Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 85 | 166 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 78% | 72 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 76 | 132 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 82% | 76 | 1124 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 23, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 1124 total reviews in window · weighted 211 up / 40.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (141)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
- 80
“The Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake is a true tribute to the classic, featuring modern graphics and gameplay elements. It’s a must-play for fans of the genre, and for those new to it, it’s a great way to take a trip back in time. The only things holding back a higher rating are the occasionally tedious grinding and the repetitive soundtrack. However, if you’re a fan of the series or the genre, add an extra point. I really enjoyed the game and can’t wait for the remastered versions of the first and second installments to come out!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“It's been a long time coming, and we're happy to report that Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake largely lives up to expectations. Disappointing performance issues aside, this is a faithful adaptation of a treasured RPG classic that elevates its strongest aspects while doing its best to make up for any shortcomings. Some may be put off by its relative simplicity but, refreshingly, it neither overstays its welcome nor spreads itself thin with too many half-baked ideas. It goes without saying that fans of the original will want to snap this up, but if you're looking for a good 'entry-level' RPG or you just want to know what the long-running franchise is all about, Dragon Quest III is the game for you.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While it’s perhaps not quite as necessary these days to form long lines to purchase Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, playing the most up-to-date version of this legendary JRPG is equally as encouraged today as it was back then.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“I really appreciate Square-Enix going the extra mile to ensure one of the JRPG genre’s most celebrated early examples is available with a lot of thought and effort put into it.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is everything I hoped it would be, a love letter to a timeless classic, updated with modern features. Its gorgeous visuals, refined combat, and thoughtful additions make it a joy to play, whether you’re a veteran fan or a newcomer.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“With Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Square Enix adopted a conservative strategy, modernising a milestone in the JRPG genre without trivialising the original experience. This results in a fresh-yet-classic title full of charming visuals, quality of life enhancements and things to do, allowing both new players and veterans to enjoy this timeless masterpiece.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the best way to experience this RPG classic. With new QoL features, expanded story content, and a gorgeous new visual style, this is an unmatched entry in the whole franchise. And while there are a few things that feel dated, it still stands out as a masterpiece of the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake doesn't offer a ludicrous 100-hour playtime like Persona, recent Final Fantasy games or even the franchise's own Dragon Quest XI Echoes Of An Elusive Age, it doesn't need to because a game doesn't need to be 100+ to be a rich and rewarding experience. These combinations of the old and new are what make the Dragon Quest franchise still so iconic and relevant to this day. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake continues that tradition, adhering it to a tee while also dishing out some welcome quality-of-life additions.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Being flawless in its execution, a purchase all boils down to if the premise appeals. If a fan of the series, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake cannot be recommended enough, with a beautiful reimagining that is hoped will continue in future releases beyond the first three games. If a newcomer to this and the genre as a whole, take comfort in how accessible this has been made, but beware: when those visuals and score fill the screen, being hooked for life is a real possibility.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a loving homage to one of the most important JRPGs of all time, Square Enix pulls off an impressive balancing act, preserving the essence of the original while the HD-2D visuals and orchestral soundtrack lift it to a new level without feeling inauthentic.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a true treat for longtime fans and a great starting point for new players. The combination of HD-2D visuals and fidelity to the source material are top-notch, creating an experience that balances nostalgia with modernity.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Ver. 1.2.0.0 Update ContentMay 23, 2025significant · resets scoring window