New Features and Differences From the Original

This is a list of all the new features added in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake (DQ3). Check out all the new features that were added, and what's different between the remake and previous versions of DQ3.

New Notable Features

• New Monster Master Job Added?
• Usable Abilities in Battle
• Special Episodes and Voiceovers
• New Monsters
• Enhanced BGM and SFX

New Monster Master Job Added?

As seen in the Collector's Edition Pre-Order image, there's an Acrylic Block Set of all the vocations in the game. However, there's a new 10th class included in the set that wasn't a part of any of the previous versions of the game.

If we were to base it off of Dragon Quest 10's designs, this looks like the Monster Master who can tame monsters to aid the party in battle. This feature isn't in any pervious version either, so it will be interesting to see how it'll be executed.

Usable Abilities in Battle

In previous versions of the game, characters like the Warrior and Fighter didn't have access to spells and could only use regular attacks. However, they now have an option to use non-magic based abilities called Abilities in battle.

If we were to base it off the more recent Dragon Quest titles, martial classes could get powerful moves like Falcon Slash and Multifists that augment their damage output.

Enemies Could Also Get Abilities

If player characters get access to Abilities, then monsters can use them as well. This will make certain enemies and bosses more terrifying since they'll have a more diverse moveset that you'll need to watch out for.

Special Episodes and Voiceovers

The latest version of Dragon Quest 3 will also include new "Episodes" that will feature new storylines and voiceovers to expand on the Erdrick Trilogy's lore.

New Monsters

As seen in the game's Release Date Trailer, a new monster to DQ3 was revealed. Previous versions of the game didn't have the Dancing Flame line of enemies, so we can expect to see even more new monsters besides this one.

Enhanced BGM and SFX

The game will also come with a new and improved music and sound effects. This includes a new orchestral version of the game's original sound track, as well as sound effects to enhance the player's immersion.

New Combat Features

• Equipment is Shown in Battle
• Battle Speed Options
• Multi-Hit Weapons Can Crit
• New "Defense" Stat
• Restore HP and MP When Leveling Up
• New Spells and Items

Equipment is Shown in Battle

In the HD-2D Remake, you'll now be able to see your party and their equipment in-game. Previously, you're only able to see the default equipment that's used by the character's sprite, and that's now changed so that you can actually see what your party has equipped.

However, a character's armor is still not displayed in favour of showing their vocation instead, with the exception of the Cat Suit that forcibly changes a character's sprite.

Battle Speed Options

You can now change the battle's speed between Normal, Fast, and Super Fast. This will help make exploration and farming a lot faster, especially for returning players who just want to experience the new features of the game.

Multi-Hit Weapons Can Crit

Weapons like Whips and Boomerangs couldn't land critical hits in previous versions of the game, but in the remake, they will now be able to crit.

New "Defense" Stat

The remake adds a new "Defense" stat. In previous versions, a character's defense was calculated using the Agility stat, but now there's a separate stat to calculate for that.

Restore HP and MP When Leveling Up

A new quality of life change that's been added is that you now have a character's HP and MP restored when they level up. This makes farming EXP a lot more convenient since you no longer need to use items, spells, or an inn to heal.

New Spells and Items

The remake also adds new Items and Spells to the game. Notably, the spell Zin is now in the game, which is a lower level version of Zing and Kazing. This means you no longer need to rely on a church to revive allies in the early game.

New Exploration Features

• Sparkling Items Have Been Added
• Cast Zoom Within Dungeons
• Direction of Entering a Town Now Matters
• Added Minimaps for Dungeons
• Hidden Areas Called "Secret Place"

Sparkling Items Have Been Added

Players will now find sparkling items scattered aross the world. As seen in later Dragon Quest titles, interacting with them will give you various rewards such as items, stat seeds, and even Mini Medals!

Cast Zoom Within Dungeons

You can now cast Zoom and use Chimera Wings inside dungeons. Additionaly, you can now use Zoom to teleport to dungeons that you've already been to. The only question now is what happens to the Evac spell since you can now just teleport to and from dungeons.

Direction of Entering a Town Now Matters

Normally, when you enter a town, you'll always be placed in the default entrance point. However, in the remake, you'll now spawn in on the side that you enter the town.

For example, if you enter on the right side of the town, you'll now spawn in the western entrance!

Added Minimaps for Dungeons

The remake has added a minimap to the top right of the screen while exploring dungeons. This will greatly help out new players since you can easily get lost within a dungeon that you've never explored before.

Hidden Areas Called "Secret Place"

There's also a new areas called "Secret Place". This will most likely be tied to side quests or "Episodes" where you'll have to talk to new NPCs or gather new items that aren't in the previous versions of the game.

New System Changes

• You Now Save in Churches
• Change the Difficulty Level
• View Story Progress and Objectives
• Added "Rest" Option to Inns
• Equip Up to Two Accessories
• Some Personalities Have Different Names

You Now Save in Churches

Unlike the modern titles, DQ3 used to have you save inside a castle by talking to the King. This has been changed to align with the games that came after it by having you save inside a church by talking to the residing priest.

Create Up to 9 Save Files

Another change they've made regarding saving is that you can now create up to 9 save files. The original game used to have only 3 saves, so this is a nice quality of life change.

Change the Difficulty Level

You can now select between an Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulty. This is great since the remake can cater to both new players and veterans alike with this change.

View Story Progress and Objectives

The remake will also allow you to check your current story objectives and progress. This is another great quality of life change since previous versions didn't tell you where to go unless you talk to every NPC you come across.

Exclamation Marks Above Key NPCs

There will also be exclamation marks above NPCs that you need to talk to to progress the story. This extremely useful for new players who nothing about the game and are playing it for the first time.

Added "Rest" Option to Inns

Another change that's been made to align with newer titles is the option to Rest at an Inn. Previously, you were only allowed to Stay the night, where you'd always wake up in the morning.

The option to Rest will now allow you to change the time from day to night and vice versa. This means you'll no longer need to rely on a Lv 25 Mage to cast Tick-Tock to change the time.

Equip Up to Two Accessories

Previously, you were only allowed to equip one accessory at a time, however, you'll now be able to equip a Main and Secondary Accessory.

The main slot will include the personality change tied to the accessory, while the secondary slot will only include the stat bonuses and effects of the item. Make sure that you don't accidentally equip accessories in the wrong slot, especially if you still need to level up a character.

Some Personalities Have Different Names

Some of the personalities in the game have had their name changed so that it's gender neutral rather than being male/female specific. Even though some personalities have changed names, their stat growths will still be the same.

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