Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC

Current goal: Reach the Tower of Transcendence

I didn’t expect a remake of a 1980s RPG that stays surprisingly faithful to its simple roots would grip me the way it has, but the more I play Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, the deeper it pulls me in. Not so much its barebones story or simplistic party progression, but its beautifully retooled world that still hides secrets like a pre-internet game intended for extended obsession rather than easy consumption. Like the early Final Fantasy games, the directions are minimal and the fights will knock you on your ass if you don’t put the grind in. That makes it perfect for playing during football games and late-night sessions rocking the baby to sleep, my eyes lit up with child-like glee at the hi-res pixel art and gorgeous, whimsical backgrounds. It’s not for the faint of heart, but RPG nerds with nostalgia for the old-school days are in for a treat. — Ethan Gach