Dragon Quest VII 3D Remake: Beyond HD-2D, A Perfect Candidate
Last Updated: October 20, 2025
With Square Enix’s renewed commitment to its legendary back catalog, the Dragon Quest franchise is experiencing a renaissance. The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation for the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, set for a global release on November 14, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This was swiftly followed by the surprise reveal of the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, completing the Erdrick trilogy in the popular modern-retro style in 2025. As fans prepare to relive these foundational adventures, the conversation has naturally turned to what's next. Among the many beloved entries, one title stands out for its colossal scope and narrative depth, sparking intense speculation: Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past.
While the first three games are receiving the acclaimed HD-2D treatment, a compelling case can be made that the sheer scale of Dragon Quest VII demands something different—a complete, modern 3D overhaul, much like Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.
A Journey Through Time That Deserves Reimagining
Originally released in Japan in 2000 for the PlayStation (and later in North America as Dragon Warrior VII), Fragments of the Forgotten Past is celebrated for its ambitious scope and poignant narrative. The game tasks players with restoring forgotten islands to the world map by traveling through time, piecing together history, and confronting ancient evils. Its story is renowned for its episodic, often deeply emotional vignettes exploring themes of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of history.
While a stellar remake already exists for the Nintendo 3DS—which introduced 3D graphics, streamlined mechanics, and crucial quality-of-life improvements—that project was still bound by the technical limitations of a handheld console. A full, ground-up remake on current-generation hardware could finally realize the game’s vast world with the grandeur it has always deserved.
The Great Debate: Full 3D vs. The HD-2D Trend
One of the most exciting aspects of Square Enix’s current strategy is its varied approach to remakes. The HD-2D engine, celebrated in titles like Octopath Traveler and Live A Live, masterfully blends classic 2D pixel art with modern 3D environments and lighting. It’s a perfect fit for the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, as the Dragon Quest III remake beautifully demonstrates.
However, the decision to give Dragon Quest VII a full 3D remake would signal a different artistic vision, one focused on pure immersion. This approach would allow for a breathtaking sense of scale—from the sweeping vistas of newly restored continents to the claustrophobic depths of ancient ruins. A fully 3D world with a dynamic camera could better convey the wonder and mystery of discovering a landmass that has been erased from time. Fans can imagine fully rendered environments and expressive character models that would bring the iconic designs of Akira Toriyama to life with unprecedented fidelity, allowing for more detailed environmental storytelling and cinematic flair.
What a "Full Remake" Could Truly Mean
The term "full remake" implies a complete reconstruction, not just visually, but in gameplay, interface, and audio. While the core narrative of Kiefer, Maribel, and the Hero would remain faithfully intact, a modern remake presents an opportunity to refine the experience for today’s audience.
Dragon Quest VII is famously one of the longest JRPGs ever made. A thoughtful approach to modernization would be key. This could include updated menu systems, rebalanced combat and class (Vocation) progression, and more intuitive travel options to streamline the extensive journey without sacrificing its depth. Enhancements like a fully orchestrated version of Koichi Sugiyama’s iconic score would be essential, elevating the emotional weight of each island’s story. A remake could strike the perfect balance between preserving the authentic, challenging Dragon Quest experience and introducing improvements that respect the player's time.
The Future of Dragon Quest's Past
The confirmed releases of the HD-2D Erdrick trilogy and the ongoing development of the highly anticipated Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate highlight a multi-pronged strategy from Square Enix. Revitalizing its classics is clearly a top priority. By choosing a full 3D path for a potential Dragon Quest VII remake, the company could cater to a different kind of nostalgia—one rooted in the PS1/PS2 era of 3D JRPGs—while creating a modern epic.
For now, this remains the fervent hope of fans. But as Square Enix continues to delve into its treasure trove of classics, the prospect of experiencing the monumental tale of Fragments of the Forgotten Past in a fully realized 3D world is a thrilling one. It would be more than a simple trip down memory lane; it would be an opportunity for a masterpiece of the genre to shine for a new generation, solidifying its place as a timeless, unforgettable adventure.