The 2000s PlayStation classic, Dragon Quest VII, has been reimagined for modern platforms, launching in 2026 with significant overhauls to gameplay and visuals. Dubbed Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, the game aims to balance nostalgia with accessibility for a new generation of JRPG players.
A Visual Overhaul Inspired by Studio Ghibli
One of the most striking aspects of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is its art direction. Square Enix has adopted a “diorama-style” visual approach, which reviewers have likened to the aesthetic of a 3D Studio Ghibli film. This isn’t merely a texture upgrade. it’s a fundamental shift in presentation, with a focus on detailed environments and expressive character animations. The game’s visuals have been widely praised, with some calling it the best RPG art style experienced since the introduction of HD-2D in Octopath Traveler (2018). The new character animations, in particular, are highlighted as bringing Akira Toriyama’s iconic designs to life with a new level of energy.
Designed for New Players, But Not Without Consideration for Veterans
Square Enix has explicitly designed Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined with new players in mind. This focus on accessibility has involved streamlining certain aspects of the original game, potentially ruffling the feathers of long-time fans. However, early impressions suggest that the changes haven’t fundamentally altered the core experience for those familiar with the original. The game’s pacing has been a key area of improvement, addressing a common criticism of the original release. The goal appears to be to lower the barrier to entry without sacrificing the depth and complexity that define the Dragon Quest series.
A Unique Storyline and World
The narrative of Dragon Quest VII sets it apart within the series. The story follows a fisherman’s son, Maribelle, and Prince Keifer as they embark on a quest to restore the world by collecting 17 magical tablets. This journey takes them through diverse and imaginative locations, including volcanoes, underwater realms, and even through time itself. The time-travel elements and the gradual unveiling of the overarching story are cited as key strengths of the game, offering a different narrative structure compared to other entries in the Dragon Quest franchise.
Soundtrack Remains a High Point
The soundtrack of Dragon Quest VII is considered a pinnacle of Koichi Sugiyama’s work for the series. While the game’s ambiance doesn’t reach the level of detail found in the HD-2D remakes of earlier Dragon Quest titles, the music is described as doing “a lot of heavy lifting” in establishing mood. Lively festival music and eerie dungeon themes contribute to the immersive experience, evoking a sense of discovery and adventure.
Performance and Optimization
Early reports indicate that Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is well-optimized. One player reported running the game on a Steam Deck with all settings maxed, and was still able to reduce the TDP (Thermal Design Power) without experiencing performance issues. This suggests that the game is scalable and can run smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations.
A Return to Form for the Series?
For some fans, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined represents a revitalization of the series. After expressing a sense of obligation to play recent Dragon Quest titles, one fan found that the reimagining sparked a renewed excitement for the franchise. This suggests that the game’s changes and improvements have resonated with players who may have felt disconnected from the series in recent years.
The Legacy of Dragon Quest VII
Dragon Quest VII originally stood out for its storytelling approach, particularly its use of time travel and the way it revealed its overarching narrative. This reimagining aims to preserve those strengths while modernizing the gameplay and presentation. The game’s success will likely hinge on its ability to strike a balance between appealing to new players and satisfying the expectations of long-time fans. The demo, now available on PS5, offers a first look at these changes and provides a glimpse into the future of the Dragon Quest series.
