Dragon Quest VII Reimagined has offered a closer examination of the modifications being applied to the classic original. Learn more about the visual updates, battle enhancements, and new downloadable content.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Details Changes from the Original
Built from the Ground Up
In a post this Thursday, Square Enix, the co-developer and publisher of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, provided an in-depth look at the new changes made to the beloved JRPG. The discussion covered the remake's visual approach, battle system, and additional DLC.
Similar to the original, DQVII Reimagined starts on the tranquil shores of Estard Island, where the protagonist and his best friend uncover mysterious fragments from an ancient tablet. When placed into a pedestal inside a mysterious shrine, a flash of light transports them to another world.
Producer Takeshi Ichikawa previously explained that the game is a complete reimagining of the original DQVII, featuring numerous improvements such as a streamlined narrative, auto-battle functionality, and more. These decisions were made to align the experience with contemporary gaming standards.
Visuals and Battles Overhauled
The most significant updates involve the game's visuals and combat systems. Square Enix clarified that the original DQVII character designs, created by the late, celebrated manga artist Akira Toriyama, have been re-envisioned. The characters now appear in a miniature, figurine-like 3D art style that respectfully preserves Toriyama's iconic designs.
We crafted physical dolls for the protagonist and party members, then scanned them to create the models,
Ichikawa noted. These scanned assets formed the foundation for the final CG character models.
The upgrade extends beyond the characters; towns, environments, and dungeons have been meticulously designed with a hand-crafted, diorama-style CG that complements the new aesthetic. The goal was to retain the original game's warm and cozy atmosphere.
Furthermore, the user interface has been redesigned into a tab-based menu system for improved accessibility and ease of use.
Significant changes have also been applied to the gameplay, particularly the battle system. Party members now have access to new spells, abilities, vocations, perks, and several quality-of-life enhancements that revitalize the traditional turn-based combat.
Vocations, a staple of the Dragon Quest series, assign each party member a specific profession, complete with unique stats, spells, abilities, and a special perk for use in battle. These perks offer various advantages, from boosting attacks to providing party support. A character can unleash a perk in battle after becoming sufficiently "worked up," according to Square Enix.
As players advance through the story, they can change their party members' vocations and even take on a second job through "moonlighting." A new vocation, the Monster Master, has been introduced, featuring a unique perk called "Positive Reinforcement" that summons powerful monsters to assault foes.
Additional quality-of-life features have been integrated into the battle system. Players can now defeat weaker enemies on the overworld without initiating a battle sequence. The system also includes adjustable battle speeds, an auto-battle function, and configurable party tactics to allow combat to flow smoothly without pausing between turns.
New DLC
Regarding extra content, three paid DLC packs will be available at launch: an item set, a special costume set, and challenge battles. The "Jam-Packed Swag Bag" includes various Slime-themed gear, accessories that enhance experience and gold acquisition, recovery items, and more to give players a head start. Purchasing this DLC grants:
● Slime Sword × 1
● Slime Boomerang × 1
● Slime Stick × 1
● Metal Slime Heart × 1 (Grants experience boost)
● Gold Golem Heart × 1 (Grants gold boost)
● Medicinal Herb × 9
● Single Phial × 3
● Seed of Strength × 1
● Seed of Resilience × 1
● Seed of Life × 1
"Luminary’s Livery" includes a costume set inspired by the outfits worn by the cast of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age. This pack contains:
● Luminary's Livery
● Spiky Sidekick's Costume
● Red Sisterly Smock
● Green Sisterly Smock
● Fully Fabulous Finery
● Warrior Princess Wardrobe
● Auld Rogue's Outfit
Finally, players can confront enemies from the Erdrick Trilogy (DQ I, II, III) in a special arena. Victorious players will earn valuable rewards, including a weapon known as Erdrick’s Sword.
New Polish, Same Faces
Despite the extensive changes and overhauls, DQVII Reimagined continues to follow the same endearing group of adventurers from Estard Island and the allies they meet. Additionally, the remake will include full voice acting, a feature missing from the original PlayStation release and the 3DS remake.
The Protagonist is voiced by Isaac Rouse, recognized for his role as Claude Picasso in *Genius - Picasso* (2018). Prince Kiefer of Estard is voiced by Roly Botha, who contributed various voices to *Baldur’s Gate 3* (2023). Maribel, the childhood friend, is voiced by Becky Wright, known for her role as Striga in the adaptation of *The Witcher* (2019).
The energetic and pure-hearted Ruff is voiced by Clare Corbett, celebrated for her work in *Elden Ring* (2022), where she voiced Irina, Hyetta, Aureliette, and a protagonist voice option. Aishe, the dedicated Roamer swordswoman and dancer, is portrayed by Amrita Acharia, best known for playing Irri in HBO’s *Game of Thrones* (2011).
The veteran hero, Sir Mervyn, is voiced by Nicholas Boulton, known for his roles as Vaughan in *Dragon Age: Origins* (2009), Gadolt in *Xenoblade Chronicles* (2010), and Raubahn in *Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers* (2019).
"DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined not only reinterprets the story and emotional depth of its characters but also makes the game far more approachable," Ichikawa stated in a separate interview. "We are confident that both veteran DQVII players and newcomers will find it enjoyable!"
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is scheduled for a global release on February 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. For the latest updates, refer to our article below.
