Okay, confession time: I have a massive soft spot for sprawling JRPGs. The kind that take, like, eighty hours to beat. The kind where you spend half your time grinding levels and the other half marveling at the sheer audacity of the world. And Dragon Quest VII? Man, that game was the epitome of that for me. But here's the thing - it's... clunky. Let's be honest.
The original PlayStation version? Beautiful in its own pixelated way, sure, but a bit of a bear to get through now. So the question is can a remake truly breathe new life into a classic? I think a Dragon Quest VII remake looks like the perfect way to revive a classic. Let me explain. Or, at least, let me ramble a bit and try to explain. Because there's something special there, underneath all the PS1 era jank.
Why Dragon Quest VII Needs a Modern Touch
The story, at its core, is phenomenal. It's an epic spanning generations, built on the clever conceit of restoring a shattered world piece by painstaking piece. You find fragments of the past, solve the problems that plagued those forgotten lands, and watch as continents rise from the sea, one at a time. Honestly, the sheer scale of the storytelling still impresses me. It’s like a JRPG version of world-building from the ground up. And that's where a remake can shine. Imagine that story, told with modern graphics, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, and maybe, just maybe, some streamlined gameplay.
Think about the potential. A chance to smooth out some of the rough edges that might deter new players. That notoriously slow opening? Gone. The somewhat repetitive combat? Reimagined with a faster, more engaging system. I mean, don't get me wrong, there's a certain charm to the old-school turn-based battles, but let's be real, they can drag.
What Could a Dragon Quest VII Remake Look Like?
Actually, that's not quite right. We already got a remake once – on the 3DS. And it was… fine. Solid, even. But it didn’t quite capture the magic, did it? The art style, while cute, felt a little too… generic. It lacked the visual distinctiveness that made the original so memorable. And while the gameplay was tightened up, it still felt like a retread rather than a true reimagining. Now, I know some people absolutely adore the 3DS version. And that's totally valid! But for me, it just didn't quite stick the landing.
So, what would a perfect Dragon Quest VII remake look like? Well, for starters, I'd want a visual style that's both modern and respectful to the original. Something that captures the charm of Akira Toriyama's character designs without sacrificing detail or fidelity. Think Dragon Quest XI, but with a slightly more… painterly aesthetic, maybe? Something that really pops on a big screen TV. And hey, wouldn't it be wild to see the return of a class changing system similar to that of Dragon Warrior VII? It added so many layers to the gameplay!
And speaking of gameplay, I'd love to see a combat system that's both strategic and exciting. Maybe something with a bit more dynamism than the traditional turn-based fare. Something that keeps you engaged and on your toes, even during those long grinding sessions. I think a system with more positioning and strategic elements could be amazing, like Adventure Quest, the kind that could really reward careful planning and execution.
But here's the thing: a remake shouldn't just be about pretty graphics and fancy gameplay. It should also be about preserving the heart and soul of the original. It should be about capturing the sense of wonder, the sense of adventure, and the sense of… well, just plain fun that made Dragon Quest VII so special in the first place. And if there's one thing that Dragon Quest games are amazing at, its that! I guess that is the thing that makes it look like a perfect way to revive the classic.
Why Now is the Perfect Time
JRPGs are having a bit of a renaissance, aren't they? With games like Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default reminding us that there's still a huge appetite for classic-style adventures. And with the success of the Dragon Quest XI, it's clear that the series is still relevant and beloved. Now, you might be wondering what I mean. Well, Dragon Quest XI was a massive success, proving that there's still a huge audience for these kinds of games. And I have got to say that Hollow Knight: Silksong's Potential Release has got me even more excited for games like Dragon Quest.
But, and this is a big but, many of these games are either brand new IPs or remakes of more… mainstream titles. Dragon Quest VII, on the other hand, is something of a cult classic. It's a game that's beloved by those who played it, but largely unknown to the wider gaming world. A remake could change that. It could introduce a whole new generation of players to this sprawling, epic adventure.
And let's be honest, the world could use a little bit more of that right now. A little bit more wonder, a little bit more adventure, and a little bit more plain old fun. So, yeah, I'm cautiously optimistic. I think a Dragon Quest VII remake could be something truly special. Something that not only revives a classic but also reminds us why we fell in love with JRPGs in the first place.
Dragon Quest VII Remake: Potential Pitfalls
Okay, so I've been gushing about the potential of a remake, but it's important to acknowledge the potential downsides. Any remake, especially of a beloved classic, is a tightrope walk. Stray too far from the original, and you risk alienating the fans who loved it in the first place. Stick too close, and you risk creating something that feels stale and uninspired.
The key, I think, is to find the right balance. To modernize the gameplay and visuals without sacrificing the core elements that made the original so special. To streamline the experience without dumbing it down. To add new content without detracting from the original story. It's a tall order, no doubt. But I think it's possible.
And honestly, I trust Square Enix to handle it with care. They've shown with recent remakes that they understand the importance of preserving the spirit of the original while also making meaningful improvements. But there's always that nagging fear, isn't there? The fear that they'll mess it up somehow. That they'll try to fix what isn't broken. That they'll… well, you get the idea. The only way to handle it is with a deep knowledge of the game, but also with experience in the process. Experience that can be found in MMO Revivals by YouTubers.
FAQ About a Potential Dragon Quest VII Remake
Why is Dragon Quest VII considered a classic, even though it's so long?
That's a great question! And it really gets to the heart of what makes Dragon Quest VII so special. Yes, it's a long game. But it's long for a reason. It's a sprawling epic that takes its time to develop its characters, its world, and its story. The length allows you to truly immerse yourself in the world and connect with the characters on a deeper level. It's not just about getting to the end, it's about the journey. And that journey, for many of us, is well worth the investment. It is really unlike a lot of games with its story elements.
How would a Dragon Quest VII remake improve on the original's slow pace?
Ah, the pace. It's a common criticism, and a valid one. The original game can feel incredibly slow, especially at the beginning. But a remake could address this in a number of ways. Streamlining the opening hours, speeding up the combat, and reducing the amount of unnecessary backtracking could all help to create a more engaging and less tedious experience. But it's a delicate balance. You don't want to sacrifice the game's sense of exploration and discovery, but you also don't want to bore players to tears.
Is there a chance a remake would change the story significantly?
Honestly, I doubt it. Square Enix has generally been pretty faithful to the original stories in their remakes. I think they recognize that the story is a big part of what makes these games so beloved. That's not to say they wouldn't make some minor tweaks or additions, but I don't think they'd fundamentally alter the core narrative. At least, I hope not!
What are the chances of a Dragon Quest VII remake actually happening?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It's hard to say for sure. But I think the success of Dragon Quest XI and the growing popularity of JRPGs in general make it a distinct possibility. Square Enix has been on a remake kick lately, so it's definitely within the realm of possibility. Whether it actually happens? Only time will tell. But I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!
