Summary
TheDragon Questseries began in 1986 in Japan with a sequel to follow in 1987. The third game closed out the Erdrick Trilogy and it was a prequel. That’s why Square Enix decided to remake it first viaDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakewith plans to releaseDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakeafter to continue the story.
When that game will be released is unknown although it can’t be too far behindDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakeas both games in the collection are not that big comparatively. However long it takes, Square Enix could make some improvements toDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D RemakeoverDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakemechanically with these ideas.
6A Random Encounter Meter
Copy From The Best
Bravely Defaultwas like a reset for theFinal Fantasyseries in all but name. One of the coolest mechanics introduced was an adjustable random encounter meter which players could increase or decrease. Surprisingly, not a lot of Square Enix games copied this idea but it would be a good one to add toDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake.
Random encounters are iconic to the firstfewDragon Questentriesbut that doesn’t mean Square Enix shouldn’t evolve. They missed adding an adjustable meter inDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakebut they can make up for it in the next collection. Alternatively, Square Enix could place monsters in the field so that players could target or run away from them like in modern games in the series.
5Create Autobattle Gambits
Add More Strategy To Battle
AnotherFinal Fantasygame,Final Fantasy 12, could teachDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakea thing or two. The combat in that game was automatic, sort of like an MMO but players could input commands if they wanted. They could also implement cues called Gambits to dictate what characters did in the field from targeting flying enemies with fire to healing allies dipping below 30% HP.
There is a tactical menu inDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakewherein players can tell their group to focus on offense, defense, and so on. Players cannot directly input what spells they use in autobattle though, butDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakecould implement a way for characters to always use a certain spell akin to theGambit system inFinal Fantasy 12. For example, programming a character to always use Boom on their turn. To clarify, there are ways to directly command each hero but not during the autobattle phase which makes it frustrating.
4Add Assist Options
Go Beyond Difficulty
One of the best things added toDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakewas the difficulty options. This series is notorious for being challenging and giving newcomers a way to worry less about grinding is nice.Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakecould take things a step further and implement other assist options.
For example, one of the bigger side quests inDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakeinvolves gathering hidden Mini Medals. They can be located in dressers, pots, in the grass, and so on. There are over a hundred to collect and it’s not easy by any means.Dragon Quest 3was actually the first game in the series to implement Mini Medals, but Square Enix could add them to both titles in theDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakecollection. If they do, creating some checklist or radar system with the system options would be a way to invite more players to seek them out. Another assist option idea would be to add a way to increase or decrease EXP earned.
3A Top-Down View
Make Exploring Easier
The world was expanded greatly inDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, making it feel more like amodern open-world RPGbut with pixel graphics. The one tricky part about exploring on the world map is the viewpoint. A top-down perspective could have helped players navigate the various regions more easily between searching for treasure and dungeon locations.
The only way players can get a top-down view in the game is when they unlock the majestic bird, Ramia, giving them the ability to fly. A way to switch camera angles would be a great idea forDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. Also, a way to fast travel to locations within towns would be convenient.
2Boosting Save Options
Get A Portable Priest
Saving is one of the biggest bummers ofDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. There is an autosave feature that saves after battles and certain story situations which is keeping up with the times. Players can also manually save but only in towns with priests or nuns in them which feels dated.
There is no quick save feature despite it appearing in otherDragon Questgames. The quick save feature should be added back intoDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. Also, Square Enix may already be planning this, but hopefully, players can get a bonus inDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakeby carrying over save data fromDragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake.
1Customize Appearances
Both Games Could Use A Little
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remakegave players quite a few options when putting their partytogether. Players could choose genders, and a general look, and then adjust the hair color. Even though players cannot create party members inDragon QuestandDragon Quest 2,Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakeshould still add some customizable options for the heroes in those games.
Square Enix could add ways to color armor or add hairstyles. Giving players something to differentiate their playthrough from someone else’s goes a long way. That’s part of the reason why bigger RPGs likeBaldur’s Gate 3do so well. Also, on the subject of style, the menu system needs to be jazzed up as it is rather plain inDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake. It doesn’t have to look as bombastic asPersona 5, but any kind of streamlining or organization would be helpful.
