Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is making waves in Japan, showcasing impressive sales figures by moving more than 90,000 units combined for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 in its second week post-launch. It seems that more than 30 years after its debut, Dragon Quest 3 is captivating a whole new audience with its revamped charm.
The game stands out thanks to its enriched feature set, including fully-voiced cutscenes, an engaging day-and-night cycle, and a soundtrack performed by a full orchestra. First announced in May 2024 to celebrate the series’ 35th anniversary, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake faithfully follows the original while introducing additional episodic content. This fresh content dives deeper into the backstory of Ortega, uncovering mysteries that long-time fans will find satisfying. With these quality-of-life improvements, it’s no wonder this title has quickly become a favorite, especially in a country where Dragon Quest holds legendary status.
A recent Famitsu sales report revealed an impressive milestone for the game: between November 18 and November 24, it sold another 91,362 copies in Japan across both the PS5 and Switch platforms. During its initial week of release, it shipped a staggering 821,770 copies, earning the title of Japan’s top-selling game for 2024. Following closely in the sales rankings, Super Mario Party Jamboree settled in second place with 34,014 copies sold in the same timeframe.
When you look at the numbers, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has now reached a cumulative total of 921,632 copies sold in Japan on PS5 and Switch combined.
Originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1988, Dragon Quest 3 is the first installment chronologically within the Erdrick Trilogy. Players take on the role of a hero on a mission to defeat Baramos, the notorious Archfiend, a villain who would become a staple in the series. While the original version was a hit in Japan, its delayed North American release in 1992 coincided with the rise of 16-bit consoles, dampening its reception in that region.
However, the remake is now garnering significant attention worldwide, holding an OpenCritic score of 85. Square Enix plans to continue this trend of revivals, with a planned 2025 release for HD-2D remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2. While specific details are sparse, director Yuji Horii has hinted at an exciting surprise for those who complete these games in sequence.
The evolution of Dragon Quest 3 from its original roots to this vibrant HD-2D remake displays a beautiful melding of past and present, reinvigorating the nostalgia while introducing modern enhancements that resonate well with both new and returning players. As fans eagerly await further releases in this iconic series, the legacy of Dragon Quest stands stronger than ever.
