With Dragon Quest VII ReimaginedSquare Enix and HexaDrive revive one of the most ambitious JRPGs from the first PlayStation. Available from February 5, 2026, this remake focuses on the HD-2D style to give a facelift to an adventure of more than 100 hours. The idea? Paying homage to the past while attracting a new generation of players. “Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is visually fantastic. From the diorama-like environments to the delicately designed characters, everything is harmonious.”
This care given to the visual universe is reminiscent of the original PS1 version, much more than the 3DS opus released in 2013. An assumed desire to strike a chord with early fans. “Reimagined is more reminiscent of the PS1 version of DQ7, which always had a nostalgic, even melancholic atmosphere”
A faithful narration but still so slow
Despite its aesthetic qualities, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined still dragging his old demons. The narrative structure in episodes allows you to follow a multitude of stories on different islands, through time. An original mechanic, but which struggles to mask the length of the story. “There are definitely moments, particularly early on, that pass more quickly than before, but pacing remains a major issue, even with the episodic nature of the narrative.”
Although certain events become more fluid, the feeling of slowness persists. This flaw may discourage less patient players, especially those accustomed to more dynamic rhythms in modern RPGs.
An employment system that remains as solid as ever
Good news on the gameplay side: the Vocations system, already considered one of the best in the series, is still there. And a few tweaks make the experience more enjoyable. No more constant trips to the Abbey of Classes: job changes are more accessible, and the “Moonlighting” functionality allows you to combine two classes, offering more strategic flexibility.
On the other hand, everything is not rosy. Some elements popular on 3DS have been removed, starting with the Vocations costumes. “Equipping monster medals is great, but I miss the monster classes sometimes.”
An experience that divides depending on your experience
So, should we dive back into this remake? It all depends on your history with the saga. Those who discover Dragon Quest VII for the first time will see a dense RPG, with titanic content. But veterans of the PS1 or 3DS version might feel some redundancy. The game remains generally faithful to its predecessors, with few major changes.
And sometimes, a few details break the immersion. “I always wonder why a young boy on an island had the voice of a 30-year-old man instead of sounding like a child” confides the tester, highlighting the casting choices that could be improved.
But despite everything, attachment to the characters and the universe often wins. “Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is like visiting old friends I haven’t seen in a long time, which ultimately outweighs its flaws.”