Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Developer: Square Enix, Hexadrive
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms:Switch 2, PC, Playstation 5 (Reviewed), Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $59.99 – Available Here

Overview

While we await the next instalment of Dragon Quest, Square Enix has been hot with remakes to bring us back some of the old favourites. The latest and most anticipated is Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, which has set sail on modern platforms. With new visuals, streamlined narratives, and some other optimisation quirks, does this new instalment still hold up? Let’s find out.

Story

The story for Dragon Quest VII is one of those that feels very basic due to the style of game it is, but it is more accessible due to the updates provided in this version. Players basically start as a young lad who hungers for adventure. Along for the ride is a hasty Prince named Kiefer, who is also itching to see the world, and along with the spontaneous Maribel, they set out to find stone tablets that open up new and unseen worlds. As you gather tablets, more of the world opens up, unravelling new stories and character introductions that keep the game flowing until the end.

I played the original Dragon Quest VII a few times, and while this version does streamline the story, it is mostly done well, aside from a few minor omissions that cut the fat from what was once a 100-hour-plus title. I think hardcore fans may have an issue with that, but most will probably be delighted to cut down on some of the backtracking and other tedium from the original experience. All of your characters with their backstories are still there, but some of the padding from other moments just feels a little lighter. If you are familiar, I think you will be happier for these changes being included, all things considered.

Gameplay

I feel like Dragon Quest‘s core gameplay doesn’t need to be explained, as it really doesn’t change, and that is no different here. Battles are traditional, turn-based fare. Level up, take vocations, and alter your party to fit current challenges. It does take this one a little longer to get that famous difficulty spike that makes the player grind, as compared to the more recent 1, 2, and 3 remakes; you won’t have to really grind early to win. Take that for what it’s worth, as it doesn’t hurt the game, but may detract from returning player engagement early on. 

What feels different compared to Dragon Quest’s standard nuances is the way this title is stretched out, which gives it the length it is known for. Players collect tablet fragments, which open worlds, and then must travel to those worlds to complete puzzles and objectives in order to progress forward. It’s easy enough, but there is a lot of work for some of those fragments, with a good amount of dungeons and areas that lie ahead, ensuring players will not have dull moments as they trek about the massive world.

The battles play out fine, with a lot of streamlining added for button prompts and shortcuts that optimise the menus for quicker navigation. Vocations add a lot, and a new moonlighting vocation allows players to level two classes at once, making it easier to quickly gain skills that require combined efforts. Yeah, it does make things a bit easier, but again – this isn’t really a bad thing. I think what has changed the most is simple exploration of the overworld. Everything is just closer together, which is good as you do not have to backtrack as far. That said, monsters are also closer together – meaning it’s a bit harder to avoid common enemies at times.

At the end of the day, this is a Dragon Quest title, and it is what you would expect and want, but I think some of the changes just take some getting used to. Sometimes the smaller areas are a relief, but running makes those changes to scope feel unnecessary, and it can be a little overwhelming to have enemies swarm so close, especially when they respawn when re-entering areas. It’s a minor gripe, but one I think that will make a minor difference for some, that could prove to be a nuisance. 

Audio

The music is nothing new, but that is welcome. All of your DQ beats are here, and fans will be happy to fill those familiar tunes all over again. What is new is the heavy amount of voice acting. While not everything is voiced, new performances do a great job of bringing these characters to life in a whole new way. Sound effects, ambience, and so on are also on par with the adventure, giving the player a comfortable atmosphere to interact with.

Visuals

By far the most impressive part of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is the new visuals. The world itself feels like a 3D diorama. Character models look clean and unique, and while the overworld is not perfect in terms of sizing, it does look pretty. There are moments where I just enjoy exploring and watching the new animations execute in front of me. Little seagulls taking off, happy animals, and so on. There is a lot new this time around, and the game feels new and exciting because of this reimagined landscape.

Overall

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is another win for fans of the franchise and RPG fans alike. This remake stays true to the formula, but still manages to update just enough to warrant a revisit. I do wish some of the changes were a little more thought-out, but those qualms are minor, and most will have a lot to look forward to as they peel back layers to reveal little extras that give this new version a set of legs to keep it relevant in the franchise for years to come. Let’s see the world and adventure forward!