TLDR Review: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for Switch
Verdict
This remake of *Dragon Quest III* for Nintendo Switch is a beautifully crafted balance of nostalgia and modern improvements, making it the definitive version for longtime fans and JRPG newcomers alike. The stunning HD-2D graphics, engaging job system, and quality of life upgrades bring fresh energy to a classic without losing its soul. If you can overlook some voice acting quirks and a bit of late-game grinding, this is a must-play RPG. For those looking for a similar old-school JRPG vibe with a bit less grinding, keep an eye on upcoming releases, but this one sets a high bar.
- Top pro:
- Successfully modernizes a classic RPG with refreshed gameplay, graphics, and story while retaining the original's charm.
- Top con:
- Late game requires a significant amount of grinding, which can feel repetitive for some players.
Pros
- •Successfully modernizes a classic RPG with refreshed gameplay, graphics, and story while retaining the original's charm.
- •Smooth gameplay that balances modern fluidity with nostalgic old-school RPG feel.
- •Frequent autosave allows flexible, shorter play sessions without stress.
- •Three customizable difficulty levels, including a tough "Draconian" mode that can be changed anytime, cater to all skill levels.
- •Helpful and unobtrusive tutorials integrated within the main quest enhance learning without breaking immersion.
- •The well-designed job system supports diverse character builds like Hero, Priest, Warrior, and Beast Wrangler.
- •Monster collecting adds an addictive and fun layer to gameplay.
- •Beautiful pixel art and visuals honor the original while giving a fresh, charming look.
- •Quality of life improvements like saving at churches, progress bars, and rest options improve convenience.
- •Expanded narrative includes more side content and scenes, enriching the story without losing the original’s feel.
Cons
- •Late game requires a significant amount of grinding, which can feel repetitive for some players.
- •Female companions mostly have male voice effects during combat, breaking immersion for those sensitive to voice consistency.
- •Some censorship is noticeable, particularly in voice acting choices, which may disappoint purists.
- •Pre-order bonuses require restarting the game to access, which is unintuitive and frustrating.
- •Fast-forwarding through dialogue is possible, but skipping entirely is not allowed, slowing down pacing for some.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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