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Flashspoter - Square Enix is back with one of its ambitious remake projects, and this time it's the turn of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, a modernized version of the classic JRPG that was first released on PlayStation in 2000. After being revived through the 3DS remake in 2013, this latest version is again rebuilt from the ground up for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with a release schedule on February 5, 2026. The PC version via Steam is planned to arrive a day later.
The Remake features a new visual approach that differs from the HD-2D style once applied to the Erdrick trilogy. Square Enix and Hexadrive present a diorama-shaped world with physical puppet-style characters, which are created and scanned as 3D references. This approach revives Akira Toriyama's signature design, but with a touch of real texture that makes each character appear more expressive. Engadget also mentions that the new style helps to make the game world a vibrant animated cinematic look.
Nevertheless, this art style may require some adjustment, particularly because certain textures are more lifelike than those typically seen in the Dragon Quest series. IGN also highlighted that the colors on some costumes appear dimmer than the classic versions. But overall, this visual approach is done to adjust the proportion of Dragon Quest VII characters who are shorter and cute than other main series characters.
Going further than the glance, the primary concern of the dev team is to enhance the plot and also to change the flow of the game for a more exciting adventure. It is also very important that Square Enix has made it clear that the indifferent parts of the plot have been cut out for the story to be more focused on the main scenario. Some subplots such as Grondal, El Ciclo, and Providence are no longer included. On the other hand, a number of new scenarios are presented to enrich the adventure. The goal is to offer a more solid and less tiring experience like the original version. Even the early part of the game is now designed so that players can face monsters in just about an hour, compared to far from the PS1 version which can take almost three hours before finding the first slime.
The main adventure retains the concept of time travel at the core of Dragon Quest VII. Players will explore the past, unlock Lost Lands, and discover the historical interrelationships that shape today's world. The Demo tested on Engadget and IGN shows two important scenarios, namely Emberdale with its volcanic ritual, and Wetlock with the mystery of the tower in the middle of a flood. Both demonstrate how the dioramas world of exploration and dungeons gets a new vibe.
As for the play, Reimagined keeps the traditional turn-based system of the game, but it has been upgraded in numerous ways to make the fights more vibrant. The Moonlighting mechanism, through which the characters can have two jobs simultaneously, is by far the most significant idea. In the former version, switching the profession would restart the level of the selected class, thus making the operation time-consuming. Thanks to the new mechanism, gamers can mix the skills of two classes, thus opening up an infinite number of tactical options without having to grind excessively. Profession levels now progress through special points, while special abilities called Perks can be activated under certain conditions to provide attacks or large buffs.
Another improved feature is the fragment or tablet system that becomes the opening mechanism for new areas. If in the PS1 version the search is sometimes confusing, the Reimagined version now displays the location of the fragment on the minimap to help the exploration process. Square Enix still retains the challenge element, but tries to avoid the frustration that many players have experienced.
Some quality-of-life features of the HD-2D remake are also implemented, such as the auto-healing option when leveling up as well as difficulty level settings. Goddess statues as save and healing points are now placed more strategically to help leveling and profession progress.
With a change in the focus of the story, innovations in the combat system, as well as a unique visual style, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is seen as a project that seeks to combine the ambitions of the classic version with modern conveniences. Square Enix confirmed that this version is designed to appeal to both existing players and newcomers who want to make this game their first door into the world of Dragon Quest.
Source Engadget, IGN, Square Enix
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