Dragon Quest is one of the most iconic franchises in JRPG history. Capable of rivaling Final Fantasy, the series created by Enix has continued to evolve over the years, offering increasingly refined experiences without abandoning its essence. The future will be shaped by what Square Enix can achieve with Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, which still has no release date on the calendar. However, that doesn't mean the Japanese company has forgotten to provide new adventures for franchise fans.

One of the most exciting projects is coming in February with the release of the stunning Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, but before this mission, the Square Enix team had to complete the trilogy that started it all. Following last year's development of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, it's now time to revisit Dragon Quest I-II HD-2D Remake to complete the legacy of Erdrick, the legendary hero who restored light to the world. Now, his descendants must take up the mantle to eliminate the threats emerging from the shadows.

This compilation of the first two entries, which actually take place after the events of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, features a clear gameplay distinction. The first entry has a single protagonist, which significantly limits customization options, while the second features a diverse group that gives meaning to the storyline, creating one of the most compelling narratives in the series. A perfect duality for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the Dragon Quest universe.

Two nearly four-decade-old games that look wonderful

One of the great strengths of Dragon Quest I-II HD-2D Remake is the refreshed appearance it brings to entries originally released nearly 40 years ago. Square Enix once again employs that highly distinctive artistic style for this type of game: HD-2D, which transforms pixel art into a more visually rich, diorama-like environment that fits perfectly, giving new dimension to two entries that, while truly iconic, haven't aged particularly well in terms of player accessibility.

In this regard, the Japanese company hasn't just given the first two Dragon Quest entries a facelift, but has also streamlined certain processes through a fast mode in battles and the ability to bookmark conversations to track progress, for those who want to experience the purest feel of the original titles. Naturally, as a treat for those who played the games back in the eighties, some story additions have been included to provide more substance and better connect the Erdrick trilogy.

The gameplay duality is the most intriguing aspect, as interweaving a story with a single protagonist and another where the party gradually forms as the plot unfolds creates a fascinating clash of experiences. Square Enix knew that including only one entry in the release would be insufficient for fans, so the decision to include both—unlike the strategy followed with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake—is a smart move. Even more so considering the ambitious launch of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is just months away.

Dragon Quest returns to a golden age in the RPG genre

Although for several years it seemed Dragon Quest might be eclipsed by Final Fantasy's popularity, Square Enix remained committed to maintaining the franchise, at a more measured pace but without betraying its essence. Now that its sister series appears to be going through a turbulent period, the Japanese company is betting on bringing back fans of an adventure that never dies. The launch of Dragon Quest XI was a massive success with critics and audiences alike, making all these remakes undeniable proof of the developers' intention to restore the series to its rightful place.

With a canonical starting point in the storyline, completing the Erdrick trilogy allows all players to discover the origins of the Dragon Quest universe before experiencing some of the most beloved entries, while continuing to explore new stories. It remains to be seen what plans Square Enix might have for episodes IV, V and VI, but the return of one of the RPG genre's most iconic franchises is a triumph for veterans and newcomers alike who want to get started in the most fluid and visually appealing way possible.