Dragon Quest VII Reimagined: Why This JRPG Remake Marks a Turning Point for Console Strategy Fans

If you love Dragon Quest, you're going to love Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.

With a release date of February 5th, 2026, we're getting closer to the much-anticipated remake of the original Dragon Quest VII that should make it bigger and better. And if you're skeptical, like with movie remakes, game remakes of something that was already incredible are either hit or miss.

But, reading the media hype, the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) remake marks a turning point for console strategy fans. Read on to find out why.

JRPG's Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

If you saw the announcement for DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined, you'll agree it looks incredible. Announced near the beginning of September at the Nintendo Direct showcase in Los Angeles, video game publisher SQUARE ENIX announced the remake of the 2000s Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past.

SQUARE ENIX said, "Both returning fans and new players will experience a standalone, epic single-player RPG adventure to save the world, now lovingly reimagined with a hand-crafted aesthetic that makes the game feel like a living storybook."

The game will be available on:

• Nintendo Switch 2™
• Nintendo Switch™
• PlayStation®5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC via Steam® and Microsoft Store on Windows

Players will still get to experience the much-loved original game, but just upgraded. You'll still see the cast with all its colors and a one-of-a-kind storyline that spreads across multiple islands. The main difference will be fresh visuals (obviously, 2000s graphics quality was nothing compared to now) and refined gameplay that tightens pacing.

Fresh visuals is something we’re seeing in a lot of remakes as developers look to leave behind outdated graphics to modern, immersive experiences. From mobile apps to casino games, updating graphics is becoming the norm.

For example, Casino.org Canada lists the best casino games, and a key part of their review process is assessing how the games on a platform’s catalogue play, how they feel – and it’s undeniable that graphics and visuals play an essential role in that. In today’s age, ‘realism’ is often the benchmark in the video game industry, but for iGaming developers, stylization is key, and helps set one game apart from the next.

Key Features of the Remake

Handcrafted Aesthetic

Among the many iconic elements of any of the Dragon Quest titles in the series are the character designs. The characters, originally designed by world-famous manga artist Akira Toriyama, are reimagined for the new edition using a 3D art style with real-life dolls. The publisher also said that the environments and dungeons feel more alive and realistic thanks to the environment and character design. They will also use handcrafted, adorable diorama-style aesthetics.

Enhanced Story

Perhaps what players are most excited about is that the storyline will be streamlined. It will still remain loyal to the original story and narrative of Dragon Quest VII, but anyone who has played the original will know it takes painfully long to get to the first battle. According to industry insiders, this has been greatly reduced for a more streamlined story experience.

Thrilling Battle System

The original turn-based battle system has been changed for a more dynamic and thrilling battle setup. There will be an updated vocation system featuring a "moonlighting" mechanic so players can use two vocations simultaneously.

How Legacy Titles Are Influencing Next‑Gen Console Trends

Legacy titles like Dragon Quest VII Reimagined are nostalgic, but it's doing so much more than that.

They’re shaping how next-gen consoles approach design and audience strategy. Developers are realizing that remakes aren’t just a return to the past. They have to use them as an opportunity to reintroduce timeless mechanics and stories to an audience who were raised on modern speed and visuals.

When you've got Nintendo Switch 2™ and the PlayStation®5 pushing hardware boundaries, studios like SQUARE ENIX are leaning into hybrid development. They're balancing modern performance with a familiar artistic soul.

The "storybook" aesthetic, for example, is more about emotion than it is graphics (although there is a big focus on graphics). It's a way to pull in longtime fans who loved the original while offering new players something that looks handcrafted and distinct in a market dominated by hyper-realism.

This approach is also consistent with the broader console strategy trend. Developers and publishers are focusing on longevity over constant innovation. They're not chasing entirely new IPs; studios are building ecosystems around trusted franchises that already have loyal fanbases.

Why This JRPG Remake Marks a Turning Point for Console Strategy Fans

JRPG fans have an affinity for narrative-rich stories and gameplay rich with tactical options. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined elevates the respect for a turn-based tactical adventure to an entirely new space in terms of what it feels like on modern hardware. The updating of the dual-vocation system adds layers of strategy and combinations that players can experiment with as battles are faster, smarter, and dynamic.

It also appeared that SQUARE ENIX listened directly to fans applauding the original and removed the aggravating pacing to transition the game into a smoother flow that maintains the emotional through line. If you're a console strategy fan, it's a clear evolution of how remakes can pay tribute to nostalgia and innovation.

The increased emphasis on player freedom, pacing, and emotional storytelling captures the essence of where the JRPG will continue to trend.

Let's hope more console strategy game remakes follow after this one.

If you're interested in the new Dragon Quest VII Reimagined title, it's available for pre-order now.

There are only a couple of months remaining until we'll have the opportunity to see if the game lives up to the hype. Unlike some game remakes that have arguably flopped, it seems like this one will take the original and improve everything wrong (if you want to call it wrong) to create an incredible game.