There has been a movement by Square Enix over the last several years to take their sprite-based RPGs into a new direction. Specifically, the direction of HD-2D. The was first popularized via the hit game Octopath Traveler and has since been used and expanded upon for other titles in the Square Enix line. One game that was announced to be getting the HD-2D treatment was Dragon Quest III. That was promised last year during the 35th-anniversary special for the franchise. However, since then, things have been relatively quiet on what fans can expect and when it might be coming out.
However, a small update has been provided by series creator Yuji Horii. In an interview with Famitsu, he talked about the status of the remake, as well as the next entry in the mainline franchise:
“We’re working hard on Dragon Quest XII and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake! I can’t say much yet, but we might be able to deliver more news on DQIII soon. We’re grateful that people are putting big expectations on DQIII too.”
So while that doesn’t fully provide an update for gamers to latch on to, we can take solace knowing that they’re hard at work on both titles and that we possibly could hear something soon about both. The biggest question for the HD-2D remake is what platform it will be released on. At first, these games were released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch and then slowly ported to other systems. However, with the upcoming Octopath Traveler II, that game is getting a multi-platform release at launch. It won’t be exclusive.
As such, it’s possible that Dragon Quest III’s remake might follow the same path. Of course, we won’t know until an announcement is made, but both options are possible, given what has happened in the past.
For many, they’re hoping that these titles will help further expand the appreciation for Dragon Quest. While the most recent mainline game helped push it into the mainstream once again, it used to be that in the first console generations. But with competition from the other RPGs in the Square Enix line, the series has seen better days in multiple ways. But perhaps its time in the sun may return soon enough.
The other question is how many more games in this franchise or others will get the HD-2D treatment. While not the cheapest option, it is getting results, and when something gets results, you keep using it until it doesn’t.
Source: Famitsu
