Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Is a Perfect Introduction to the Franchise

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If you’re new to the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest VII is a fantastic place to start. The earlier games are linked together, and then there’s a separate trilogy, which can be confusing. But Dragon Quest VII is a self-contained story, making it easy to pick up – and the recent remake makes it even more accessible.

It’s always a challenge to update a classic game, but Square Enix has successfully done so with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, creating an experience that both longtime fans and newcomers will love. While some of the changes haven’t pleased everyone, the final product is a fantastic Japanese role-playing game.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined’s Diorama Art Style Looks Spectacular

Okay, so playing Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, the first thing that really hit me was how good it looks. They took Akira Toriyama’s original designs – you know, the guy who does Dragon Ball – and gave everything this cool, almost stop-motion clay look, like a diorama. Honestly, it’s gorgeous, and it really makes this remake feel special and different from everything else out there.

As a big fan of these classic RPGs, I’ve noticed a lot of remakes lately seem to recreate the old pixel art in 3D and then just make it bigger and clearer. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake really nailed that style. It’s sparked some debate about how often developers use this method, and that’s actually why Dragon Quest VII Reimagined feels so fresh and unique – it really breaks the mold!

Honestly, the water effects just blow me away – they look amazing every single time! And the way they designed the interiors is so cool. Because the game is viewed from above, each room feels like a tiny, detailed diorama. But what really gets me is how much the game still feels like Akira Toriyama’s work – his style is so present, it’s incredible!

While the characters’ doll-like appearance might not appeal to everyone, the game is visually stunning. It has a beautiful, handcrafted feel, evident in the detailed character models, textures, and clothing. Everything looks fantastic, and we hope to see this art style in more games down the line.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined’s Most Controversial Decision Paid Off

Okay, so I finally started the original Dragon Quest VII, and wow, it’s a commitment! Seriously, people aren’t kidding when they say it’s long – I’m already bracing for over 100 hours of playtime. I usually love a good, lengthy JRPG, but a lot of this game feels… stretched out. There’s a ton of cutscenes that drag on, and I’ve already spent way too much time just grinding for experience. It’s a classic, but be prepared to put in some serious hours, and maybe do a little extra grinding!

Playing through Dragon Quest VII Reimagined takes around 50 hours, which is a good length for the game. Square Enix made the controversial decision to cut three areas – Gröndal, El Ciclo, and Providence – and some side content like the casino. Although fans were upset, this actually improved the game’s flow and makes the remake feel better paced than the original version.

One of the best improvements in Reimagined is the voice acting. For years, Dragon Quest fans have wondered what the characters would sound like, and the choices made are perfect. Each actor truly brings their character to life, and the voice work makes the story even more captivating.

The biggest weakness of Reimagined is that it overexplains things. It seems determined to avoid intimidating new players, ensuring every concept is understood, but this can be excessive. While most players will grasp the basics quickly, the game continues to offer explanations, making the tutorials feel drawn-out and repetitive.

While a little guidance at the beginning isn’t a problem, the game holds your hand for a surprisingly long time. Players experienced with Dragon Quest or other JRPGs might find this frustrating, and it’s disappointing that Square Enix didn’t give players more credit for being able to figure things out on their own.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Is a Must-Play for JRPG Fans

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined successfully delivers on its promises and even exceeds expectations. It’s a fantastic remake that will likely attract a new generation of players to the Dragon Quest series. The updated graphics are beautiful, staying true to the original’s charm while also adding a fresh look.

Despite a bit too much guidance, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a fantastic game. The developers smartly removed unnecessary content, resulting in a substantial but streamlined experience. For anyone new to the Dragon Quest series, this is the perfect place to start.

You can now play Dragon Quest VII Reimagined on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

We reviewed Dragon Quest VII Reimagined using a review code provided by Square Enix.

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2026-02-20 23:09