The Dragon Quest 1 and 2 Remake transforms two genre-defining JRPGs into stunning, modernized classics

You can't talk about the best JRPGs without bringing up Dragon Quest. The series stands alongside the likes of Final Fantasy as a central pillar of the genre. It's even a major inspiration for the recent, turn-based Like A Dragon games, acting as a key touchstone for protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. But have you ever been back to where it all began? It's now easier than ever, as two of the most important and influential JPRGs of all time return in stunning new glory with the arrival of the Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake on Steam.

The Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake follows on from Square Enix's stunning remaster of DQ3. This time, you're able to go right back to the beginning, and the amount of work that's been done to bring both games up to a modern standard is immediately apparent. The high-definition reimaginings walk an impressive tightrope and are absolutely beautiful while retaining the core of the original pixel-art designs.

Both games have been expanded with additional characters, dungeons, and story content to flesh out their original narratives. In particular, the DQ2 remake introduces an entirely fresh zone to explore. Your journey across the Ocean Floor will take the group through a mermaid town, a ghost ship, and an undersea treasure vault, and has a fresh story to discover complete with a wide range of all-new enemies and boss battles.

While Square Enix has retained the singular protagonist of the first game, your hero's abilities in combat have been expanded, and you'll now be challenged by groups of foes rather than the pure one-on-one combat of the original. Dragon Quest 2 introduced a party system, so feels a little closer to modern JPRG action out of the gate, but you will get access to a new character, the Princess of Cannock, who brings swift speed and mischievous trickery to the battlefield.

Plenty more systems have been integrated to modernize things even further. Sigils, a key part of the narrative of both games, now have actual gameplay functionality, and you can use them to expand your options in battle by upgrading your skills or magic. Find scrolls and you're able to teach new abilities to the party member of your choice. Mini medals, a feature in later Dragon Quest outings, have been hidden across the worlds and can be exchanged for armor, weapons, and scrolls. There's also a tombola minigame - discover tickets on your travels if you want to win extra prizes.

All things considered, it's important to remember that these are quite dated games, and that means they still won't stand up to the polish of a modern offering like DQ11, or even the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. The modernization work goes a long way, however, and even series veterans are likely to be intrigued by the new additions to the second game in particular. If you've ever wanted to see where it all began, this is the best way to play Dragon Quest 1 and 2.

Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake is out now on Steam and the Microsoft Store, priced at $59.99 / £49.99. You can also buy it in a bundle with the DQ3 Remake for a combined $99.99 / £84.99. Grab it right here and go on the original hero's journey.

Ensure these overhauled favorites look their best by upgrading to the best gaming monitor in 2025. Or continue to reminisce with the best classic PC games you can still play today.

Which Dragon Quest game is your favorite? For me, it's still a toss-up between DQ8 and DQ11, but drop into our community Discord and tell us which one wins your vote.