Like the theme song from Cheery Time Bar sang: Sometimes you want to go somewhere familiar.
DQ3 HD-2D, the mouthful that it is, was an absolute delight. I have played far too many versions of this game, yet each has been a pleasure. The addition of the new Monster Handler Vocation gave an interesting twist to the game. Unlike DQ5, where recruiting monsters was based on Horii-only-knows, in DQ3HD you must find them around the game world. If you have a Monster Handler in your party, it’s easy. They will join you. If not, then there might be things you have to do to sneak up on them. But this game seems designed for you to put a Monster Handler in your party for a first play.
I was okay with that.
Also, the monsters only being used for the Monster Arena instead of being a part of your party was great. The Monster Arena, which replaces the Sugoroku Board Game, was also pleasant.
Anything that displeased me? Ramia’s flying speed. It is far too slow. The best gaming music is played when you’re on that bird, so the rage is mildly soothed. Mildly. The bird should have moved faster.
It may have been age, but I found many boss fights harder this time. This is an interesting part of the Dragon Quest design. You can grind. But a lot of it is supposed to happen naturally during exploration. But when you know where to go (and this version has a hint system pointing you in the right direction, which helps with that), you fight fewer battles and gain fewer levels.
So was I underleveled?
Not really. Most of the time I went back to a boss that beat my ass with a slightly different strategy and won. Handily? Not always, but I managed to find a way to crack through and finish the game.
Naturally, endgame stuff is added. I’ve never been one to do that. I tend to stop when the credits roll. But maybe. Maybe I’ll go back.
It feels good to go back.