Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Review

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake brings the legendary beginnings of the series to life with the same striking visual style as Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. By reimagining the first two titles in this modern format, Square Enix has now completed the iconic Erdrick Trilogy, offering both longtime fans and newcomers the chance to experience these timeless adventures in a fresh, beautifully crafted way.

Will you rise to the challenge and see the saga through to its conclusion? Take up your blade, embark on a journey across classic lands, and relive the epic quest to save the realm in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake!

Prequel Sequels

Chronologically, Dragon Quest III precedes the events of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, so continuing the saga in this order feels natural. While it may seem unusual to play the very first title in the legendary series as the second release in this remake lineup, the result is a sense of completeness, bringing the Erdrick Trilogy full circle.

Bundling the first two games together is also a smart value proposition. The original Dragon Quest is historically shorter, and pairing it with the more substantial Dragon Quest II creates a balanced package that offers hours of engaging gameplay.

From a development perspective, Square Enix clearly applied lessons learned from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake to refine Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. As direct sequels in the saga’s timeline, these titles feel more compelling, benefiting from both narrative continuity and technical improvements.

The most striking upgrade lies in the visuals. Compared to Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, the environments and character designs feel sharper and more vibrant, with additional cutscenes and expanded voice work that bring the stories to life in new ways.

Combat pacing has also been significantly improved. Where Dragon Quest III could feel sluggish even at maximum battle speed, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake introduces an “Ultra Fast” option that aligns with the expectations of modern JRPGs. This keeps battles brisk and momentum intact, allowing players to progress without unnecessary slowdown.

That said, one lingering issue remains: the “Dracky” difficulty setting, equivalent to story mode, removes the risk of death by preventing characters from falling when HP reaches zero. While this makes the game accessible, it can break immersion, reducing the sense of danger and adventure. The better alternative is the default “Dragon” difficulty, which strikes a balance between challenge and fairness.

The autosave system helps mitigate the scarcity of save points, recording progress after every battle. This ensures that even after a party wipe, players can quickly resume without losing hours of progress, which is a fair compromise given the punishing design of the originals.

While not perfect, these adjustments are a good balance between honoring the difficulty of the classic titles and making them approachable for new audiences. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake ultimately allows players to experience the saga on their own terms, whether they seek the authentic challenge of the originals or a smoother, more accessible journey.

Save The World

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake revitalizes the first two entries of the legendary series, presenting them in beautifully reimagined form. While Dragon Quest II stands out for its expanded scope and richer content, Dragon Quest I remains a rewarding experience thanks to the thoughtful adaptation of its classic adventure.

In Dragon Quest I, players step into the role of a descendant of Erdrick, the legendary Dragon Warrior, tasked with aiding a kingdom under threat and confronting the evil Dragonlord. The journey follows a timeless hero’s arc as he gathers sacred relics, aiding townsfolk, and ultimately rising to meet destiny.

Enhanced voice acting and cinematic 2.5D pixel art cutscenes breathe new life into the minimalist storytelling of the original NES release, transforming its 10–12 hour quest into a surprisingly immersive experience.

Dragon Quest II expands the saga, telling the tale of three kingdoms descended from Erdrick’s bloodline. Each realm produces a hero, embodying strength, wisdom, and balance, who unite to form a party destined to challenge the malevolent priest Hargon.

The addition of a full adventuring party elevates the gameplay, with each character offering unique abilities, spells, and equipment. While it lacks the job system of Dragon Quest III, the interplay between party members adds depth and variety to the 30–40 hour campaign.

The sequel also shines in its storytelling, with stronger character interactions that enrich the overarching Erdrick Trilogy. For many, it represents the most compelling entry of the three, balancing narrative weight with engaging gameplay.

Both titles are packed with secrets and optional content, from collectible mini medals to Tonba tickets, ensuring plenty of rewards for exploration. With numerous towns to visit and hidden treasures to uncover, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake delivers exceptional value, offering fans and newcomers alike an unforgettable journey through the origins of one of gaming’s most iconic sagas.

Verdict: Buy It!

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake refines the formula established in Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, delivering faster battle speeds, sharper visuals, and a more polished overall presentation. These enhancements make the classics more approachable for modern players, though some adjustments may feel less satisfying to those seeking the original level of challenge.

Even with a few compromises, the collection offers tremendous value. Featuring two complete adventures reimagined with stunning HD-2D pixel art and fully voiced storytelling, it breathes new life into the origins of the series. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is the definitive way to experience the beginning of the saga, bringing the Erdrick Trilogy to a fitting conclusion.

*Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake has been reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.