At PAX East 2025, I had a chance to go hands-on with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, the upcoming dual-package reimagining from Square Enix. Developed by Team Asano and Artdink, this pair of remakes serves as a continuation of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, giving longtime fans the opportunity to experience the full Erdrick Trilogy with some modern updates.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is set to launch on October 30, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
Classic Roots, Modern Framework
Though Dragon Quest I and II originally released in the late ‘80s, this new HD-2D release stitches the pair together with a smoother transition and updated pacing. Dragon Quest I still centers on a lone hero’s journey to defeat the Dragonlord and save Princess Gwaelin, while II expands the formula with a three-character party and a larger, more complex world. Experiencing both in succession highlights the series’ rapid early evolution and gives players a natural arc from minimalist storytelling to more layered adventuring.
Square Enix has confirmed this remake continues the story directly from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, completing the narrative arc of Erdrick’s descendants. Players who started with last year’s release will now be able to see that legacy through to the end.
HD-2D Visuals Continue to Impress
The remake uses the HD-2D graphical style that Team Asano has become known for, blending pixel-art character sprites with depth-of-field effects, dynamic lighting, and layered environments. The visual upgrade brings Alefgard and the wider world of Dragon Quest II to life in a way that feels modern but respectful of the original art direction. If you’ve played any release from this team, I found that they’ve been improving upon each iteration of these remasters.
If you had any issues with the flow or quality of life enhancements to Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, I would follow this release because there’s plenty of stuff that I can’t talk about in this preview that helps elevate mid-game fatigue with new scenarios and more. Still, the first Dragon Quest is not that long of a game, which has me curious as to what JRPG fans who are overwhelmed by long runtimes (you know those old people) will think of this adventure, even more so if they are playing the game for the first time.
From the PAX demo, dungeon interiors and overworld scenes carried distinct moods thanks to soft glows, animated elements, and atmospheric touches. The character sprites are expressive enough to support the minimalist dialogue of the early games without feeling stiff. Don’t even get me started on the soundtrack because it’s always perfect.
Turn-Based Combat with Just the Right Tweaks
The core combat remains traditional, with turn-based battles that rely on straightforward commands and resource management. Dragon Quest I focuses on one-on-one fights, keeping things simple and quick, but this time around, you can fight more than one enemy at a time. Dragon Quest II, on the other hand, introduces a full party and begins leaning into more strategic decision-making. Each party member brings unique skills to the table, and even in a limited session, the potential for synergy was clear.
While the remake doesn’t overhaul the battle system in any radical way, it does incorporate some modern conveniences. UI elements are cleaner, and feedback is more immediate. Animations for attacks and spells are also a step up from previous HD-2D titles, with speed adjustment options also available.
A Welcome Return, and a New Starting Point
The Erdrick Trilogy has long held a special place in JRPG history, but its earliest entries haven’t always been easy to revisit. This new remake package offers an accessible and visually cohesive way to experience the foundation of the Dragon Quest series. Whether you’re coming off Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake or jumping into the series for the first time, this is shaping up to be an excellent way to trace the lineage of one of gaming’s most influential series.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launches on October 30, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
How are you feeling about these remakes? Are you planning to play through the trilogy? Let us know in the comments, and keep following Noisy Pixel for more coverage.