Dragon Quest 7 Remake Rumored to Be in Development
▼ Summary
– Square Enix is reportedly working on a remake of Dragon Quest VII, set to release around 2026, distinct from an HD remake.
– The Dragon Quest VII remake may include significant gameplay changes, not just visual upgrades, unlike the recent Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
– Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake producer Masaaki Hayasaka expressed interest in remaking Final Fantasy VI, citing its influence on Octopath Traveler.
– Dragon Quest VII was previously updated in the mid-2010s with a 3DS version featuring new visuals and visible enemies on the map.
– Square Enix is also remaking Final Fantasy VII, with the third part’s scenario completed in early 2025 and the trilogy confirmed for Switch 2.
Rumors suggest Square Enix is working on a full remake of the classic JRPG Dragon Quest VII, potentially launching in 2026. The original PlayStation title debuted in Japan in 2000 before reaching Western audiences the following year, becoming a fan favorite for its expansive story and turn-based combat.
Insiders indicate this won’t be a simple HD-2D upgrade like the recent Dragon Quest III remake but rather a more substantial overhaul. While details remain scarce, the project could introduce modernized mechanics alongside its visual revamp. Before this, fans can look forward to the Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake, scheduled for release on October 30.
The timing aligns with Square Enix’s broader strategy of revisiting its classic catalog. Earlier this year, Dragon Quest III’s producer, Masaaki Hayasaka, expressed interest in applying the HD-2D treatment to Final Fantasy VI, citing its influence on Octopath Traveler. Whether that project materializes remains uncertain, but it highlights the studio’s commitment to revitalizing older titles.
Dragon Quest VII isn’t new to re-releases. In 2013, Fragments of the Forgotten Past brought the game to Nintendo 3DS with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements, including visible enemies, a departure from the original’s random encounters. A modern remake could push these enhancements even further.
Meanwhile, Square Enix continues its ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, with the second installment, Rebirth, arriving in 2024. Development on the third entry’s story recently wrapped, though no release window has been confirmed. The entire trilogy is also slated for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, expanding its reach to a new audience.
If the Dragon Quest VII remake rumors hold true, fans of the franchise have plenty to anticipate in the coming years.
(Source: GameSpot)
