legendary hero Roto, where it all began.
- Genre: JRPG
- Release Date: 14/11/2024
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Switch
- Developer: Artdink
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Price: €59.99
Dragon’s Call
A new day dawns in the world as the son of a legendary hero is ready to embark on his epic journey. After bidding farewell to his mother and hiring a few mercenaries at the local inn, our protagonist heads towards the town of Rêvé and the ruins nearby. This marks the beginning of an epic adventure, the pinnacle of the Roto trilogy, encompassing the first three entries in the series released on Famicom in the late ’80s. This isn’t DQ3’s first remake, as it was previously adapted for the Super Famicom in the late ’90s. This classic title is being revitalized by Artdink to introduce it to a broader audience.
While this is a modern remake, there’s a firm commitment to preserve the essence of this beloved franchise. Upon logging in, players encounter a simple game creation window with a white background and black text. The game features selective encounters, incorporating its unique elements while adhering closely to the original formula. Players can even customize their confirmation and cancel button settings, as Japanese players typically use the circle button to confirm and the cross to cancel. To use a well-worn phrase, this remake masterfully blends tradition and innovation, creating a result that enchants in the initial hours of gameplay.
The Jests of Roto
This remake is truly stunning: character sprites harmoniously blend with carefully crafted 3D backgrounds. Developed by the studio known for Triangle Strategy, Artdink clearly excels in HD-2D graphics, and it shows. DQ3 stands out as the most visually striking game utilizing this graphic style, with an artistic flair that constantly inspires players to explore new areas. Additionally, the soundtrack is breathtaking, featuring an entirely symphonic OST that enhances the atmosphere significantly; one cannot underestimate the enormous impact of Koichi Sugiyama’s compositions during exploration. This fresh presentation suits the final DQ game on the Famicom splendidly, akin to the high-quality remakes by Arte Piazza released on DS. However, it must be noted that the combat interface, while true to the original, obscures the main hero’s sprite during command selections. This might seem like a minor detail, but it did catch our attention in the opening hour of gameplay.
The joy of encountering slimes quickly returns in classic-style battles, which is precisely what players seek in a Dragon Quest title. Furthermore, a new character class, the Monster Tamer, utilizes creatures recruited from the environment to deal significant damage. Players can even use their captured monsters in special arena battles reminiscent of DQVIII. This addition further encourages exploration, along with introducing secret areas filled with treasures and valuable items. Ultimately, a grand and exciting adventure awaits on November 14, and unless there are significant issues towards the game’s conclusion, it is poised to be one of the best JRPGs of the busy 2024 lineup.
The remake is polished; one could hardly ask for more. The combat interface conceals the beautifully crafted character sprites, but one adapts to it relatively quickly. Overall, the visual overhaul is seamless, accompanied by comfort options and gameplay enhancements that greatly enrich the experience. In fact, we’re ready to dive back in!