Game news This video game is the most played episode of its saga on Steam, one of the great JRPG sagas is finally recognized for its true value!
Published on 11/21/2024 at 7:00 p.m.
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Released on November 14, 2024, this remake has already established itself as a huge critical and commercial success.
A return to grace
After mixed results for the Final Fantasy franchise, Square Enix finds a new breath of fresh air thanks to the Dragon Quest saga. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC, benefits from a spectacular visual overhaul thanks to HD-2D technology popularized by the creators of Octopath Traveler. This enchanting graphic style is accompanied by significant gameplay improvements, including an optimized combat system, modernized animations and options to facilitate the acceleration or automation of clashes. Besides, we'll let you take a quick look at the JV test if you want to know more. In short, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake succeeds in enhancing the original game with enchanting graphics and redesigned gameplay. Despite some flaws, such as slowdowns on Nintendo Switch and areas of the map that could be improved, this remake offers a modernized and accessible experience, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players.”
On a commercial level, the remake is off to an impressive start. According to Tokyo Game Life, the game is already out of stock in many Japanese stores, especially on Nintendo Switch. On Steam, the performance is just as impressive: a peak of 45,357 concurrent players was reached the weekend following its release, a record for a Square Enix solo title on the platform.
A historic success
With these 45,000 simultaneous playersDragon Quest III HD-2D Remake far exceeds flagship titles like Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition (30,000 simultaneous players) or Final Fantasy XVI (27,508 players). This remake also surpasses Octopath Traveler 2 and its peak of 17,008 players, thus affirming the popularity of the Dragon Quest license.
In the history of Square Enix's single-player games on Steam, only a few titles have done better, notably Life is Strange 2 (468,717 players when it was free) and Outriders (125,143 players). The success of this remake opens the way to other updates. Square Enix is already planning to launch a remake of the first two opuses of the Dragon Quest saga in 2025. If Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has set the bar this high, it will be interesting to see if these upcoming remakes will captivate audiences in the same way.
