Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Enhanced Presentation
Robust Difficulty Modifiers
Controversial Content Cuts
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a stunningly crafted and mechanically deep revival that successfully transforms one of the series' most daunting entries into a more approachable adventure through its charming diorama aesthetic and streamlined pacing.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined delivers a better-paced version of this 26-year-old classic while retaining its signature charm, but it also goes too far with some of its changes, sanding down the experience for newer players at the expense of the challenge and discovery I expect from the series.
Reimagined solves that problem without sacrificing what made the original special. For series veterans, it's a chance to revisit a flawed classic in its best possible form. For newcomers, it's finally a reasonable entry point into one of the franchise's most rewarding narratives. And, for the first time, I can say I’ve finished DQ7 without needing a week of rest.
This first full experience with a Dragon Quest game has sold me on the worldbuilding and playful spirit of the franchise, and now I want to explore it in other games. Ultimately and against all odds, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined did make an on-ramp for a new fan. The ramp itself is a little wobbly, but what really matters is that now I feel like I've climbed aboard.
Overall, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a stunning rebuild of a classic PlayStation role-playing game. The stop-start aspect of the short story structure is still there, but definitely improved. However, despite its technical brilliance, it feels a little soulless at times and doesn’t hit you the way most Dragon Quest games do. So I can only really recommend this to die-hard fans of the original game, who will no doubt love it.
Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined proves to be a strong revisit of a classic, trimming the fat and including welcome additions to make for a magical experience that no fan of classic JRPGs will want to miss. Though I'm hesitant to call this the 'definitive' version of the game, given the content cuts, I would certainly say it's the most fun version yet. Combine the more engaging pace of the narrative with some nice gameplay updates like moonlighting and those gorgeous visuals, and it's tough to argue that the previous versions are more enjoyable.At any rate, I'd highly suggest you pick this up if you're looking for another high-quality, old-school JRPG for your collection; Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined may not be all that innovative, but it absolutely nails its gameplay and aesthetics.
The game still takes its sweet time to show its cards, though. JRPGs are a genre that demands patience and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined asks for a tad more. Still, if you can embrace the episodic storytelling format and make the most of the Party Chat and Vocation system, you'll find that your journey through time was well worth it.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a very, very impressive remake. 26 years after its original release, this modernised edition of the game is everything I want from an RPG, and I can imagine it landing very well with people who grew up partying with Kiefer and Maribel. It's held back from a perfect score by only the smallest of gripes around pacing.
Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a very high quality remake and a potent reminder of just how endlessly charming the longstanding series can be. While the story does still drag its feet at times, sweeping gameplay improvements and some welcome streamlining make Reimagined a must for anyone with a hankering for old school JRPGs.
Estard's latest iteration is sounding like a pretty good time indeed.
Read more
Things can get pretty grim in DQ7.
Read more
