Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake Review

The legendary classics Dragon Quest I and Dragon Quest II are finally back, this time as a beautiful HD-2D remake using the same visual style that made Octopath Traveler and Live A Live so popular. For many players, this is not just a remake; it’s a trip back to childhood. And for new players, it’s a chance to experience the roots of one of gaming’s longest-running RPG series.

Table of Contents

Square Enix announced that Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will release in 2025, following the successful launch of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake in 2024.
So how good does this remake look? Is it worth buying in 2025? Let’s break it down in simple words.

First Impression: Old Games, New Life

The first thing you will notice is the visual upgrade.
The original Dragon Quest games were released on the Famicom (NES) in the 1980s, with very simple pixel graphics. In this HD remake, Square Enix combines the same classic pixel art with modern lighting, shadows, animations, reflections, soft edges, and new camera movements.

It feels nostalgic yet fresh and modern.

The iconic world of Alefgard, the towns, villages, enemies, and castles all look much more detailed. Even the monsters—Slimes, Drackies, Golems, and Ghosts—now move with cute but clean animations.

If you enjoyed the HD-2D style of the DQ3 remake, this one feels like a natural extension of that same charm.

Story: Simple, Classic, and Heart-Touching

Dragon Quest I and II are known for their simple but strong storytelling.

Dragon Quest 1

You play as the descendant of Erdrick, tasked with saving the land of Alefgard from the evil Dragonlord.
The story is short, clean, and old-school, but the HD remake gives it more emotional impact thanks to the beautiful visuals and improved dialogue flow.

Dragon Quest 2

The second game takes place 100 years later, with new heroes, the descendants of the hero from DQ1.
This time, you journey across multiple kingdoms, saving each region from destruction.

Dragon Quest 2 is bigger, longer, and has more characters, more bosses, and more exploration.

The remake makes both stories feel smoother and more cinematic while staying loyal to the classic spirit.

🎮 Gameplay: Old-School RPG Fun (But Smoother Now)

The gameplay remains turn-based, just like the original. But the pacing is much faster and more modern.

Improvements you will feel immediately:

Faster battle animations
Better movement
Updated menu layout
Clearer UI
More intuitive map navigation

The early NES versions had a slow grind, but the HD remake makes leveling up and exploring far easier. Menus open fast. Actions happen fast. Even battles feel more exciting thanks to updated enemy animations and crisp sound effects.

For new players, it’s smooth and easy to enjoy.
For classic fans, it still feels familiar and charming.

World & Exploration

Even though these games are old, the remake does a wonderful job of making the world feel alive.

Combat: Classic Battles With a Modern Touch

The battle system still uses the simple, old-school turn-based style—but it feels much better now.

Key improvements:

Faster speed
Clean transitions
Better enemy animations
Smooth attack sequences
Stunning effects on spells
Modern sound design

This remake keeps the classic Dragon Quest feeling while removing the outdated, slow parts.
So even if you’re new to retro RPGs, you’ll enjoy the battles.

Music & Sound: Nostalgia with a Fresh Tune

The game includes re-orchestrated music, similar to the DQ3 remake.
Classic iconic tracks like

The overworld theme
Town theme
Castle music
Battle background tracks
Boss fight music

… all sound more powerful and emotional, but they still carry the original charm.

The sound effects are also more detailed now: footsteps, water flowing, magic spell effects, enemy cries—everything feels crisp.

For players who grew up with Dragon Quest, the soundtrack alone will hit you with nostalgia.

Length: How Long Does It Take to Finish?

Since these are classic RPGs, they are not very long.

Approximate playtime:

Dragon Quest 1: 7–10 hours
Dragon Quest 2: 15–20 hours

Together, the HD Remake Collection gives you 20–30 hours of old-school RPG enjoyment.
Perfect for players who love classic JRPGs but don’t want a 100-hour grind.

Price & Platforms

Square Enix has not officially announced the price at the time of writing, but it will likely match DQ3 Remake.

Expected price:
$39.99 – $59.99 (USD)

Expected platforms:

Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
PC (Steam)
Possibly Xbox Series X/S

These platforms match the DQ3 remake release, so it’s almost guaranteed.

⭐ Pros & Cons

✔️ Pros

Beautiful HD-2D graphics
Faithful remake of the original classics
Updated combat and faster pacing
Re-orchestrated music
Perfect for new & old fans
Full story continuity with the DQ3 remake

❌ Cons

Still old-school in storytelling
Not as big or deep as modern RPGs
Dragon Quest 1 is very short
Some players may find it too simple

Worth Buying?

Absolutely, yes.
If you enjoy classic RPGs, retro charm, and the HD-2D art style, this remake collection is a must-play.

Perfect for Dragon Quest fans
Great introduction for new players
Gorgeous visuals
Smooth gameplay
Pure JRPG history in modern form

It’s simple, nostalgic, emotional, and surprisingly refreshing in 2025.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake Review – Let’s Check It Out!

First Impression: Old Games, New Life