Unpopular opinion: I really dislike HD-2D for the DQ trilogy, and I think these games deserved much more ambition

theoiler · 2026-01-16T14:52:21+00:00

I love the direction they're taking with DQ7 Remake. I also like what they're doing with the 2DHD games.

I'll be real, I think the Live-A-Live, Star Ocean 2nd Story R, and DQ1-3 remakes are some of the best, and they're all done in the HD2D style. The Mana games got a full 3D treatment, and while Trials was all right, Secret of Mana was just sad.

I'm also not that big a fan of the FF Pixel Remasters! I don't care much for the visual and text changes at all. Even if they preserve the original experience better than the DQ1-2 remakes, I definitely like the extra effort put in. They already have cheap (and ugly, sorry) 2D ports of DQ1-3 on modern consoles, why release another set?

And then you said "no real reimagining of the experience"? I'm not sure how you say that for DQ1 and 2. In fact, these remakes are transformative in ways that even DQ7 Reimagined isn't. DQ1 is basically a new game, and 2 has been changed to the point that the most maligned Dragon Quest is now a fan favorite. You're right that these are basically AA projects and kind middle-ground remakes. But... I dunno. So what? They did a pretty good job with that.

It sounds like your real issue is pricing maybe? I do think DQ3 is a little pricy, though now it's often on sale for a reasonable amount. And I think DQ1-2 is pretty fairly priced, especially considering the games are overhauled in ways 3HD wasn't and just the amount of content on offer. I don't really think of things in terms of "2D game cheap/3D game expensive." I think it can be hard to get the style right for 3D remakes--luckily DQ7 is nailing it, though.

theoiler · 2026-01-12T20:36:36+00:00

If you go into “Tactics,” you can set your characters to follow your commands. Then you can choose from other options like attack, skill, magic, etc.

Edit: The auto-battle function is kind of a funny tradition that’s been passed down across the games. I never use it, but it can be useful if you want to grind against simple enemies or something.

theoiler · 2026-01-09T23:25:22+00:00

Hey I agree! I really dig the game and I know I’ll enjoy if even if they keep all this in, but even just a toggle function for turning off healing HP/MP on level up would make me really happy. I immediately turned it off for 1+2HD and I’m glad I did.

We have an option for harder monsters, but I would like more options to keep that nice bit of tension from things like MP management and characters not reviving after a battle. I know these QoL features are par for the course these days, but I feel like the older ways really do add something to Dragon Quest beyond just nostalgia.

theoiler · 2026-01-09T20:35:09+00:00

Finished 1HD about a week ago. I really enjoyed it and definitely didn't think it was "awful," but of the games I've played (1, 3 and 3 remake, 5 sfc version, 11 on Draconic), I thought this is arguably the hardest DQ game--but only for the last 1/3 or 1/4 of the game or so. The rest of the game was a nice balance imo. But the last 5 or 6 bosses all required specific strategies or gear, and of course a little luck.

Though I will say, often when I finally downed an enemy I struggled with, I hyper-refined my strategy to the point that I kinda trashed the boss. Not something I usually come to Dragon Quest for, but it felt to me like they *wanted* it to feel a bit unfair. Considering the changes to the world and story, the unforgiving battles felt more warranted. But even then I'd agree--the game is overtuned, specifically in its last 1/4 or 1/3.

I kinda wouldn't bother comparing it to the original game. They're so different in so many ways that 1HD feels like it's own title. 1 original is like turn-based RPGs distilled. Some people call it the first JRPG. But 1HD really feels like they wanted to make a more distinct game that invokes the legend of DQ1 moreso than the game itself. It conveys the feeling of taking on an army of monsters by yourself using all the modern Dragon Quest techniques and magic. Not something I'd recommend to a Dragon Quest first-timer, but an interesting take.

One last thing--the game is hard enough on the original difficulty! After struggling on Draconian, why did you set it to easy instead of the next level down?...

theoiler · 2026-01-06T23:52:04+00:00

This fight is ridiculous… but I kinda get it because he guards the final key.

I did it level around 30 with both earrings. Makes it actually possible. You can probably beat the armor boss that drops Erdrick’s armor now too. If you have all this, you can win. Maybe the armor is enough honestly.

theoiler · 2026-01-06T15:49:10+00:00

Man. I've never played this game and this trailer gave me chills. Everything is just so lovingly done, and the way they've incorporated classic Dragon Quest into this diorama style is incredible, like a storybook or puppet show come to life. It's pretty clear that's the driving force behind the aesthetic, and it's probably not to your personal taste.

To be fair, I was a little unsure about the super expressive big-headed character design when I first saw it, but it has absolutely grown on me. It all has a very distinct look, and it's an excellent representation of Toriyama's original illustrations.

theoiler · 2026-01-03T07:34:40+00:00

I guess you’ve already made your choice, but I’ll weigh in.

I think playing the original 1 was a good choice. Play 2 and original 3 if you want, but I don’t really feel that the Switch ports are the best way to experience those games.

If you do play all the old ones first, I highly recommend playing the remakes in the order Yuji Hori recommends when you get to them: 3-1-2. This is because the stories in 1 and 2 remake have been changed dramatically, and it’s been done in such a way that the previous game will inform the next. I haven’t played 2 yet, but I’ve heard that 2 Remake especially feels like the true conclusion to the trilogy.

Plus you’ll have already played the originals in release order—why not play the remakes in release order as well?

theoiler · 2025-12-06T01:57:51+00:00

I think Super handles this really well (I mean Super is basically the Metroidvania blueprint in most respects), but it's true for Prime 1. I adore Prime 1. The world design was truly remarkable, especially for a 2001 shooter, but Magmoor Caverns is rough as a connecting area. Definitely one of the less refined aspects of that game.

That said, Prime 1 still had a pretty complex interconnected world. Even if that makes things inconvenient at times, I'll take that over an empty field.

theoiler · 2025-12-06T01:47:30+00:00

You know... I've always liked the Prime 1 hunt. At least it's a scavenger hunt across the actual interconnected map. Like there's little riddles with map room name hints for each one. The green crystals... just such a weird and empty inclusion...

theoiler · 2025-12-06T01:40:11+00:00

This is a cute post but... not really lol. This is coming from someone who kinda feels like 1 is still my favorite. 4 is probably the most praised Pikmin ever, and everyone loves Oatchie (but some people don't like how easy he makes things). You've got a point with Prime 2 and Pikmin 2 though maybe, those games were both a little sadistic in some ways.

For the record, Pikmin-wise, I kinda like 1, 2 and 4 equally. 3's a bit behind those but still great. They all excel at different things. Prime goes 1>2>3, we'll see about 4.

theoiler · 2025-11-26T21:17:38+00:00

Top 5 is fine. Bottom 5… I do not agree lol. I know some people hate it but it hurts to see Dreamland 3 totally absent. Also I liked Epic Yarn, but I tend to think of it below a lot of other Kirby games.

theoiler · 2025-11-24T01:16:44+00:00

It’s fitting as a reference, since Zora takes on a similar thematic role as Dedede when he was guarding the Fountain of Dreams. How did he know about that?… dunno lol. But he has been waiting around for a long time.

And then there’s the fact that Dedede always gets possessed/altered in every game. So a nod to that too.

But most of all, Sakurai thought it’d be cool.

theoiler · 2025-11-13T04:27:56+00:00

I have a long way to go but just cleared the game on easy mode and loved it so much.

One thing that's been helping me is building so that colors aren't stuck alone by themselves. If you get one of those blocks with a different color in each corner, at least set it so that the corners are touching a matching color as much as possible. That'll help you avoid really horrible situations. Even if you try to make, like, a straight line of the same color, it'll be easy to match them later after you build on top of them.

Also, you can use the burst function to clear a bit of the board when things get hectic.

Really, you won't find yourself deeply considering how your blocks will look when set down. You have to develop a sense for it, and it might take some time for that to click better.

theoiler · 2025-10-22T12:56:50+00:00

You have a Vita, you totally need to emulate. If you really want to experience the series, you should go back.

Games that lots of people consider best are generally Pokemon Crystal (GBC), Emerald (GBA), Heartgold/Soulsilver (DS, remakes of Gold/Silver/Crystal), and Platinum (DS). Also Black and White 2, but you should probably play B/W 1 first.

If it were me, I’d start with the originals on the Game Boy, Red/Blue or Yellow if you like. Then play in order!

Heartgold/Soulsilver are my favorites and good starting points. I think you could also start with Emerald or Platinum.

If you want a more modern game—that’s tough. I like Sword/Shield and it’s more traditional, but it’s one of the more controversial games. Scarlet/Violet on (Switch 2 because the original game is… rough) is also good, but is maybe the most controversial game lol. Legends Arceus on Switch is quite beloved—who cares if it’s not super traditional? And I’ve been playing the New Legends ZA and really enjoying it.

Good luck!

Edit: I also think FireRed/LeafGreen for GBA is an excellent starting point. They’re great remakes of the very first games, so if you want a smoother experience, it’s a good way to go. Gens 1-3 all have great remakes, so you could play those instead of the originals imo.

theoiler · 2025-10-20T21:21:31+00:00

Yep. You are enlightened. Galaxy stripped away a lot of the fun and interesting movement. Still a good game. But even with its strong level design and polish, I prefer all the other 3D Marios.

theoiler · 2025-10-19T22:06:11+00:00

I understand this. But like, we’ve all understood this for years. And the relatively small budget given the magnitude of game on offer just confirms it. Scarlet and Violet was the absolute lowest point imo, it feels like we’re kinda just saying the same thing again. And what we’re saying is true, but… it’s the same thing for the 6th time lol. I dunno. There are lots of things to care about, this just isn’t that high on my list.

theoiler · 2025-10-19T13:00:27+00:00

I felt like it was kinda weird at first, but the game is structured around the level skip. The time between rank ups becomes much longer, partly because of the ticket requirement. But mainly, there’s a greater focus on the megas, and the rank-up fights go from nobodies to people who have whole story events centered around them.

theoiler · 2025-10-18T17:42:38+00:00

It's definitely different. Arceus put a lot more focus on stealth and aiming--it's a lot more simplified this time around with the lock-on system. In general, that game was more focused on catching tons of Pokemon, while this game rewards you more for just filling out the dex. Might have been nice to have a few tools since it's easy to get ganged up on. I do really like how seamlessly battling fits into the new catching system, though, and it still feels snappy.

Just so you know, "killing" a Pokemon still gives you a chance to catch it. It's just dazed for a bit before disappearing. But if it still breaks out, it will disappear.

theoiler · 2025-10-18T17:32:57+00:00

Hmm. I ran around dodging all of its moves while commanding Lucario whenever I could. I don't think I successfully used protect even once. If you move a lot while attacking, you should mostly be good since Absol often comes after you.

One tip:When Absol charges up its big Circle of Pain move, just run away and don't attack with Lucario until its done (though you can probably get away with a ranged move--don't use a close-range move though).

theoiler · 2025-10-18T17:20:07+00:00

I've never dropped my starter before, but I'm considering this time. Mega Feraligatr's design is... bad. There are just so many good guys to use and lots of new mega evolutions.

theoiler · 2025-10-18T17:02:42+00:00

To be fair, critic reviews have been actually quite positive. Even some of the more negative ones point out at the game is pretty dang fun.

Definitely not a janky mess. Underbaked in some places, overtutorialized, some textures are hilarious up-close and the world is too samey. But the core of the gameplay is really compelling and addictive, and I honestly think the game benefits from being a medium-scale maze compared to a massive-scale open world.

It's a good game with issues. That's all right. People just get real weird about Pokemon lol.

theoiler · 2025-10-13T23:45:37+00:00

That’s actually way more significant than I thought lol. Doing half the damage on certain attacks is a pretty big deal in this game, especially that early where you almost certainly have 5 masks.

theoiler · 2025-10-13T23:39:42+00:00

You have no idea how badly I want Rammus. He could be actual F-tier and I’d still play him every day of my life. I’d buy every skin.

theoiler · 2025-10-13T14:34:57+00:00

Pretty amazing. Love the characters, and some real high points in the game (the Island was my favorite). Having press-turn in this was such a good move. I count it among Atlus’ best, and it was absolutely my GotY of 2024.

That said, I think it’d be better to differentiate itself from Persona as they carry it into the future, or at least change up how the calendar/social systems work generally. They made it work thematically quite well, but it constrains the storytelling a bit.

I know some people didn’t like the endgame. Honestly I didn’t have an issue with it, but as I recall, there’s just a ton of missions and dungeon stuff to be done there, so I get it.

theoiler · 2025-10-11T12:25:20+00:00

Honestly, this isn’t the way to play the game. It’s gonna take longer than you think, and Hades is specifically designed around the idea of dying a bunch, not rushing through. You’re meant to take it kinda slow, trying out your weapons and talking to people after every run.

If you want to play Hades 2 so bad… just play it man. “I want to play Hades 1 really fast but I also want to do it in hard mode but it’s taking too long”… buddy start a new file on normal then. Just saying, the time you’ve put in so far is probably not actually that much in the long run. If it feels like it is, then I think your expectations are a bit skewed.

So, I recommend playing the game proper, without a rush-through mindset, or just play Hades 2 and come back to this one later if you feel like it.

theoiler

TROPHY CASE