Classic Square Enix RPG remake quietly climbs Steam’s "Popular New Releases" chart alongside discount
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake has appeared on Steam’s "Popular New Releases" chart despite launching almost two months ago, which is pretty rare for a traditional single-player JRPG. The listing’s return means there is renewed interest in the game, rather than a launch-week spike, which could be driven by word of mouth and seasonal sales traffic rather than a major update or expansion.
The remake itself released on Steam in late October 2025 as a bundled package, bringing together the first two Dragon Quest games under Square Enix’s HD-2D visual treatment. The original titles debuted in 1986 (Dragon Quest) and 1987 (Dragon Quest II) on the Famicom in Japan. In a way, this laid the groundwork for turn-based JRPG design long before the genre became mainstream globally. The Steam release was preceded by a short early access window tied to the Digital Deluxe edition, which let buyers play a few days ahead of the standard launch. This early access did not include exclusive gameplay content and was limited to timed access only.
Released as a bundled remake, the game modernizes both entries using the HD-2D visual style. It uses pixel art characters with layered lighting, depth effects, and higher-resolution environments. The underlying structure of both games is still intact, with turn-based combat, overworld exploration, towns, dungeons, and story progression largely faithful to the originals. This is not a reimagining in the modern JRPG sense - more like a careful presentation upgrade to preserve the pacing and difficulty of the game.
On Steam, the game is described as a standalone offline RPG experience with no live-service elements. It supports standard controller input and runs comfortably on a wide range of hardware, including handheld PCs. There is no multiplayer component, and playtime relies heavily on completion goals, with the two games combined offering a relatively compact but focused RPG experience by modern standards.
Pricing currently sits at $47.99, as shown on Steam’s storefront - that includes a 20% discount. That discount could've played a role in pushing visibility, especially given the game’s premium pricing for what are historically short RPGs.
Player feedback on Steam has been largely positive, with many reviews praising the visual presentation and soundtrack updates as the strongest aspects. Longtime fans appreciate the restrained approach taken by the devs, while more critical reviews point out that the core mechanics still reflect early console-era design, including limited quality-of-life features and straightforward combat systems.
If you're looking for games with similar experiences, Octopath Traveler, Live A Live HD-2D, and Triangle Strategy also give you modern takes on the same visual style with deeper systems. However, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake are more of a preservation-focused release, as they prioritize authenticity over expansion. You can check the game out here.
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