Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Nintendo Switch Review

[@SwitchUpYt]

As someone who pronounces '3' as 'free', (I'm a londoner, it's what we do!). The reviewing Gods always seem to conspire against me and I end up with the 3rd game in any series! Embrace the pronunciation and enjoy the review. Will you be picking this one up? Let us know in the comments section! Looking for eshop credit? Get OFFICIAL Nintendo Eshop Cards and other bits and bobs, at our new website and online store here - switchup.gg/ - Earn 5% cashback in points that you can redeem against future purchases. If you are a physical collector looking to import, you can use code "SWITCHUP24" to save 5% at PlayAsia www.play-asia.com Happy gaming! Glen

[@Ephesians-yn8ux]

Dragon Quest the FIRD 😂

[@SwitchUpYt]

@ fanxs!

[@netlegendstube]

As a Brit, I feel you, brother 😅

[@CasualViewer-t4f]

😂😂😂

[@scranman5330]

I live in the southeastern US, and we have some pretty crazy accents and pronunciations, too. We had a handyman working at the house once, and he kept asking if I had a "lighter." Confused, I brought him a lighter. If I had any common sense, I'd have known he was actually saying "ladder". 😂

[@arios6443]

With all of those mainstream publications reviewing Dragon Quest III HD-2D, Switch Up sets a higher standard by reviewing the lesser-known title, Dragon Quest "Fwee". It's a tricky game to review, but rest assured... it'll get at least a "fwee" out of five.

[@willlawson6126]

🤣

[@StaticImpulse21]

Bruh 🤣

[@yaknowjoshua1451]

but the real questions is, is the game $60 or can i get it for fwee?

[@arios6443]

@yaknowjoshua1451 Unfortunately, physical copies have been scalped. You can only get it online for "fwee fitty".

[@joearnold6881]

Anti Brit prejudice. Which is good and just 😂

[@graysonsandford2568]

As a 34 year old gamer, switch up is my only channel when it comes to reviews and the like. You guys give me the exact details I need to know for a busy dude who still loves to game. I think I still have to get this one but it’s nice to know that the random encounters can’t be manipulated going into this. Thank you chaps 🙌

[@SwitchUpYt]

@@graysonsandford2568 Cheers brother! Mark

[@mydemon]

Im thinking along the exact same lines. Hipefully someone on staff with any kind of decision power is reading this.

[@MrJimithee]

One of the PRETTIEST games I've seen in ages! You can keep that HD-2D coming Square! Gorgeous...

[@PsnPocketsFulOfHope]

Octopath Traveler 1&2?

[@USCSS_Nostromo]

My neon leg warmers are on and I am READY

[@tdotran]

I’m still working on Romancing Saga 2 on the Switch! Fantastic game by the way so add it to your RPG list. DQ3 is a day one title baby. Can’t wait to play it.

[@lukebargodao]

Funny how these HD remakes feel better as rpg than the newer RPGs. Looking foward to play this one! Thanks for the awesome review!

[@antiquecardboard]

One thing modern RPGs (and games in general) have forgotten is the power of simplicity. Everything modern if over-busy and convoluted.

[@melaniapina6368]

@@antiquecardboard this is so true

[@kencube86]

Older RPGs have to rely on good story and gameplay to attract gamers. Unlike newer RPGs can focus more on graphics and voice overs.

[@cbgg1585]

What are you on about? “RPG” is a broad brush. Apples to oranges. RPG’s can range from something like Cyberpunk (action with great emphasis on narrative and story telling), Lies of P (action and perhaps adventure), Baldurs Gate 3 (CRPG), FF7 Remake and Rebirth (action with influences from prior FF titles) and something like Triangle Strategy (SRPG). Stop comparing $hit. Each RPG has its own unique set of strengths and like most games, have significant flaws. Honestly don’t understand why we need to denigrate other games while praising another. Just enjoy each game as they come.

[@cbgg1585]

@@antiquecardboardSo I’m guessing you skipped Baldurs Gate 3 due to its fairly excessive learning curve? Your loss if that’s the case.

[@zombiejesus2000]

I loved this game on my GBC when I was a kid playing even though I never could finish it. I'll definitely look into this.

[@CasualViewer-t4f]

Adore these games. Preordered both digital on Steam Deck and physical on Switch. I’m just here because I love your reviews.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Much appreciated!

[@drew4116]

How come you didn't talk about how the switch runs this game? Performance? Seems to be a massive problem these days.

[@estevangarcia7180]

Its a bit clancky and blury 😢

[@drew4116]

@estevangarcia7180 dang, really hoping it's not to noticeable.

[@satan-kun8974]

the one reason I look for videos by this channel

[@MadaoAU]

This is weird not only this video but others that usually show fps, this time they are nowhere.

[@TheStrandrew]

Is it safe to assume the footage shown in the review is from a Switch? It looks pretty decent to me

[@alx.burgir]

My first Dragon Quest game, I can't wait! I'm addicted to the art style, no matter the genre (Octopath, Live A Live, Triangle Strategy, Star Ocean). Thanks for the review, you guys are the best 🥰

[@epi1337]

What about performance and resolution? The video looks quite soft so I assume it does not run in native res?

[@elixxur]

Excited for 1&2. I hope they give all of previous entries this treatment!

[@edwardbrennan3963]

One of my most anticipated games of the year! Can't wait to get my hands on it

[@Leopez02]

It's so awesome that Square Enix made another HD-2D RPG game because Octopath Traveller was a big success and I believe Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake would be a good game too! I've never played Dragon Quest games before so is 3 good way to start playing Dragon Quest games? Gotta say I really love how beautiful HD-2D looks it works so perfectly on an RPG game, I think my score would be even 8/10 good game and I need to get and play this on Switch Square Enix had a great year and Dragon Quest 3 is a perfect way to end the year of the Dragon 2024! 🐉🔥

[@Retroman__ll]

I love the much more open space for the battle screen actually...adds a little to the immersion, feeling like you're standing in a big world. Great job Glen!

[@icecreamcake5381]

I'm a huge Dragon Quest fan so I'm excited about this game. It's even releasing on my birthday. Still, I'll probably wait for a good sale before getting the game since I won't have time to play it anyways. Maybe this Christmas holiday? 🤔 BTW, thanks for this review!

[@jaydenmoon1165]

OMG - I cannot believe I am going to be playing this game in a new form 30+ years later - I am so excited - great video as always gents ❤

[@sirKAA]

Hey man, thanks for review! You didnt say anything about performance... other reviews mention about fps drops.

[@omensoffate]

It’s a biased switch channel 😂

[@MaI2Me]

@@omensoffateit kinda feels this way sometimes indeed 😐

[@Tchernoziuum]

@@omensoffate All video games channels are biased

[@MaI2Me]

@@Tchernoziuumindeed, and they all pretend that they aren’t 🙃

[@RawPower867]

@@MaI2Me I know, right? Who'd have thought that a channel named "Switch Up" would have a preference for Switch games?

[@kcmac9298]

Looks great. I'm glad there aren't as many "quality of life features" as Star Ocean II, which was good but the features made it feel like a hollow shorter version of a game. I don't care if people are getting older and don't have as much time, games feel less if you don't earn it.

[@ppbunt]

I know it’s been around for a while now but man I just love this 2D-HD graphics style! I will definitely be playing this one, but I’ll wait for a sale because I also have issues with random battles 😊

[@LadyLunaNini88]

We're almost under 18 hours(from where I live) for the game to come out. I'm so looking forward to playing this one

[@dank2171]

Ff6 and dragon warrior 3 were my 1st rpgs as a little kid. They are still my fav. Im so pumped for this remake. It looks perfect for those of us who experienced the og.

[@linkvagar2336]

Still think they should have used dynamic battle animations ala Golden Sun. The static combat seems very outdated.

[@papermarios]

But that's so much work!! And we don't want daddy Square Enix to get tired over doing the minimal, do we? Jokes aside. It really is rather oudated, but that's just a visual staple of the series from I through VII. I guess they wanted an experience that was still similar to that, with some of the GBC version mixed into it due to the monster animations. Doesn't take out the fact they COULD have at least made a physical attack and a magic cast animation for it and it would've still been fine.

[@dr6770]

I have to admit, the game looks so pretty but the battle scenes and battle animations are so boring and lazy. You will be battling a lot in this game so it's so bad that they chose to make that part so lack luster. Imagine this game's battle like Octopath Traveler 2 with custom animations and effects. UGH! I get this was the way the battles were int he OG but this is a remake, update it.

[@redcrimson1028]

That was the whole point lol is bringing back the old school flare lol I hear what you're saying though. I don't like the first person view battles

[@allanamaya07]

I'm not buying it because of this, I hate that you don't see them attacking

[@dr6770]

@@redcrimson1028 I get having the "old school flare" but when they add QOL updates for some stuff but then skip major things like the battles, it gets frustrating. With the time they had, I wish at most they could have had this "old school style" but also have an option to have OT2 style battle animations too.

[@Gatefan1565]

Can't wait for my copy to arrive! DQ 11 was my first ever Dragon Quest game. DQ 3 Remake will be my 2nd, and I am excited to dive into it!

[@quezcatol]

if you go from DQ11 to DQ3 there is a very cool suprise in store for you :)

[@Toe-collector]

Fr. Been a while since i beat dq11 but i havent played any dq after cause i dived into other gaming series. Excited for my return to this series🙏

[@Gatefan1565]

@@quezcatol Looking forward to it even more now!!!

[@arieldarian3130]

Same here ✌🏿. DQ11 made fall in love with the series.

[@americasteam2112]

I am a newer DQ fan. Hope they release the DQ 4-9 on newer systems. I had to emulate them. Just need to play DQ 1-3.

[@Griffnix]

Played this on the GBC when it came out and it made me fall in love with Dragon Quest ever since. I still remember the moment I realized it was a prequel. I was shocked and hyped. This is one those games I'm going to double dip on with the Switch release and on Pc. Can't wait to see the 1 and Collection next year.

[@jpurd123]

Imagine if Game Freak did Pokemon remakes in the HD-2D style

[@zachcarmichael699]

Gold and Silver would be the perfect candidates

[@remylebaou1]

Imagine if game freak actually did HD!

[@sophierodriguez5042]

I love Dragon Quest! I’m definitely playing this game!❤❤

[@zar-cough448]

Hey guys just this morning a patch came out for each of the GTA games. Would be neat to see some switch coverage of the patch for your next All Patched Up video

[@SwitchUpYt]

@@zar-cough448 oh yes I’m working on it. Mark

[@MaI2Me]

Seems this patch does not apply to the Switch versions 🤷‍♂️

[@Papa_Wampa]

You guys are the place to be for the real reviews. Keep it up fellas!

[@barthedlund1429]

im a lifelong dragon quest fan, ive had this preordered for a while, came today! so far no issues a few hours in

[@colt45jr]

Great review guys! Any word on performance; frame drops and/or sub-native resolution?

[@TheChoujinVirus]

Fun Fact: The Monster Wrangler is the 2nd newest class introduced in a DQ3 remake. The first one was the Thief class introduced in the Super Famicom version (later shown to the west in the GBC version)

[@springer1786]

More remakes of classic, Japan-only RPGs please, we're loving life. DQ3 and Romancing Saga 2 have been highlights.

[@willlawson6126]

Cant wait for my copy to arrive tomorrow!!!

[@joerexhausen8897]

Closing in on 14 hours left until midnight release.

[@drunkenastarte5243]

Newcomers to DQ3: "The random encounter rate feels really high" Me who's played the OG + GBC versions multiple times: "Damn, I hope you enjoy finding the Golden Claw hidden in the Pyramid?!" ;-) My one huge gripe with this remake: They left out the Parchisi/TnT boards from the GBC version & the post-game Monster Medal dungeon.😞 The TnT boards especially were a hilarious blend of tactics & anxiety inducing, RNG-rage factories!Lol

[@ferekenente]

Very sad about not getting pachisi and the medal dungeon!

[@rossedwardmiller]

Hopefully patches and free dlc make this inarguably the best and most complete version of this game

[@chadmax4087]

I didn't even need to watch the video to know I was already sold. I can't wait to play this!

[@nevertoolate5325]

People who loved DQ11 and so are looking forward to this have no idea how annoying and loathsome random battles are. This has just gone from a 'must buy' to a 'probably never buy' for me. What on earth were the devs thinking? This was a chance to improve more than just the visuals! 🙄

[@eternity449]

Expecting my copy to arrive today, can't wait ! 😊

[@rerere1120]

I just wish there are combat animations. I get that this was originally from when I was playing as a kid, but would have been fantastic if I can see my characters attack now.

[@kevinbuchanan67]

Chrono Trigger looking like this would be a dream

[@xMissMaveNx]

Chrono Trigger is a timeless classic and it is perfect just as it is. /rant

[@kevinbuchanan67]

@xMissMaveNx the original would still exist. Chronic Trigger looking like this would be a dream

[@RhubarbRehab]

@@kevinbuchanan67👍

[@RhubarbRehab]

@@xMissMaveNx👎

[@adam145]

Happy to see it getting really good scores! Hopefully that means more classic Square Enix games will be remade in a similar fashion!

[@baitmate6414]

Got it in my watchlist, would love to play it but it was saying £49.99 I cannot justify paying that

[@troyevanthompson]

Most anticipated game of the year. Cant watch the coverage cause i wanna be as fresh as i can. But always dropping in for the thumbs up. Gotta support your great channel. Seee ya

[@markiimark6573]

Awesome review guys. This is going on the xmas wishlist for me since im deep in M&L. I'd love for square to tackle mystic quest in HD-2D next. I never played that game.

[@cryoboys2194]

Been waiting for this since they announced it, I LOVE the graphic style it makes everything look like a picture book

[@johnnytrash2839]

This looks gorgeous. Now we need Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger to get the makeover too.

[@MaI2Me]

I honestly hope they never touch Chrono Trigger. Some games just don’t need to be ‘remastered’ or ‘remade’ and Chrono Trigger is certainly of those.

[@kpsk8031]

Not reworking the battle screen was a huge mistake. And no, it's not like the original. The original didn't have wide-screen aspect ratio and so much empty space.

[@jordanvespa720]

Agree'd, the battles feel so empty. When it's in first person mode it reminds me of a default RPG Maker game or something

[@MaI2Me]

Just another case of low effort for high profits as it’s fairly common these days 🎉

[@Flood520]

Absolutely. A very poor use of screen space.

[@kevinbuchanan67]

But it IS like the original

[@TrevRockOne]

The camera is so far away. We need to see these Toriyama designs up close.

[@danielalexandre89]

Never knew that existed Now i must have it Talking about the neon leg warmers of course The game is alright i guess 😂

[@alextwin365]

God I love your reviiieeeews. Always honest, and you talk about all angles not just keep it one sided. ❤

[@jemmadavies3226]

I’m so excited, been waiting for this review. Settling down to enjoy this one

[@chriswahl1337]

Heck yeah! Even though I've been mostly avoiding information related to this game (and skipped to the scores at the end of the video), this is my most anticipated game of the year! I fell in love with Octopath Traveler I & II right away, so naturally, I was instantly drawn to this HD-2D remake. I've been playing Dragon Quest XI for the first time recently, and some Dragon Quest Heroes II, so I feel like I'm more familiar with the series/franchise now. A good friend of mine sent me a $50 digital Steam gift card for my birthday two months ago, so I'll be enjoying Dragon Quest III HD-2D on PC. Hopefully it has a magically smooth framerate on PC, the way Octopath does! 🤩

[@andersonhopkins3987]

I absolutely love your reviews but i agree with a couple of the comments saying it would have been good to hear about performance. Many reviews talk about frame rate drops in busy areas

[@robertwahlstrom]

Bravely Default 2 allows you to chase a bunch of enemies into a corner and then take down 5 - 7 battles in a row at once with an XP multiplier as reward so you can get a bunch of XP at once and then just avoid a bunch of other battles. Think that is a pretty good solution for games like this.

[@Lyfa00]

I really like what they did to the remaster, yet I was hoping they would do something about the first person battle screen, it's the only thing that bothered me like forever 😅

[@kaijuwulf412]

Legend of Mana remaster also had an option to turn off random battles. It is a great feature that is surely going to be missed in this game.

[@SouthpawdSlayer94]

I can't wait to pick up my pre order tomorrow

[@gcsound12]

Any thoughts on the story / characters? Is it a story worth putting the time into or was there just not much to say about it given its age? Thanks for the review.

[@SwitchUpYt]

I'm not a massive investor in story in RPGs as a rule so take this with a pinch of salt but, obvioulsy, as you just recruit or create your team, it doesn't have the character of many games that have come since. It didn't affect my enjoyment at all, but if story or character development is important to you, just bear it in mind. Glen

[@gcsound12]

@ ah gotcha. Thanks for the follow up!

[@gt3racer2187]

SE lost me with Appearance A/Appearance B.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Elden Ring and other games have used it, yet nobody cared before

[@TheSushiandme]

The only question that matters to me. Is there fishing?

[@NoonDragoon]

Man, I’m still working through Brothership! This has been a crazy year for RPGs.

[@blessit68]

There needs to be the old game genie cheats in it so I can dress them up in the cat outfits 😂

[@ErenTheWarcriminal]

I'm getting this when the price drops a bit, nice review

[@Phenom0100]

I'm just happy that there is voice acting!

[@Recon1500]

They should rerelease the slime controller to go along with it

[@bodycounter9386]

Fun fact: the game costs 60$ and is not free at all.

[@Nedwig747]

I've said this on the channel before but I was actually hoping that this one would pass me by. My backlog is already so long and was kinda hoping it wouldn't tickly my fancy. But my goodness it looks soooooooooooo good. My fancies have definitely been tickled!

[@Snake20]

30fps or 60fps on the switch?

[@Thecancanlight]

30 on switch

[@AxelWedstar411]

Having come from games like DQXI and Dark Prince, going back to random encounters is a bit of a pain. NGL

[@KageMaku1]

Never got the chance, just like you. So definitely looking forward to it. Glen which episode was it you did your lego showcase at the end, been looking but i forgot which one, and will you do anymore in the future?

[@kevinjudd6728]

I’m very much looking forward to picking up Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake tomorrow, as I had preordered it a few months ago. It is one of the few Dragon Quest titles I had played long ago but never finished, and this remake will provide a new and fresh opportunity to do so. :) Much as I hate to admit it though, I’m with you there on the random enemy encounters and the rate thereof. I’m in my 40s now as well, and don’t exactly have that kind of time and patience for that more traditional aspect of JRPGs in general these days, especially given my daily responsibilities (job, cooking, grocery shopping, etc.). XD

[@RawPower867]

Surprised you didn't mention the performance drops, but I suppose it doesn't matter in a game like this. Playing it on Switch 2 (when that comes out) will likely smooth out the drops anyways.

[@Archius9]

Same. Random battle frequency can kill a playthrough for me now. I just want to get that damn chest but it’ll take me 4-5 battles to get it and back. I managed to mod in an ‘always successfully flee’ to Octopath traveller 2 on steam deck to make this more bearable. Battles are great in that game but take so damn long.

[@paulharries696]

I wish it was Dragon Quest Free, I can't afford this at full prices! (Apologies Glen!). Seriously though, I'd love to see Dragon Quest IV given the same treatment, that was the first (and still my favourite) of the DQ games I've played.

[@jmsmith6]

Glen, I’d be interested to know what game has received a perfect score for visuals from SwitchUp!

[@timrowley2039]

I know it’s a full remake, and it looks amazing, but I’m not paying $60 is crazy. Although your review makes it seem almost worth it.

[@marketbroiler24]

This game looks stunning! I can’t wait to play it!

[@sevensyns7732]

Why does this have to look and be so good...there goes my money!!!

[@leonc9760]

Another great review guys, keep up the fantastic work

[@louzer4609]

Very informative review. Probably won't be getting this one though. Do you have time to do a farmagia review? You are sincerely the best reviewer for all switch content and I was curious about farmagia

[@SwitchUpYt]

It's on our radar, although we are very busy at the moment. Glen

[@louzer4609]

@SwitchUpYt thank you , I completely understand.

[@nancycole8453]

I live in the US and will stay up and get it at midnight 😊

[@HSE331]

personally I wish square just used hd 2d for some important games like dq3. they have used it so much for games that dont deserve it and have oversaturated it

[@basman2006]

The love for DQ 3 in Japan is incredible. Because of this i was always interest in this, but i don't think it will make me fall in love.

[@qh8389712089]

So you think this is better than Echoes of Wisdom? was thinking of buying either that or this.

[@MonZterbacklog]

Bring the leg warmers back haha . I still have this game for my Gameboy color

[@grotchops]

I'd be up for a HD-2D remaster of neon legwarmers

[@ImperialJohn]

What about performance? Is it good?

[@SwitchUpYt]

Yeah, it's absolutely fine.

[@cholmes1772]

I love the dragon quest series. Looking forward to playing this

[@celestialpianosage3201]

Already preordered. Wish there were no random encounters though

[@ArchGeek]

I’ve been playing the game since yesterday (SE set it to me early for some reason). It’s pretty great, localization and censorship issues aside.

[@coolbreezesolid]

Are any of the dragon quests stories related? Maybe I just never paid attention enough but I never thought they were

[@SwitchUpYt]

Yeah, I, II and III are a trilogy. But part III is set first which is why they've released it this way round. Glen

[@RoninCZ]

Yeah, 6-4-5 are after 11 when the party loses, 3-1-2-8 are when they win in 11. There's a lot of year gaps etc. 12 will be some years after 5.

[@kevinphelps5807]

looks great...can't believe how many great games have dropped recently. excessive random battles is definitely a hallmark of most old school rpgs, lol

[@sebastianstyles9750]

I can’t get over the fact that there’s no animation sprites for the characters doing their attacks, it’s first person view… what the… for me, that’s a deal breaker.

[@PhatYeti]

Great video! What is the difference between this and the 1-2-3 pack?

[@SEiMEi_EXiSTS]

This game is a full remake of the DQ3

[@PhatYeti]

@@SEiMEi_EXiSTS oh where is 1 and 2?

[@RwnEsper]

​@@PhatYetiComing next year

[@ignacio1887]

Anytime i see a 2d 3d game like this it makes me want a chrono trigger remake made in this style but i know it will never happen.

[@OcarinaEsmer]

Trying to guess what you rate each category is a game in itself for me. I thought I had a perfect run for the first time, but I missed it by one point in the value section

[@lordspen5882]

I still need to play Octopath, this makes me want to download Chrono Trigger again

[@Wurmze]

I’ve never played a game like this (closest would be Pokémon I guess) but it looks so pretty I might just get it. Do you think it’s likely it’ll go on sale eventually?

[@AyeThatsHandsomePete]

It’s a square game and not being published by Nintendo so most likely.

[@ACoolDude.]

Please tell me its an awesome remake