For gamers young and old, returning to games made decades ago poses a unique challenge: to appreciate dated graphics and archaic gameplay with modern eyes. Square Enix took up this challenge by resurrecting the classic role-playing game Dragon Quest II for today's gamers — though its preserved mechanics may turn off some players used to conventional RPGs.

The Dragon Quest games have hewed to tradition over the past four decades. Series creator Yuji Horii, inspired by Ultima and Wizardry, aimed to bring role-playing games to the masses with simplicity and a smile.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake brings one of the most beloved JRPGs to modern consoles with some fresh modernization that feels natural enough. The