Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Is Already Discounted For Nintendo Switch 2

Like all Square Enix games for Switch 2 so far, the Nintendo Switch 2 version is a Game-Key Card that requires a 17GB download. If this bothers you, the Nintendo Switch version has the full game on the card and is fully playable on Nintendo’s new console, but it’s not on sale and Square Enix isn’t offering an upgrade path.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake has earned favorable reviews from critics; it holds an 84 Metascore on GameSpot sister site Metacritic. Just like Square’s other HD-2D remakes, the first two Dragon Quest games look and run beautifully on all platforms. The updated visuals are bolstered by the new orchestral soundtrack. Square Enix implemented a bevy of welcome gameplay changes to give players more customization options. You’ll also find new dungeons, meet new characters, and watch a more cohesive story unfold between the two games and DQIII. The first game is still a solo adventure for the Hero, but a new playable character in the sequel gives you the chance to have a “modern four-member party.

If you’re in the mood for a couple of thoroughly retro turn-based RPGs that don’t feel like a full-time job, this collection is well-worth checking out. Dragon Quest I can be completed in 10-15 hours, and the sequel is roughly 20 hours.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake completed Square Enix’s Erdrick Trilogy–also known as Roto/Loto Trilogy–remake project that started last year with Dragon Quest III. The remakes were released in this order, because the third numbered entry actually takes place before DQ1. So if you’re interested in trying classic Dragon Quest for the first time, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a great place to start.

Dragon Quest III was the first entry in the series to feature a job system and emphasize working alongside your companions as a true party. It’s also a much larger game, with more places to explore and longer runtime; it takes roughly as long to beat DQIII as it does to clear the first two games combined.

As mentioned, the Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox editions of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake are on sale for only $35 at Amazon. Walmart has the Nintendo Switch and Xbox versions for the same price.

For Switch 2 owners, it’s worth noting Dragon Quest III has a free upgrade that enhances the visuaals and boosts overall performance.

We’d recommend trying Dragon Quest III bedfore the original, no just because it’s cheaper and is technically a prequel, but because if you don’t like how “classic” it feels, you’re unlikely to enjoy the first two games

If you don’t own it, we’d highly recommend this lovely Dragon Quest art book. Dragon Quest Illustrations: 30th Anniversary Edition features 240 pages of artwork by the late Akira Toriyama, the legendary lead artist for the franchise from 1986-2023.

Dragon Quest Illustrations is on sale for only $18.60 (was $35) at Amazon. The hardcover book includes over 500 illustrations and a fold-out poster of the franchise timeline.