DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake Review — Erdrick Trilogy Reborn
Square Enix and ARTDINK stitch two classic NES RPGs into a gorgeous HD-2D package. DQ2 is the standout — packed with new story beats, voice acting and post‑game — while DQ1 shines visually but trips over balance spikes. Worth playing, especially with DQ3 save bonuses.
I went in as someone who loved the originals but feared over‑modernisation — came out pleasantly surprised. The package ties I, II and the 2024 DQIII remake together, adds voice acting, new scenes and a surprising amount of meat, especially in Dragon Quest II.
Core gameplay stays faithful: classic turn‑based JRPG combat, exploration and loot are front and center, but the HD‑2D engine gives everything new life — gorgeous tilework, expressive sprites and a lush orchestral score. Both games get modern quality‑of‑life conveniences: autosaves, difficulty presets (including the masochistic Draconian), shortcut bindings and inventory/QoL options that help modern players and newcomers. DQ1 remains a solo hero experience and was reworked with added story beats, sigil mechanics and mid‑game gates that can feel at odds with its convenience features — expect sudden difficulty spikes and some boss annoyances. DQ2 is the real upgrade: a four‑person party, fuller character work, new areas, post‑game content and a true ending that genuinely pays off the trilogy. Combat benefits from new abilities and synergy between characters; knowing when to buff/debuff matters. A small but real gripe: some mechanics (like the sigil/half‑HP activation) are underexplained and can feel essential to avoid frustration. There are also platform‑specific hiccups reported (random audio popping on Steam Deck) and item‑picture omissions that some players miss. Oh — if you own DQIII HD‑2D Remake save data you get fun vanity items (dog and cat suits) as a bonus.
This is the definitive modern way to experience the Erdrick duo: gorgeous, full of charm and mostly polished — with DQ2 stealing the show. Expect a few balance stumbles and some explained‑poorly mechanics, but overall it’s a heartfelt remake worth your time.
Pros
- Stunning HD‑2D visuals and orchestral soundtrack that respect the originals.
- DQ2 is expanded into a full, modern JRPG — great characters, post‑game and a true ending.
- Helpful quality‑of‑life features (autosave, difficulty options, shortcuts) make it accessible.
Cons
- Balancing issues and abrupt difficulty spikes, especially in DQ1 (Draconian mode can be brutal).
- Some new mechanics (sigils, certain post‑game triggers) are underexplained or miss tutorialisation.
Player Opinion
Players praise the art direction, music and the way DQ2 has been expanded into something genuinely new. Common gripes: DQ1's balance, occasional boss spam and annoying RNG that can force grinding. Many recommend playing DQ3 HD‑2D first for the best narrative payoff; others note minor performance/audio hiccups on handhelds. If you loved classic JRPGs or the DQ3 remake, this collection will likely hit the sweet spot.