Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is making waves in Japan, with impressive sales figures reported in its second week. It managed to sell more than 90,000 copies on both the Switch and PS5. This beloved game, originally released over 30 years ago, is attracting a whole new generation of players while retaining its longtime fans.
This beautiful remake offers fully voiced cutscenes and a new dynamic day-night system. Gamers are also treated to a stunning orchestral soundtrack. Announced in May 2024 as part of the 35th-anniversary celebration of the franchise, this remake stays true to the original NES classic while introducing fresh episodic content. This includes deeper insights into the enigmatic character Ortega, which fans will find intriguing. The update brings numerous quality-of-life improvements, cementing its popularity particularly in Japan, where Dragon Quest remains a legendary series.
Famitsu’s latest software sales chart reveals that from November 18 to November 24, this remake sold 91,362 copies between the Nintendo Switch and PS5 platforms. During its initial week, an astounding 821,770 copies were sold, marking it as Japan’s top-selling game of 2024 so far. Not far behind, Super Mario Party Jamboree nabbed second place with 34,014 copies, bringing its cumulative sales to 476,607.
In total, the remake’s sales have now hit 921,632 in Japan. Originally launched in 1988 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Dragon Quest 3 is a cornerstone of the Erdrick Trilogy, preceding both Dragon Quest and Dragon Quest 2. Players embark on a mission to thwart the villainous Baramos, known as the Archfiend, a recurring adversary in the series. Its original release was an enormous success in Japan, though it didn’t quite catch on in North America, partly due to its late launch in 1992 when 16-bit systems had taken over.
Widely acclaimed beyond its native borders, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake boasts an impressive 85 score on OpenCritic. Square Enix has also teased the upcoming release of HD-2D remakes for Dragon Quest 1 and 2 in 2025. Furthermore, director Yuji Horii hints at a special incentive for players who choose to experience these remakes in chronological order, though fans must wait for more details.
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a beautifully reimagined version of the game that kicked off the Erdrick Trilogy. Following the failure of the great hero Ortega, his child, on their sixteenth birthday, is tasked by Aliahan’s king to undertake the daunting quest of vanquishing Baramos and saving the world. The game features stunning HD-2D visual enhancements blending pixel art with 3D graphics, and modernizes the UI to enhance player experience. The traditional Dragon Quest battle system is refined with new animations and improvements like adjustable battle speed and an auto-battle setting. Players can also dive deeper into exploring a rich and expansive world filled with captivating locations and unexpected challenges.
Released on November 14, 2024, it’s compatible with Steam Deck and available on multiple platforms including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. With an “E10+” ESRB rating, this hit game continues to delight both new and returning fans.
