Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Review: An Outstanding Remake Unveiled
With a storied history spanning four decades, the Dragon Quest series presents a perplexing challenge for newcomers: where to begin? The latest offering, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, serves as an excellent entry point, thanks in part to a series of remakes released by Square Enix.
Dragon Quest VII: A Landmark RPG
Originally launched on the PlayStation, Dragon Quest VII was a groundbreaking title, introducing 3D graphics to the franchise. Its importance is underscored by a subsequent release on the Nintendo 3DS titled Fragments of the Forgotten Past. The latest iteration enhances the experience with various quality-of-life improvements.
Improvements and Features
- Visible enemies before battles
- Story recap feature at startup
- Revamped graphics resembling dioramas
These changes modernize the game while retaining its charming aesthetic, similar to that found in Fantasian. This combination of updates makes Dragon Quest VII Reimagined appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans.
Structured for Accessibility
What sets DQVII apart is its narrative structure. Traditionally, each Dragon Quest title offers a standalone experience. However, DQVII is uniquely organized into episodic segments, making it more digestible.
- The game begins on a small island, perceived as the entire world.
- Players gradually unlock other islands and realms by assembling magical tablets.
This episodic nature allows players to engage with the game in bite-sized segments, while the recap feature helps keep the overarching story clear. Players can explore diverse locations, such as a towering volcano and a farming village where inhabitants have been transformed into animals.
Welcoming New Players
The approachable design of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined makes it a compelling choice for those unfamiliar with the series. While Dragon Quest has historically flourished in Japan, its global audience has been steadily growing, aided by recent releases aimed at new gamers.
- The remake of Dragon Quest III offers a retro feel with accessible gameplay.
- Dragon Quest XI, the latest main entry, features high-end graphics and dynamic cutscenes.
Despite the charm of these other titles, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined excels in its welcoming structure, making it an optimal starting point.
Release Information
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is set to launch on February 5th and will be available on Switch, PS5, Xbox, and PC. For those curious about the blue slimes and the wider world of Dragon Quest, this release presents a perfect opportunity to dive in.
