The most controversial classic in the saga returns to the scene, even if the fans expected something else
Square Enix surprised the last Nintendo Direct when he announced Dragon Quest 7 ReinventedA new version of the role -playing game that once divided the community. The title, which already had a Nintendo 3DS remake under the name Fragments of the forgotten pastIt will arrive again on February 5, 2026. And although the news should excite the followers of the franchise, the reaction was more confusion than enthusiasm.
Many players wonder why the company has decided to make another turning point in this episode instead of saving Dragon Quest 9which is still trapped in the Nintendo DS without modern adaptation. For many, the decision seems a strange movement that reopens an old debate: it is really the chapter that a remake is more necessary.
Dragon Quest 7, a game with scars from his premiere
When he was launched in PlayStation in 2000 (under the name of Dragon Warrior 7 In the West), the game has already generated controversy. Their 3D graphics was poor For the moment, especially if compared with visual jewels such as Final Fantasy IX or even with 2D RPG like Sulkoden II. This was seen as a step back in the complete era of the polygonal explosion.
But the biggest problem was not in its appearance, but in his desperately slow narrative rhythm. The introduction has become a legend for its boredom: several hours of puzzles even before fighting the first battle. To this was added the mechanics of the collection of fragments to open new maps, a system that forced the constant backtracking and depended on an unplosed radar.
Small inspired characters and a late class system
The playable section also raised blisters. The commercial system It was ambitious and authorized to create very interesting hybrids, but it was unlocked so late that many players left before enjoying them. Finally, the protagonist cast was the most unhealthy of the saga, with drawings by Akira Toriyama who has never convinced.
Faced with memorable heroes of other deliveries, those of Dragon Quest 7 They seemed dazzled, with almost any charisma or powerful motivations. A plate too heavy for a role -playing game that also required dozens and dozens of hours.
What can this new version contribute?
The 3DS Nintendo version has solved some of these problems, accelerating the rhythm and polishing mechanics. However, The memory of an irregular title continues to weigh. With this new remake, Square Enix has a unique opportunity to redeem the delivery and adapt it to modern expectations, but also runs the risk of reopening the old wounds.
The most veteran fans can see him as a second chance to reconcile with a game that, despite their defects, has also contributed to innovative ideas to the genre. However, the new players who arrived at the saga thanks to Dragon Quest 11 They may feel disappointed if they expect a lucid experience like that of the last great success.
A strategic movement … or a false step
The choice of Dragon Quest 7 Like the next remake seems to obey the intention of Review the complete story of the saga rather than responding to public requests. Even so, discontent is evident: many would prefer to see reborn Dragon Quest 9 Or even a renewed version of the first chapters with current graphics.
The truth is that, controversial separately, Square Enix knows that each announcement of Dragon Quest generates expectations. We will have to wait to see if Reinvented It manages to do justice to a delivery of this division or if it will end up confirming that some memories of the past is better to leave them as they are.
