Exciting HD-2D Remakes of Dragon Quest Are Coming Soon!
The iconic RPG series Dragon Quest is set to make a triumphant comeback with a spectacular HD-2D remake of its inaugural titles. This exciting announcement was highlighted during the Nintendo Direct event in March 2025, where a new trailer showcased the visually enhanced versions of these beloved classics. Given Dragon Quest’s long-term relationship with Nintendo, the timing of this reveal felt especially significant for fans.
In the newly released trailer, players were treated to stunning depictions of various classic locales, all artfully reimagined through the impressive HD-2D engine first seen in Octopath Traveler. This innovative visual style marries nostalgic pixel art with contemporary lighting and depth effects. The resurgence of retro aesthetics can largely be credited to Octopath Traveler, which has inspired a wave of remakes and new JRPG releases since its debut.
Core Features of the Remake
The remakes honor the foundational mechanics that established the Dragon Quest series as a hallmark of RPG excellence. Players can anticipate the classic turn-based combat system, iconic character designs, and a richly immersive world that harkens back to the golden age of JRPGs.
A Legacy That Transcends Borders
Though immensely popular in Japan, the full extent of Dragon Quest’s legacy may not be as widely recognized among Western audiences. The series has long been celebrated as a foundational pillar in the realm of turn-based RPGs, serving as an inspiration for many titles, including the renowned Pokémon franchise. Since its original release in the late 1980s, Dragon Quest has solidified its status as a cultural icon.
With eleven mainline installments and numerous spin-off games, the series continues to thrive, drawing long lines of eager fans at retail outlets across Japan on release day. Notably, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age successfully introduced a new generation of Western players to this beloved franchise.
Iconic Character Designs and Multimedia Expansion
Players may recognize the character designs in Dragon Quest due to their unique origins; the legendary Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, provided the artwork for the series. This collaboration has led to a distinctive visual identity that endears itself to gamers worldwide.
Over the years, Dragon Quest has evolved into a multimedia phenomenon, boasting anime, manga, and literature in addition to its extensive video game library. The animated adaptation, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, produced by Toei Animation — the same studio behind the iconic Dragon Ball series — further solidifies the franchise’s expansive influence.
To catch the latest visuals and updates, be sure to check out the trailer here.