PC REVIEW | Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake

Once again, I find myself throwing everything I have at tackling a beautifully created Dragon Quest game, this time it being Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake. The second game in the package is ultimately a longer offering, with more traditional RPG elements. Since I enjoyed the first one so much, I decided to read up on the series a little more, and found that the series is getting quite the few new releases in the next 6 months. With that being said, I decided to order a few of the games so I can really dive into the series. I think this is what makes remakes so special. For me, its about capturing those audiences that missed it the first time around, or creating that buzz that makes people excited for more. I fall into the latter category, but my experience with Dragon Quest only goes so far, so I am looking forward to checking them out too.

Things I liked!

• A Traditional RPG Experience | Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake has a much more traditional RPG feel to it compared to Dragon Quest 1. For example, you get more teammates this time around and it makes fighting a lot easier. If you read my Dragon Quest 1 review, you will remember I mentioned that it made managing healing and fighting a little harder to manage, especially if you were fighting multiple enemies. Dragon Quest 2 does away with the singular combat and now allows you to have each character focus on specific areas of combat. My main set up for Dragon Quest 2 allowed me to use a healer, two offence focused characters, and a support. This proved to be a much better time when working my way throughout the game. Not only that, but each character can be equipped with their own gear, and each character has their own set of skills to learn, which made grinding out levels a lot more enjoyable.

• Stunning Pixel Art Graphics | As per Dragon Quest 1, Dragon Quest 2 uses the same style of pixel art to create stunning 2.5D graphics. Characters are larger, more detailed, and the lighting makes for an incredible presentation. Nothing much has changed between Dragon Quest 1 and 2, but there are some new areas to explore, and new enemies to fight as well, each adding to the detailed world.
  
  
• Better Difficulty Spikes | Dragon Quest 2 is a much longer game. I would say double the length of Dragon Quest 1. With that in mind, the pacing is a lot better overall, allows you to level up much more naturally, and reduces the need to grind out levels so you can progress the story. I found that my time with Dragon Quest 2 was more enjoyable overall as a result, and found that the enemies and bosses were a little easier throughout the game.
  
  
• Easier to Read | Dragon Quest 2 is set 100 years after Dragon Quest 1, so the Old-English style of dialogue is almost gone. This makes following the in-game text easier to read as Dragon Quest 1 used a lot of language that was either not easily understood, or made it difficult when reading along. As a result, Dragon Quest 2 favours much easier-to-digest language.
  
  
• The Music | It should go without saying that Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake has the same excellent soundtrack. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of throughout my time with Dragon Quest 1, and having more of the same in the second entry was just as nice to listen to. Sound effects are still largely the same and voice acting is still as sharp as ever. I am glad that they put as much effort into the music and sounds for Dragon Quest 2.
  
  
• Easier Traversal | In Dragon Quest 2, you are awarded with a ship halfway through the game which allows you to navigate through the world map a little easier. This allows you to explore even harder-to-reach places. Features like this were not available in Dragon Quest 1, so it was nice to see a lot more variety in the way you can travel throughout the region.

Mixed & disliked!

• Many Reused Assets | Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake does use a lot of the same enemy types from the first game, and while it is okay, it would have been nice to see some more variation. It walks a fine line of having the combat become stale as a result. The key creature design is changed in many instances, but common enemy types from the random encounters are largely the same. I would have loved to have seen new enemies introduced for such a great remake, but sadly this is where it falls short.

• The Same Dungeon Designs | Unfortunately, Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake suffers from the same terrible dungeon design seen in the first game. Dungeons are often forced mazes that spiral for no particular reason, and also make no logical sense for the people who supposedly inhabit them. More often than not, a dungeon will have you circling around just so it can pad out fights and whittle you down in preparation for a boss fight. This is one of the only things that made it rather unenjoyable for me. I even went back to look at the dungeon design from the originals, and they were nothing like that.

CONCLUSION

Score: 90/100

With easier-to-read dialogue, better traversal methods, and more traditional RPG elements to it, Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake is the strongest of the duo on offer. It contains all of the hallmark features that made Dragon Quest 1 great and makes it better by offering more of the same. Fights are easier, the pacing is much better, and the graphics are beautiful. Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake will be one of my top 5 games released this year, and I look forward to checking out the future games releasing in the near future.

Aaron

Gaming is in my blood.  Be it handheld games, Xbox, PC, Switch or Playstation, I am all over it.
I make my own games as part of my profession and love playing co op games with friends in my spare time. Avid dog lover and camper van enthusiast.