On February 5, 2026, the long-awaited Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined made its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant milestone for both Square Enix and fans of the iconic JRPG series.
Co-developed by Square Enix and HexaDrive, with Square Enix helming publishing duties, this remaster is a modern reworking of the original Dragon Quest 7—a PlayStation 1 classic known equally for its compelling journey and notorious length.
The release continues Square Enix's recent tradition of rejuvenating its storied back catalogue for new audiences, delivering one of the franchise’s most ambitious remakes yet, now available via the Nintendo eShop and retail outlets worldwide. A Faithful Reimagining With Modern Touches Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined preserves the series’ core identity, offering the familiar turn-based combat, vibrant art, and classic RPG systems that have delighted fans for decades.
The development team’s attention to detail is evident from the outset: the visual presentation bursts with color, the soundtrack is as catchy as ever, and gameplay refinements make exploration smoother than ever.
Key updates include a streamlined class system and quality-of-life improvements such as autobattle and spell shortcuts—making the experience more accessible without sacrificing the strategic depth fans expect. Square Enix’s production lead described the project as a careful balance between tradition and innovation.
"We wanted to modernize the systems and pacing but remain true to the spirit of the original," they stated, emphasizing new features like expanded character classes and improved exploration mechanics. Classic Gameplay, With Some Modern Risks Despite the modernization, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined largely plays it safe in terms of combat and progression.
Aside from improved targeting mechanics, battles closely resemble those in other recent remakes like Dragon Quest 1 HD-2D and even the acclaimed Dragon Quest 11.
Players will find strategic, turn-based encounters where preparation and healing are key, but the challenge level remains approachable.
Longtime fans will appreciate the traditional formula, though those seeking deep innovation may find gameplay somewhat familiar. A Story Structure That Stands Apart Where Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined distinguishes itself is in its ambitious, episodic story structure.
Players start in a world captured by mystery, where a group of friends on a confined island discover tablets that unlock portals to new lands.
Each new island adds to the game’s sprawling narrative tapestry, with the world map gradually expanding as players uncover and "resurrect" forgotten realms.
This mechanic encourages a welcome sense of exploration but requires repeated visits to the same locations, a double-edged sword that can result in a sense of repetitiveness. Character and narrative depth across islands vary, with some stories striking emotional notes while others feel less inspired.
The main cast receives comparatively modest development, and while the enhanced class system (now offering multi-classing via the new "Moonlighting" feature) offers much-desired customization, it is only accessible well into the adventure. Final Verdict: A Refined Yet Traditional RPG Experience Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a careful, respectful modernization of a divisive classic.
The remaster trims some of the notorious length and grind of the PS1 original, improving pacing and accessibility while retaining the signature elements that define Dragon Quest.
The new class system, quality-of-life improvements, and fresh visuals make revisiting the world a treat for series veterans and newcomers alike. While the familiar combat and sometimes repetitive structure may not appeal to everyone, there’s much to appreciate for those seeking a polished, approachable JRPG.
For fans of the genre and the franchise, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined stands as a testament to Square Enix’s commitment to honoring its legacy titles while bringing them to new hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is available now for Nintendo Switch 2, both in physical and digital formats through the Nintendo eShop.
Co-developed by Square Enix and HexaDrive, with Square Enix helming publishing duties, this remaster is a modern reworking of the original Dragon Quest 7—a PlayStation 1 classic known equally for its compelling journey and notorious length.
The release continues Square Enix's recent tradition of rejuvenating its storied back catalogue for new audiences, delivering one of the franchise’s most ambitious remakes yet, now available via the Nintendo eShop and retail outlets worldwide. A Faithful Reimagining With Modern Touches Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined preserves the series’ core identity, offering the familiar turn-based combat, vibrant art, and classic RPG systems that have delighted fans for decades.
The development team’s attention to detail is evident from the outset: the visual presentation bursts with color, the soundtrack is as catchy as ever, and gameplay refinements make exploration smoother than ever.
Key updates include a streamlined class system and quality-of-life improvements such as autobattle and spell shortcuts—making the experience more accessible without sacrificing the strategic depth fans expect. Square Enix’s production lead described the project as a careful balance between tradition and innovation.
"We wanted to modernize the systems and pacing but remain true to the spirit of the original," they stated, emphasizing new features like expanded character classes and improved exploration mechanics. Classic Gameplay, With Some Modern Risks Despite the modernization, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined largely plays it safe in terms of combat and progression.
Aside from improved targeting mechanics, battles closely resemble those in other recent remakes like Dragon Quest 1 HD-2D and even the acclaimed Dragon Quest 11.
Players will find strategic, turn-based encounters where preparation and healing are key, but the challenge level remains approachable.
Longtime fans will appreciate the traditional formula, though those seeking deep innovation may find gameplay somewhat familiar. A Story Structure That Stands Apart Where Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined distinguishes itself is in its ambitious, episodic story structure.
Players start in a world captured by mystery, where a group of friends on a confined island discover tablets that unlock portals to new lands.
Each new island adds to the game’s sprawling narrative tapestry, with the world map gradually expanding as players uncover and "resurrect" forgotten realms.
This mechanic encourages a welcome sense of exploration but requires repeated visits to the same locations, a double-edged sword that can result in a sense of repetitiveness. Character and narrative depth across islands vary, with some stories striking emotional notes while others feel less inspired.
The main cast receives comparatively modest development, and while the enhanced class system (now offering multi-classing via the new "Moonlighting" feature) offers much-desired customization, it is only accessible well into the adventure. Final Verdict: A Refined Yet Traditional RPG Experience Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a careful, respectful modernization of a divisive classic.
The remaster trims some of the notorious length and grind of the PS1 original, improving pacing and accessibility while retaining the signature elements that define Dragon Quest.
The new class system, quality-of-life improvements, and fresh visuals make revisiting the world a treat for series veterans and newcomers alike. While the familiar combat and sometimes repetitive structure may not appeal to everyone, there’s much to appreciate for those seeking a polished, approachable JRPG.
For fans of the genre and the franchise, Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined stands as a testament to Square Enix’s commitment to honoring its legacy titles while bringing them to new hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is available now for Nintendo Switch 2, both in physical and digital formats through the Nintendo eShop.
