Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake brings back Enix’s nostalgic flagship series to modern platforms, while including several new features and quality-of-life upgrades. One feature included in the remake that wasn’t present in the two original games is an auto-battle system. While this helps alleviate some of the grindy tedium that is often associated with JRPGs, creator Yuji Horii and producer Masaaki Hayasaka say players can’t rely on it for the game’s tougher challenges.
In an interview with Famitsu, the two devs discussed the inclusion of the auto-battle system and its intended purpose. Technology has made leaps and bounds since the feature was first introduced in Dragon Quest IV, and the developers wanted the remake to reflect this.
According to Horii, his decision not to include such a feature in older titles was to let players enjoy a more active role in combat. However, since Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is supposed to be a renewed, more current version of the games, and because there are many people who enjoy playing with the auto-battle tactics system in latter entries, he figured it would be acceptable to have the combat be more streamlined.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake’s Tactics feature looks simple at first glance, with five battle settings to choose from (one of which is only available in Dragon Quest II). While settings like “Focus on Healing” and “Don’t Use MP” may seem limiting, the auto-battle system is smart enough to adjust itself based on the current combat situation, with characters wisely managing their resources and turns.
Despite the inclusion of this smart auto-battle system, both Horii and Hayasaka say that relying on it won’t make the game a cakewalk:
“When you want to focus on leveling up, use the auto-battle system. For bosses and tough enemies, it might be better to take control. That might become the standard playstyle of many players,” says Horii.
Hayasaka adds, “Even in minor battles, we definitely aim for players to think that they’ll be in trouble if they get careless”.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, as well as PC (Windows and Steam).
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