Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Producer Shares Insights on the 40th Anniversary Revival

TIG SEA3 weeks ago

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[Exclusive Interview] Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Producer on the 40th Anniversary Gift for Fans

As the legendary Dragon Quest franchise approaches its 40th anniversary, Square Enix is preparing a nostalgic yet modern gift for fans: Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. Following the success of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake in 2024, the upcoming release completes the iconic “Erdrick Trilogy” in a beautiful new form. This Is Game SEA spoke with Masaaki Hayasaka, the project’s producer, about development decisions, design philosophies, and how the team balanced classic charm with new-generation enhancements.

Q: What was the team’s main goal when developing Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake for both longtime fans and newcomers?

A: Our main concept was to “change the game without making it different.” The original titles were compact and straightforward, so we wanted to modernize them while retaining their essence. We kept the core gameplay intact but introduced fresh elements and new content to make the experience feel both nostalgic and new.

Q: The first two games were linear JRPGs with shorter playtime compared to later titles. Why did you decide to bundle them together?

A: We always intended the “Roto Trilogy” to be played as a connected timeline. It makes perfect sense to start with Dragon Quest III, move into I, and conclude with II. This structure ensures smooth storytelling and a cohesive experience for players.

Q: Did you expand the game’s scope or story content for the remake?

A: Yes, we added more story content. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was already packed with narrative depth, so if I & II had less, players might feel disappointed. We wanted to ensure a richer story that players can look forward to and fully enjoy.

Q: How did you preserve the original story while adding new content without losing its original charm?

A: We worked closely with Yuji Horii, the series’ creator. All new story content was reviewed and discussed with him, and we even created playable demos for his feedback. This ensured that the new elements remained faithful to his original vision.

Q: Dragon Quest I is known for being challenging and grind-heavy. What Quality of Life updates were added to make gameplay smoother?

A: We improved gameplay speed, revamped the magic system, and added more item options. The battle balance has been adjusted to make the game more enjoyable. We also introduced features like a minimap, enemy weakness indicators, and treasure locations. These updates make the game more accessible and enjoyable for all players.

Q: In Dragon Quest II, we see an additional party member the Princess of Cannock. Why was she included?

A: She is directly tied to the bloodline of the legendary hero Roto, so including her strengthens the story’s connection and lineage across the trilogy.

Knowledge and Experience Applied to the New Remake

Q: How did your experience with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake influence this project?

A: From a technical perspective, we refined the balance and party system based on the foundation built in Dragon Quest III. We also added voice acting, which deepens emotional engagement for players.

Q: How did you improve the graphics in this remake?

A: Players will notice diagonal movement for the first time. We enhanced visual details such as reflective floors in castles and improved mirror effects. Many of these updates were lessons learned from Dragon Quest III that we carried into this project.

Q: How did your team’s past development experience help when creating I & II?

A: During Dragon Quest III’s development, we discussed what fans loved about the original games and incorporated that into our design. Most of the team grew up with Dragon Quest, so we understood the expectations. While some requests were limited by time and resources, we did everything possible to make the Roto Trilogy feel seamless and satisfying.

Q: Which project was more difficult — Dragon Quest III or I & II?

A: They were equally challenging. Dragon Quest III was the first HD-2D project in the series, so we spent a lot of time adjusting visuals and systems. With I & II, the challenge was different. We had to integrate two games into one while adding significant new content.

Future Direction and Final Thoughts

Q: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined was announced with a different graphic style, while the Roto Trilogy uses HD-2D. Will future remakes follow this style?

A: We also announced The Adventures of Elliot, an action game built in HD-2D, so I don’t think we’re limited to one genre. It depends on player feedback and what fans enjoy most. Personally, I think Dragon Quest fits perfectly with the HD-2D style.

Q: Which game would you personally like to see remade in HD-2D?

A: That’s a tough one, but I’d love to see Final Fantasy VI remade in HD-2D. It would be fascinating, though quite challenging. I’d probably prefer to watch that one as a fan.

Q: With Dragon Quest approaching its 40th anniversary, do you see this game as a celebration gift for fans?

A: Absolutely. If fans see it as a gift, that makes us very happy. This game is a significant milestone, and we’re excited about what the future holds for the series.

Q: Lastly, do you have a message for fans in Asia?

A: Thank you so much for speaking with us today. We invested a lot of time and resources into developing and localizing the game to support players in this region. We hope Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake delivers endless fun for years to come. And one small note Dragon Quest III is currently on sale, so it’s a great time to try it before the new release arrives next year!

In Dragon Quest I, players become the Hero of Alefgrad on a mission to save the kingdom from demonic invasion and rescue the princess from the Dragonlord. Dragon Quest II continues the story a century later, following the Prince of Midenhall’s quest to defeat the sorcerer, Hargon.