Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake review: A curious combo
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 4:57 pm
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake: A Tale of Two Adventures
The highly anticipated HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 has arrived, offering a fresh take on the classic RPGs. This package presents a curious contrast, with the first game, Dragon Quest 1, undergoing significant changes that have divided opinions, while the second, Dragon Quest 2, benefits from the updates.
Dragon Quest 1, known for its simplicity, has been significantly altered. The review notes that the developers added content and increased the difficulty. While the game attempts to incorporate modern Dragon Quest mechanics, the changes have resulted in a less enjoyable experience. The increased difficulty, particularly with bosses taking multiple actions, leads to frustrating encounters that rely more on luck than strategy.
In contrast, Dragon Quest 2 sees a positive transformation. The added content and rebalancing enhance the game, which was originally considered a tedious grind. The expanded world and fleshed-out characters provide a more engaging experience. The review highlights the improved storytelling and the addition of a fourth character to balance the gameplay.
The reviewer concludes that the remake of Dragon Quest 1 is a disappointment, while Dragon Quest 2 is a resounding success. The package presents a strange dichotomy, with the first game suffering from unnecessary changes and the second thriving from them.
BNN's Perspective: This remake highlights the delicate balance between honoring the past and modernizing a classic. While the developers' intentions are likely good, the changes to Dragon Quest 1 seem to have missed the mark. The success of Dragon Quest 2, however, demonstrates that thoughtful updates can breathe new life into beloved titles.
Keywords: Dragon Quest, HD-2D, Remake, RPG, Dragon Quest 1, Dragon Quest 2, Review, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Akira Toriyama, Koichi Sugiyama, Difficulty, Gameplay, Storytelling.