With each the unique PlayStation model and the 3DS remake of Dragon Quest VII largely inaccessible as a result of outdated {hardware} and digital storefront closures, the timing of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined couldn’t be any higher. This second remake of the basic Japanese RPG recreation has been streamlined to be an approachable expertise. Whereas its new artwork route and mechanics make gameplay extra partaking than ever earlier than, the shortage of problem could postpone veteran gamers. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is clean crusing, however this ship’s edges are sanded off a bit an excessive amount of.
The sport begins off with our primary protagonist, who’s been given an historical map fragment, indicating that a very long time in the past, there have been a number of islands except for their very own small house of Estard. Searching for a approach to journey again in time to discover these islands, he and his mates truly handle to seek out it. By fixing varied points plaguing these islands previously, the forged’s meddling manages to revive them within the current. It’s a nostalgic story that’s paying homage to the video games launched within the early Y2K period like Kingdom Hearts, and one which’s additionally aged gracefully. It retains the whimsical, childlike marvel whereas balancing apocalyptic stakes that make gamers really feel heroic.
One of the vital notable facets of this remake is the change in presentation. As an alternative of going for a HD-2D pixel sprite route just like the latest Dragon Quest I, II, & III remakes, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined retains the 3D graphics, however with doll-like and handcrafted character fashions. What actually elevates the presentation is the model new voice appearing, which the unique Dragon Quest VII video games lacked. It provides much more allure and persona to the characters, like highlighting Sir Mervyn’s knowledge and conveying Prince Kiefer’s stubbornness.
This new artwork route takes a while to get used to, however I ended up adoring it. Positive, the characters’ heads look a bit massive, however they strike the proper compromise between faithfully recreating the unique 3D fashions and the extra practical proportions of latest entries like Dragon Quest XI.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined retains the franchise’s basic turn-based fight, however the spotlight is the brand new Moonlighting function. It expands on the unique’s job system, and now lets characters equip two Vocations as an alternative of 1. This opens the floodgates for a lot creativity, flexibility, and customization. It’s actually enjoyable to combine and match the totally different Vocations to see which of them synergize the most effective. Need a character to deal with each offensive and defensive magic? Equipping the Mage and Priest combo is the best way to go. You can even select which final assault to unleash when you will have two Vocations outfitted, which helps you to change methods on the fly, including layers of depth to battles. Moreover, if certainly one of your outfitted Vocations is maxed out, further proficiency factors earned from defeating enemies are as an alternative transferred to your different Vocation. That approach, it seems like I’m not letting my factors go to waste.
However inside that rub incorporates this recreation’s greatest flaw: It’s too simple. Specifically, the Mage job will get entry to the non-elemental multi-target spells, Bang and Increase, extremely early. It makes regular battles an afterthought, as these spells just about perform as auto-delete buttons in opposition to many enemies. Plus, you possibly can keep away from regular encounters altogether by toggling the setting to not have enemies chase you within the open discipline, eradicating a lot of the sport’s friction.
Fortunately, boss battles nonetheless pack a punch, and require cautious play in order to keep away from getting steamrolled. There have been moments the place I barely achieved victory by the pores and skin of my enamel, offering immense satisfaction.
Regardless of the final lack of problem outdoors of boss battles, I do recognize the number of problem choices that this remake supplies. There are simple, regular, and arduous mode presets, in addition to the flexibility to toggle totally different parameters individually like EXP and injury modifiers to tailor your expertise. Moreover, the much-appreciated goal marker makes story development and discovering map fragments much less irritating endeavors this time round.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined has simply as a lot coronary heart as its earlier iterations, however is now additionally far more welcoming and modernized. The presentation is endearing, and the brand new gameplay mechanics, in addition to the plethora of modifiers, will assist new gamers navigate uncharted territory. Even when the problem isn’t at all times there, those that’ve set sail on this journey earlier than will discover a lot to like on this newest expedition.
