Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has been making waves in Japan, continuing its triumph with over 90,000 additional copies sold on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 during its second week. More than 30 years after the original game’s launch, this remake is captivating both longtime fans and newcomers, introducing a new generation to one of the series’ most cherished adventures.
The game stands out with its fully-voiced cutscenes, a vibrant day-and-night cycle, and an orchestral soundtrack, all unveiled during its announcement in May 2024 to mark the franchise’s 35th anniversary. Sticking close to the beloved NES classic, this remake expands on the original with fresh episodic content. Fans get deeper insights into Ortega’s mysterious character, a treat for those familiar with the lore. Incorporating numerous quality-of-life improvements, the game has become a sensation, particularly in Japan, where Dragon Quest holds a special place in gaming hearts.
Recent sales figures from Famitsu reveal impressive numbers: Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake shifted an additional 91,362 copies on the PS5 and Nintendo Switch between November 18 and November 24. Its debut week was even more spectacular, with an astounding 821,770 copies flying off the shelves, crowning it 2024’s top-selling title in Japan. Behind it, Super Mario Party Jamboree took second place with 34,014 copies, pushing its total sales to 476,607.
The cumulative sales for Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake have now reached 921,632 across both platforms in Japan alone. Originally launched on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, Dragon Quest 3 sits at the start of the Erdrick Trilogy, followed by Dragon Quest 1 and 2. Players embark on a quest to save the world from Baramos, a notorious villain in the series. While it was a smash hit in Japan back in the day, its North American release lagged until 1992, resulting in less impressive sales due to the advent of 16-bit consoles.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake isn’t just a hit in Japan; it’s also seeing a positive reception in the West, boasting an 85 average score on OpenCritic. There’s more to look forward to, as Square Enix plans to release Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake in 2025. Director Yuji Horii hinted at an exciting surprise for fans playing through the remakes sequentially, although details remain under wraps for now.
The remake of this classic tale offers a brilliant HD-2D aesthetic that merges pixel art with 3D visuals, inviting players into a visually stunning world. With modernized user interfaces, additional quality-of-life tweaks, and refined traditional DRAGON QUEST turn-based combat, this epic journey is more immersive than ever before. Prepare for a rich exploration across a lavish world map, encountering captivating locales and overcoming challenges in the quest to defeat the villainous Archfiend, Baramos.
