Nintendo Life: Dragon Quest III, known for being a beloved classic worldwide and particularly in Japan, received a stunning remake in the form of Dragon Quest III HD-2D. Masaaki Hayasaka, the producer of the remake, shared his thoughts on the daunting task of approaching such a revered game and the focus on meeting the expectations of both existing fans and newcomers.
Remake Process and Goal:
Masaaki Hayasaka, the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake producer, expressed that the task of remaking a classic game like Dragon Quest III was indeed challenging. The team aimed not only to attract new players but also to satisfy the original fans of the game. Hayasaka emphasized the importance of creating a remake that would not only meet but potentially exceed the expectations of the original game’s fans.
Enhancements in the Remake:
The team behind the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake focused on faithfully capturing the gameplay and feel of the original game. While introducing convenient features like objective markers and guides, they ensured that players could still turn these off for a more immersive and self-discovery experience, reminiscent of the original game.
Preserving Art and Music:
Hayasaka shared the team’s commitment to preserving the art of Akira Toriyama and the music of Koichi Sugiyama in the remake. They stayed faithful to the original music compositions and made certain design choices to honor the visuals created by Toriyama in the original game.
Introducing New Elements:
One of the new features in the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the Monster Wrangler vocation, which replaces the Monster Master class from Dragon Quest VI. Hayasaka explained that the decision to introduce this new vocation was driven by the expanded world of the game and the inclusion of the Monster Arena feature.
Expanding the Story:
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake includes brand-new story elements, expanding on the original plot. Hayasaka expressed excitement about enhancing the story while staying true to the essence of the original work, integrating new episodes seamlessly as bonus content.
Looking Ahead:
While Dragon Quest I & II are set to arrive next year, Hayasaka hinted at the possibility of remastering the Zenithia trilogy (Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI) in the future. However, for now, the focus remains on delivering the best experience with the current remakes.
Closing:
The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is now available on multiple platforms, including Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Fans are encouraged to embark on this nostalgic but enhanced adventure and share their experiences with the game.
About the Author:
Alana has been part of Nintendo Life since 2022, with a passion for RPGs and a love for all things Nintendo. With a knack for strategic gameplay and a fondness for storytelling, Alana enjoys exploring the worlds of video games. She also harbors a secret desire to be a Sega air pirate.