Square Enix has once again revisited a cornerstone of its legendary RPG library with the release of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, bringing new life to one of the franchise’s most venerable titles.
Originally debuting on PlayStation in 2000 and celebrated for its expansive world and intricate narrative, Dragon Quest 7 later received a significant remake on Nintendo 3DS.
Now, more than a decade since that handheld adaptation, Square Enix has rejuvenated the experience for a modern audience on the latest Nintendo platforms.
In an exclusive conversation, producer Takeshi Ichikawa provided insight into the team's vision and the process behind the Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined project.
Ichikawa explained that the original release was recognized for its length and measured pacing, characteristics that made it memorable for fans.
For the reimagined version, the development team prioritized restructuring the scenario to offer a more dynamic and engaging narrative flow: "Dragon Quest 7’s story unfolds in the form of short, episodic tales.
We have refined this framework to create a brisker, more immersive experience by reordering episodes, introducing optional content, and introducing new story elements.
These enhancements add depth while respecting the spirit of the original, inviting both returning players and newcomers to discover a refreshed story." Visually, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined adopts a distinctive hand-crafted style, setting it apart from recent HD-2D titles in the Dragon Quest series.
According to Ichikawa, the goal was to captivate a global audience with character designs from series artist Akira Toriyama and present the game world as a vivid living diorama: "We wanted to highlight the charm of Toriyama’s designs and portray the story’s atmosphere in a new light, so we pursued a doll-like, handcrafted art approach unique within the series.
This visual direction complements Dragon Quest 7’s emotional narratives and enhances its accessibility." The narrative themes at the heart of Dragon Quest 7—loss, restoration, and renewal—remain intact, but the remake aims to make these resonate more clearly with contemporary players.
Ichikawa emphasized that while the foundational atmosphere is preserved, refinements to pacing and scenario ensure that the messages of hope and rebuilding shine through more powerfully.
To ensure accessibility for both seasoned players and those new to the series, the team focused on intuitive game design and streamlined systems, making Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined an approachable entry point for all fans of the Dragon Quest franchise. Celebrating the game’s 26th anniversary, Square Enix timed the launch of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined with the intention of introducing the title’s iconic storytelling to a broader, global audience.
The remake not only revisits the original’s core gameplay and narrative but adds new content and modern conveniences, helping to bridge generational gaps between longtime enthusiasts and younger players discovering the world for the first time. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is now available worldwide on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 via both retail and the Nintendo eShop.
This revitalized RPG invites players to experience a classic adventure, now rendered with a vibrant new visual identity and gameplay enhancements that make it a must-play for fans old and new.
Originally debuting on PlayStation in 2000 and celebrated for its expansive world and intricate narrative, Dragon Quest 7 later received a significant remake on Nintendo 3DS.
Now, more than a decade since that handheld adaptation, Square Enix has rejuvenated the experience for a modern audience on the latest Nintendo platforms.
In an exclusive conversation, producer Takeshi Ichikawa provided insight into the team's vision and the process behind the Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined project.
Ichikawa explained that the original release was recognized for its length and measured pacing, characteristics that made it memorable for fans.
For the reimagined version, the development team prioritized restructuring the scenario to offer a more dynamic and engaging narrative flow: "Dragon Quest 7’s story unfolds in the form of short, episodic tales.
We have refined this framework to create a brisker, more immersive experience by reordering episodes, introducing optional content, and introducing new story elements.
These enhancements add depth while respecting the spirit of the original, inviting both returning players and newcomers to discover a refreshed story." Visually, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined adopts a distinctive hand-crafted style, setting it apart from recent HD-2D titles in the Dragon Quest series.
According to Ichikawa, the goal was to captivate a global audience with character designs from series artist Akira Toriyama and present the game world as a vivid living diorama: "We wanted to highlight the charm of Toriyama’s designs and portray the story’s atmosphere in a new light, so we pursued a doll-like, handcrafted art approach unique within the series.
This visual direction complements Dragon Quest 7’s emotional narratives and enhances its accessibility." The narrative themes at the heart of Dragon Quest 7—loss, restoration, and renewal—remain intact, but the remake aims to make these resonate more clearly with contemporary players.
Ichikawa emphasized that while the foundational atmosphere is preserved, refinements to pacing and scenario ensure that the messages of hope and rebuilding shine through more powerfully.
To ensure accessibility for both seasoned players and those new to the series, the team focused on intuitive game design and streamlined systems, making Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined an approachable entry point for all fans of the Dragon Quest franchise. Celebrating the game’s 26th anniversary, Square Enix timed the launch of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined with the intention of introducing the title’s iconic storytelling to a broader, global audience.
The remake not only revisits the original’s core gameplay and narrative but adds new content and modern conveniences, helping to bridge generational gaps between longtime enthusiasts and younger players discovering the world for the first time. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is now available worldwide on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 via both retail and the Nintendo eShop.
This revitalized RPG invites players to experience a classic adventure, now rendered with a vibrant new visual identity and gameplay enhancements that make it a must-play for fans old and new.
