Square Enix has released a comprehensive seven minute gameplay overview trailer for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, offering the most detailed look yet at the upcoming reimagining of the first two entries in the legendary JRPG series. Set to launch on October 30, 2025 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, the remake brings together Dragon Quest (1986) and Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line (1987) in a unified package, rebuilt with the HD-2D visual style popularized by Octopath Traveler.
The trailer showcases the blend of classic turn-based combat and modern quality of life improvements. In Dragon Quest I, players control a lone hero on a quest to save the kingdom, while Dragon Quest II expands the scope with a party of up to four characters, each with unique abilities and spells. Among the new features highlighted are Scrolls, collectible items that teach characters exclusive skills or magic, and Sigils, legendary emblems that grant powerful combat effects, such as guaranteed critical hits or enhanced techniques, once collected. These additions aim to deepen strategy without sacrificing the series traditional charm.
Beyond combat, the footage details exploration across towns, dungeons, and the overworld, now enhanced with richer environmental detail, dynamic lighting, and smoother navigation. Players can expect auto save functionality, quick restart options after defeat, destination markers, difficulty settings, and enemy weakness indicators to make the experience more accessible. The remake also introduces expanded story content, including new playable moments, such as the Princess of Cannock joining the party in Dragon Quest II, and narrative elements that were absent from the originals.
Square Enix emphasizes that while the games remain faithful to their roots, the HD-2D presentation and gameplay refinements are designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers. With the release date approaching, the trailer serves is a nostalgia trip and a promise of fresh surprises for those ready to revisit, or discover, the opening chapters of the Erdrick Trilogy on Nintendo’s hybrid consoles.
