Square Enix is set to release Dragon Quest VII Reimagined on PlayStation 5 on February 5, offering a modernized take on the 2000 PlayStation classic, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past. The remake rebuilds the game from the ground up, preserving its original tone while introducing new storylines, updated visuals, and redesigned combat mechanics. In an interview with PlayStation.Blog Japan, producer Takeshi Ichikawa shared insights into the development process and the decisions that shaped this reinterpretation of one of the franchise’s longest-running RPGs.
The original Dragon Quest VII was notable for its use of 3D polygons and its extensive 100+ hour adventure. Ichikawa recalls first playing the game as a child and being struck by the story’s slow pacing and dark themes. Revisiting it as an adult, he noticed the world’s unsettling tone and its reflections on human nature. Conversations with series creator Yuji Horii often centered around the concept of the game being “irrational,” referencing how the story exposes unfairness and emotional tension even when the characters have done nothing wrong.
Balancing Nostalgia with Modern Gameplay
The development team approached the remake with the goal of creating a game that appeals to both returning fans and newcomers. Rather than simply remastering the original, Square Enix rebuilt the game entirely, focusing on three core pillars: story, visuals, and combat. Ichikawa explained that the guiding principle was to preserve the nostalgic elements while introducing improvements that feel natural in a modern RPG.
Storywise, sections that were repetitive or slowed the narrative were condensed to make the 100+ hour journey more manageable. At the same time, new storylines were added to enrich the experience. One major addition is the inclusion of an adult version of Kiefer, which provides returning players with a fresh perspective while staying true to the original’s tone. Horii approved the new narrative framework, including the restructuring of certain events to deepen emotional engagement.
Visuals Rebuilt with Handcrafted Models
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined features a distinctive 3D diorama aesthetic with a doll-like design for characters and environments. The team collaborated with Studio Nova, a Japanese doll studio, to create hand-carved wooden dolls of the main characters. These were photographed and scanned into the game, allowing for realistic textures and subtle details such as fabric wear, scuffs, and the velvety texture of Kiefer’s royal outfit.
Towns and buildings were designed to match this aesthetic, giving the game a cohesive look that blends the doll-like characters with miniature-style environments. Special attention was given to the protagonist’s hometown of Estard Island, which was the first area developed and reflects the level of detail the team applied to all environments. Exploration remains a key element, with players able to rotate the camera to find hidden items and secrets, just as in the original game.
Modernizing Combat and the Vocation System
Combat in Dragon Quest VII Reimagined was redesigned to feel faster in routine battles while remaining strategic for major encounters. Regular battles now include options for adjusting speed and a Field Attack feature that allows players to defeat weaker enemies quickly. Boss fights and story-critical encounters, on the other hand, require careful planning and tactical thinking.
The Vocation system has also been expanded. Characters gain Vocational Perks during battle, and a new mechanic called Moonlighting allows players to equip two Vocations simultaneously later in the game. This enables mixing and matching abilities and attributes to create unique party strategies. For example, pairing a warrior with a martial artist focuses on offense, while combining a warrior with a priest offers a more balanced approach. Intermediate and advanced Vocations unlock as the game progresses, giving players a range of options for customizing their party.
Additional Features and Side Content
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined introduces the Buccanham Palace: Battle Arena, a new side activity that focuses on solo combat. Players can complete challenges within a set number of turns to earn rewards, providing a different pace from the main party-based battles. The Lucky Panel is another addition, offering opportunities to obtain rare items and weapons earlier than in the main story, giving players a way to experiment with different strategies and combinations.
For the first time in Dragon Quest VII, full voice acting has been added, enhancing immersion and giving characters more personality. Combined with the smoother pacing and overhauled user interface, the remake aims to balance nostalgia for long-time fans with accessibility and quality-of-life improvements for new players.
Release Date and Platforms
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5 starting February 5, 2026. The game maintains the core narrative and tone of the original while offering modernized systems, handcrafted visuals, and expanded story content for both veteran and new players.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Dragon Quest VII Reimagined release?
The game launches on PlayStation 5 on February 5, 2026.
What is new in Dragon Quest VII Reimagined compared to the original?
The remake features updated visuals with handcrafted doll-like models, a redesigned UI, streamlined story structure, new storylines including adult Kiefer, expanded combat mechanics, and new side content like the Battle Arena and Lucky Panel.
Can players still explore and find hidden items like in the original?
Yes, the camera system allows players to rotate and explore areas for hidden chests, barrels, and other secrets.
How does the Vocation system work in the remake?
Characters can equip Vocational Perks and, later in the game, use the Moonlighting feature to combine two Vocations at once, creating more flexible and customizable combat strategies.
Does Dragon Quest VII Reimagined include voice acting?
Yes, this is the first Dragon Quest VII title to feature full voice acting, enhancing immersion in both battles and story sequences.
Is this a full remake or a remaster?
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a complete remake, rebuilt from the ground up, rather than a simple remaster of the original game.
