I’ve loved turn-based JRPGs since the late ‘90s, back when we simply called them “RPGs.” While I lived through the golden era of the genre, I missed out on the Dragon Quest series because I was so focused on Final Fantasy. I finally rectified that oversight when I played and reviewed Dragon Quest XI—a game I consider the best JRPG of the PS4/Xbox One era.
Since then, I’ve been playing catch-up. The new Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is only my third experience with the franchise, with the other being a remake of the first Dragon Quest. I’ve played a little over 50 hours of Reimagined over the past few weeks and have discovered why it's considered a fan favorite. It’s a classic JRPG adventure, only now featuring updated graphics and smart quality-of-life improvements.
This isn’t a full review of the game, but if I were to give it a score, it would be a 4.5 out of 5. It’s legitimately one of the most fun experiences I’ve had with a JRPG in a while. Whether you’re brand-new like me or played the original PS1 game, there’s a lot to like about Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.
Reimagining a classic
Stepping into this game, it’s clear that "Reimagined" isn't just a fancy subtitle. Producer Takeshi Ichikawa noted that the team "thoroughly reworked every element from the ground up," focusing on the visuals, scenario, and battle systems to fit today's era.
The most immediate change is the "diorama-style" aesthetic. It replaces the old sprites with a handcrafted 3D art style that features character designs reminiscent of miniature figurines.
But the changes aren't just skin-deep. The UI has been completely overhauled with a tab-based menu system that makes navigating your inventory and stats a breeze.
Most importantly for my fellow busy adults, random encounters are gone. You can now see enemies on the world map, and if you’re strong enough, you can even pre-emptively strike weaker foes to defeat them instantly without ever entering a battle screen. It keeps the adventure moving at a brisk pace, which is a massive quality-of-life win.
As a complete newbie to Dragon Quest VII, I know I can’t fully appreciate every single change this edition introduces. However, the fact that the graphics, UI, and features all feel so cohesive lets me know the team did a masterful job of updating this early 2000s game for 2026. If not for the classic story structure, I’d almost think this was a brand-new game.
A charming quest
I can’t say enough about how much I love this game’s presentation. The graphics and sound effects are dripping with charm. There’s something so nostalgic about the way the characters look, thanks to that classic Akira Toriyama art style. It feels like playing through a cozy, high-budget dollhouse, taking me back to that simpler time when JRPGs were all about wonder and discovery. This is the video game equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day.
The turn-based battle system hasn’t truly been reimagined, but it has been modernized beautifully. I’ve become addicted to the Vocation system, especially now that you can use a "Moonlighting" feature to equip two Vocations at once. Combining the raw power of a Warrior with the utility of a Priest is a game-changer, and being able to switch Vocations on the fly using a shortcut button is a major convenience.
Level-grinding is relatively frictionless since I can crank the battle speed to the max and let the "Auto-Battle" system take over. It removes the slog while keeping the satisfaction of leveling up. You don’t have to use any of these systems if you prefer a more hands-on approach, but when I just wanted to get through a dungeon or level grind in the field, auto-battles came in clutch.
What I love most is the story structure. Dragon Quest VII is essentially a series of self-contained vignettes. You travel to an island in the past, solve its local crisis, and then see how your actions changed the present day. Some of these narratives are genuinely heartfelt, and I love how the grand story culminates as seemingly disparate events eventually get woven into a much larger epic. It gives you a sense of constant progression. You’re saving the world by saving its people one island at a time.
Back to the past again
I’m actually glad I never played the original Dragon Quest VII, as that lack of knowledge allowed me to have a clean experience here. If I might be so bold, I think this Reimagined version is the definitive way to play. Again, you don’t have to know anything about the original to fall in love with this world—the game does a perfect job of welcoming you in.
If you’ve been looking for a game that perfectly balances old-school JRPG delight with modern convenience, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined more than delivers. In a year set to have a ton of heavy hitters, this adorable title proves that it is as good as—if not better than—some of the brand-new JRPGs hitting shelves in 2026. Don’t miss out on this one!
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches on February 5 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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