
There's been a real resurgence of love for turn-based RPGs this year, largely thanks to the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – something that I've been incredibly happy to see as a certified lover of the genre. I'm even happier that it's a trend that seems set to continue for the rest of 2025, with Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake maintaining that classic JRPG feeling perfectly while still blending in modern improvements.
During a preview session at Gamescom 2025, I was able to spend around 40 minutes in the new remake double pack – hunting down the recurring foe Robbin' 'Ood in the original Dragon Quest (who makes his return from Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake – which, chronologically, comes first), and exploring the world and the start of a dungeon in Dragon Quest 2.