Square Enix has released Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake on PC (Steam, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
The two-in one set rebuilds the first two JRPGs from the legendary series, originally released in 1986 and 87 in Japan (89 and 90 in North America, as Dragon Warrior).
While not the first-ever video game RPGs, Dragon Quest is credited with creating and popularizing the JRPG genre for consoles.
Dragon Quest 1 stars the descendant of legendary hero Erdrick, as the young adventurer set off to rescue a princess and defeat the Dragonlord. Dragon Quest 2 is set years afterward, and stars the hero’s descendants in an all new adventure with a proper party of heroes.
The remakes rebuild the Famicom/NES RPGs with the increasingly popular HD-2D style that Square Enix uses for retro RPGs, such as Octopath Traveler. The HD-2D remake also adds new story content, new items to collect, and more enemies and areas, including a completely new under sea ocean scenario in Dragon Quest 2. Plus, various quality of life additions such as menu shortcuts, battle speed, and advanced difficulty settings.
The first three Dragon Quest games are known as the Edrick Trilogy, with the third game acting as a prequel. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake released last year.
In addition to the standard edition, players who missed DQ3 Remake can grab the entire Erdrick Trilogy Collection, with includes both remake compliations (three RPGs) in one set, for $99. The Erdrick Trilogy Collection is only available digitally on Steam, PlayStation, Switch 2, and Xbox.
The Dragon Quest series is still active, though the most recent main RPG was back in 2017, with the excellent Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate, was announced in 2021. Spinoffs include monster-catching Dragon Quest Monsters, and several mobile games.
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is rated E10+.
