Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Review: Square Enix Revitalizes JRPG Classics on Switch 2

Square Enix continues its dedication to JRPG preservation and modernization with the release of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, a major overhaul of two of the genre’s foundational titles.

Developed by Artdink and launching October 30, 2025, on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, this collection reinvents the original Dragon Quest and Dragon Quest II for a new audience, leveraging the acclaimed HD-2D visual style that previously revitalized titles such as Dragon Quest III.

The Dragon Quest series, long heralded as a cornerstone of JRPG history, receives more than just a graphical update in this new package.

Building on over three decades of legacy and millions of sales globally, Square Enix and Artdink have taken significant steps to expand and modernize both gameplay and narrative elements.

Returning players and newcomers alike are greeted with enhanced graphics, a reimagined soundtrack, and redesigned dungeons, all packed within a dual game bundle that seeks to offer both nostalgia and innovation. From the moment you start Dragon Quest 1, it is apparent that the remake aims to immerse players in a more vibrant and emotionally resonant world.

The introductory sequence is now fully fleshed out, featuring a varied cast of characters and deeper narrative layers that were absent in the minimalist original release.

Every familiar location and scenario in Alefgard is revisited with renewed detail, and entirely new areas and dungeons enrich the hero’s journey against the iconic Dragon Lord.

Notably, the remake expands on the relationships within the story, especially between the protagonist and Princess Gwaelin.

Through stronger storytelling and impactful gameplay sequences, the stakes for the Hero—and the romance with Gwaelin—are both heightened and made more believable.

According to Square Enix’s production team, the project aimed to go "above and beyond" to deliver a remake that stays faithful to its source material while catering to modern players. However, not every change lands perfectly.

The gameplay balance in Dragon Quest 1, for example, draws directly from the HD-2D engine’s blueprint, sometimes leading to difficulty spikes.

The Hero often faces monster groups originally designed for a four-person team, making certain battles and status effects particularly punishing.

Even with accessible quality-of-life improvements, such as customizable difficulty options, the single-hero structure can leave players vulnerable to random instant defeats.

While status-negating accessories are present, their inconsistent protection can frustrate players used to more forgiving modern RPGs. Boss encounters—especially in both Dragon Quest 1 and 2—further reveal inherited balance issues, with some fights feeling skewed by high enemy HP and limited player resources.

Some players may find themselves forced to grind or experiment with risky strategies in order to succeed, echoing the trial-and-error nature of classic RPGs.

These challenges are more pronounced in Dragon Quest 1, but the transition to Dragon Quest 2 brings a fuller party system, offering depth, synergy, and a wider variety of tactics.

The sequel, enriched with new storylines and additional content, stands out as a robust and memorable journey in the Erdrick Trilogy. Visually, the HD-2D remake shines with detailed spritework, lush backgrounds, and vibrant effects that reinterpret the NES originals through a modern lens.

The addition of navigation tools, adjustable graphics and audio settings, and scalable difficulty show Artdink’s commitment to accessibility and modernization, ensuring Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake both honors its legacy and sets the benchmark for future remakes in the series. In summary, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is a compelling package for fans of JRPGs and classic adventure, as long as players are prepared for a touch of old-school difficulty.

With passionate craftsmanship evident in the narrative expansion and visual overhaul, Square Enix and Artdink deliver a loving homage to two landmarks of role-playing game history.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch via eShop beginning October 30, 2025.

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