Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Isn’t Intended to Replace or “Improve Upon” the Original JRPG

Admittedly, this new direction doesn’t hit every mark for me. The inclusion of aggressive hand-holding and trivialized difficulty through abundant healing makes the experience feel somewhat diluted compared to the rugged, atmospheric charm of the PS1 version. However, there is undeniable fun in experiencing both versions simultaneously, observing how two different eras tackle the same narrative beats and settings.

Ichikawa maintains that throughout the franchise’s four-decade legacy, every entry retains a “timeless appeal that transcends its release date.” As Square Enix continues to revitalize its catalog of legendary JRPGs, he emphasizes that preserving the core magic of the originals remains the most vital component of any remake endeavor.

The DNA of Dragon Quest is woven so deeply into the genre that the greatest JRPGs in history simply wouldn’t exist without its pioneering influence.