Let’s be honest here – Square Enix has been throwing remakes around like confetti at a wedding lately. Final Fantasy VII got the royal treatment, Dragon Quest III is getting a shiny HD-2D makeover, and yet somehow, the crown jewel of the entire Dragon Quest franchise continues to collect dust in the corner. Yes, I’m talking about Dragon Quest V, and frankly, it’s getting ridiculous that this masterpiece hasn’t received the remake treatment it desperately deserves.
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride isn’t just another entry in the long-running JRPG series – it’s the emotional heavyweight champion that makes grown adults ugly cry into their controllers. Released originally for the Super Famicom in 1992, this game introduced mechanics and storytelling elements that were revolutionary for their time. The generational storytelling, monster recruitment system, and emotional depth put it leagues ahead of its contemporaries.
But here’s the kicker: while other Dragon Quest games have received multiple ports, remasters, and now full remakes, Dragon Quest V has been stuck with a somewhat dated DS version from 2008 and mobile ports that, let’s face it, nobody really wants to play. The best Dragon Quest game needs a remake that does justice to its incredible story and innovative gameplay systems.
Picture this: Dragon Quest V rebuilt from the ground up with modern graphics, voice acting that doesn’t make you want to mute your TV, and quality-of-life improvements that actually make sense. The monster recruitment system alone would benefit tremendously from modern UI design and visual flair. Imagine seeing your recruited Slimes and Drackies rendered in gorgeous detail, with animations that give them actual personality beyond their basic attack patterns.
The three-generation story structure would be absolutely stunning with today’s technology. Watching the protagonist grow from a child to an adult, then seeing his own children take up the mantle – this narrative deserves cinematic cutscenes and emotional weight that only modern gaming can provide. The best Dragon Quest game needs a remake that captures the raw emotion of watching a father sacrifice everything for his family.
Here’s where things get frustrating. Square Enix has been on this remake kick for years now, and somehow they keep missing the obvious choice. Dragon Quest III is getting the HD-2D treatment, which is great and all, but it’s not exactly the most emotionally resonant entry in the series. Meanwhile, Dragon Quest V – the game that perfected the series’ formula and delivered one of gaming’s most powerful stories – continues to be ignored.
The company clearly has the technology and resources. The HD-2D art style they’ve developed for games like Triangle Strategy and the upcoming Dragon Quest III remake would be absolutely perfect for bringing Dragon Quest V into the modern era. The sprite-based character designs would translate beautifully, and the monster designs would look incredible with this treatment.
A modern remake of Dragon Quest V wouldn’t just be a nostalgia trip – it would be a revelation for newcomers to the series. The generational storytelling feels incredibly relevant in today’s gaming landscape, where players crave deeper, more meaningful narratives. The monster recruitment system was ahead of its time and would feel right at home alongside modern creature-collection games.
The best Dragon Quest game needs a remake that includes expanded character development, additional story content, and maybe even some of those monsters that were cut from the original release. Quality-of-life improvements like faster battle animations, improved inventory management, and streamlined menu systems would make the experience infinitely more enjoyable for modern audiences.
With Dragon Quest XII in development and the series experiencing renewed popularity worldwide, there’s never been a better time to give Dragon Quest V the remake treatment it deserves. The best Dragon Quest game needs a remake that introduces this incredible story to a new generation while giving longtime fans a reason to experience this emotional rollercoaster all over again.
Square Enix, the fans have spoken, and we’re tired of waiting. Give us the Dragon Quest V remake we’ve been begging for.
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