Experiencing Double Vision: DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake

Sure, here’s a reimagined version of the article:

So, there I was at PAX East 2025, wandering around like you do. Sure, I was all about Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, but—surprise—Square Enix had this under-the-radar game to show off too. It’s like they were playing it cool, only not? Anyway, let me spill the beans: I got hands-on with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake before the rest of the world. If you liked the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake—like really, who didn’t?—you’re in for something special with this bundle.

Now, picture this: the press folks—the "important people," I guess—had this sneak peek, but there were rules. We were told to stick to the main path, like obedient gamers. Yeah, higher-level monsters are a thing, and let’s just say they don’t play nice. If you’ve tackled Dragon Quest III HD-2D, you get the vibe here. The game purrs at 60 FPS on the PS5—slick, right?—and you can dash around grabbing stuff like a pro, or maybe a kleptomaniac? Battles zoom by if you want, and yes, there’s a nifty run toggle. So, no finger cramps, yay?

Dragon Quest I HD-2D Remake

Let’s dig deeper into the first one here. Dragon Quest I HD-2D comes right after III—makes sense, I guess? You’re a descendant of Erdrick and, get this, you’re flying solo. No trusty sidekicks this time. It’s like the OG NES game but not soul-crushingly hard. Square Enix gave it a tweak. Think strategizing like a chess grandmaster, but with monsters. By the end, you’re basically invincible. Who doesn’t want to be a powerhouse?

Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake

Now, flip to Dragon Quest II HD-2D Remake—say hello to your crew! It’s back to parties here. No, not the wild kind, though maybe a dragon-slaying bash? Your teammates have personalities, like they actually talk back. Curiously, the class system’s a bit mysterious, cloaked in secrecy. Who knows if it’s lurking around? Your squad might swell to a foursome, though. And yes, AI can take the wheel if you’re feeling lazy. Loved that it tells you when a spell hits a monster’s weak spot. Nice touch!

Honestly, getting this preview felt like a golden ticket moment. These games are a feast with all that HD-2D goodness. It’s a cohesive visual delight, really. If the soundtracks were your jam before, wait till you hear these tracks—new orchestrations on old faves. Look out for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake dropping on October 30. Whether you’re team Switch, the mysterious Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, or PC, there’s something here that’ll catch your fancy. Trust me, I’m counting the days.