Even today, every JRPG has some of Dragon Quest 3’s DNA inside it.

Dragon Quest 3’s remake is full of references long-term fans will enjoy.

Dragon Quest 3 has received several ports and remakes over the years, some remaining exclusive to Japan.

Three post-game activities in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, from left to right: Xenlon, a sage, and the Grand Dragon.

Here’s a breakdown of which version is best.

News reports told of hundreds of children skipping school to go buy the game.

As a 1988 title, Dragon Quest 3 on the NES really does live up to the hype.

The Hero stands in their lineup in the middle of Aliahan at night.

Unfortunately, the NES version took four years to be localized.

This may be the reason the game took so long to catch on in the West.

Dragon Quest 3’s North American version was titled Dragon Warrior 3 on the NES and Game Boy Color.

Collage with Dragon Quest 3 Remake, Live A Live, and Dragon Quest 11.

So you’ve beaten the main story; what’s next?

We’ve got you covered, as there’s a ton more to do.

All Dragon Quest games up till the eighth are available on mobile.

Key artwork from different versions of Dragon Quest 3.

However, this port still leaves something to be desired.

Not only does it retain all the content of the SNES version, but it adds more.

Despite the obvious downgrade in visuals, the game still looks good due to excellent art direction.

A fountain in a town in Dragon Quest 3 Remake.

Battles can be sped up, and leveling up now instantly refills your HP and MP.

The right person for the job.

However, the remake makes some glaring omissions that hold it back from being the definitive version.

Gameplay of Dragon Warrior 3 on the NES.

Egregiously, the Pachisi minigame is missing once again.

The game also lacks the challenge and satisfying grind that was so central to the original DQ3 experience.

With the new insta-refills of your MP, that feedback is gone, and with it the fun factor.

Gameplay screenshot on Dragon Quest 3’s 2019 Switch port.

The HD-2D remake includes voice acting, new classes and some additional scenes with Ortega.

Dragon Quest 3 was originally remade in 1996 for the SNES, and it was glorious.

This is, without a doubt, the definitive version of the game.

Gameplay screenshot of Dragon Quest 3 on mobile.

This remake introduced the Pachisi minigame, which is incredibly fun and justifies the remake by its addition alone.

That is a shame, but fan translations of the full game exist.

If you like DQ3 Remake, there are plenty of other RPGs for you to try.

Gameplay of Dragon Quest 3 on the Game Boy Color.

A treasure chest tells the player about pre-order bonuses in Dragon Quest 3’s HD-2D remake.

Gameplay of Dragon Quest 3 on the SNES.

Triple-A Games

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake