Dragon Quest 7 Remake Slashes Wait Time for First Battle

Square Enix has released Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined, a new take on the beloved PlayStation JRPG originally from 2000. This remake significantly reduces the lengthy prologue, bringing the first battle down to approximately one hour. This is a notable improvement from the Nintendo DS version, which took closer to two hours.

This reimagined version introduces several quality-of-life upgrades. Players can now quickly defeat lower-level enemies without initiating a battle and can teleport directly to previously visited locations. Quest markers are also included to guide players. These changes streamline the gameplay, making it more accessible for new players and those with limited time for grinding.

The game's visuals have been updated with more detailed 3D models and improved environments, offering a more open-world feel. Character animations are more expressive, and cutscenes retain the series' signature charm. The musical score remains a highlight, incorporating melodies from as far back as the first game in 1986.

Dragon Quest 7: Reimagined also features a streamlined vocations system, allowing characters to switch jobs while retaining learned skills. This remake aims for a completion time of around 40 hours, a considerable reduction from the original's potential 80+ hours. While some long-time fans may miss the extensive content, these changes cut down on monotonous gameplay.

The story follows a hero who, alongside companions Maribel and Kiefer, discovers a shrine that transports them through time to restore lost islands. Each island presents unique challenges and boss battles before reappearing in the present. The narrative, while charming, focuses on smaller side stories rather than a grand, overarching plot, a characteristic that some players might find less compelling.