Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is another RPG tightwire act
It was almost exactly one year ago when I first played Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. At the time, I wasn't quite sure how players were going to react. I knew that RPG historians would be happy to see it, but the remake straddled a line between modern and retro. Would new players be thrown off by playing a game that looked new but still felt mechanically old school? The answer was no, as it turned out. The remake was a success for Square Enix, garnering high critical praise and impressive sales.
That was the easy part in retrospect. Now it's time for the remake project's second death-defying trick.
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On October 30, Square Enix will dip back even further in time with Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake (which has now added Nintendo Switch 2 to its list of launch platforms). The project looks to modernize the long-running series' first two installments, a pair of RPGs that are ancient relics compared to Dragon Quest 3. During a hands-on demo with both parts of the remake, I was once again left to wonder how much new audiences would show up for two games that are much lighter on story than their sequel. Only this time, I'm more confident that fans will be down for that careful tightwire act.
Remaking the classics, again
My demo was split into two parts, showing me a glimpse of each game in the remake package. As you can probably guess by the fact that the two are being bundled together, there's not too much of a difference between them — at least not in the slices I played. Both games follow the Dragon Quest 3 remake's lead by translating old overworlds into detailed HD-2D pixel art. Modernizations like sprinting and combat speed increases are shared across both making everything go by a little quicker. There should be no surprises here as far as the brass tacks of it all go.
The main difference is more in the original games being remade here. The original Dragon Quest 3 was the installment that really figured out the series' formula, turning two relatively short games that were light on story into a full-blown 30+ hour RPG. I can feel the step backwards when I try out Dragon Quest 1. When I'm dropped in, I'm simply left to wander to a mini-dungeon and fight some monsters with little set-up. It's minimalistic, as I'm largely walking around a maze-like set of corridors and grabbing treasure chests along the way.
My time with Dragon Quest 2 is somewhat identical, as I start in another town and walk out into another overworld that looks about the same. I walk to a marked spot on the map, talk to some guys, and then make my way to another spot. The only difference is that I have more party members to start, who unleash hell on wandering bats and slimes with their spells. To be frank, there's not too much to say about any of it that I didn't say about Dragon Quest 3's remake one year ago. Both of these play like more minimalistic versions of that game.
That's not to say that Square Enix hasn't expanded Dragon Quest 1 and 2 for this project, though. Both slices I played featured cutscenes and new dialogue, showing that these aren't just 1:1 recreations of their counterparts. It's very clear that these are meant to continue the story introduced in the Dragon Quest 3 remake and expand it. Whereas 3 was a faithful remake, these feel more like reimaginings meant to rewrite the series' origins. I'm not quite sure just how far that will go, but it doesn't seem like Dragon Quest 1 is an RPG that you will speed through in five hours anymore.
I can still understand why Square Enix began its remake project with 3 instead of this duo. It's not just because that's where the story really begins chronologically; it's because the latter would have been a tough onramp for new fans jumping in for the first time. They would have been treated to what seem to be fairly light and compact games overall. Maybe it makes more sense to start with something that feels closer to what today's best RPGs are like to lock people's interest in place. From there, it's easier to sell them on two games whose age shows through a bit more. You'll want to approach these remakes with the interest of a historian to get the most out of them.
Granted, I barely scratched the surface of either game. I get the sense that they've been even more heavily reworked than Square Enix is letting on. Maybe some detailed dungeons and new story twists await. I'm not really sure what to expect and that makes this package a little more exciting to me than the more straightforward 3. Let's see what a completely new spin on two classics really looks like. I dare Square Enix to surprise me.
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake launches on October 30 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
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The scope of the review must include at minimum:(i) Quantitative assessment of the value erosion resulting from the current relationship with Nippon Steel and consideration of concrete remedies.(ii) Quantitative assessment of the growth potential currently constrained by the relationship with Nippon Steel and consideration of how to realize that potential.(iii) Quantitative assessment and consideration of other areas for value enhancement that remain unrealized due to the lack of independence from Nippon Steel and the absence of a KPI-driven management approach focused on maximizing corporate and shareholder value. To ensure the committee's effectiveness, a working group should be formed to support its operation, and a financial advisor with a proven track record in enhancing corporate value should be appointed. 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No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets, or developments referred to herein. 3DIP expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for any loss howsoever arising from any use of, or reliance on, this press release or its contents as a whole or in part by any person, or otherwise howsoever arising in connection with this press release. 3DIP hereby expressly disclaims any obligation to update or provide additional information regarding the contents of this press release or to correct any inaccuracies in the information contained in this press release. 3DIP disclaims any intention or agreement to be treated as a joint holder (kyodo hoyu sha) under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan, a closely related party (missetsu kankei sha) under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act with other shareholders, or receiving any power or permission to represent other shareholders in relation to the exercise of their voting rights, and has no intention to solicit, encourage, induce or require any person to represent such voting rights. 3DIP does not have the intention to make a proposal, directly or through other shareholders of NSSOL, to transfer or abolish the business or asset of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies at the general shareholders meeting of NSSOL. 3DIP does not have the intention and purpose to engage in any conduct which constricts the continuing and stable implementation of business of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies. This press release may include content or quotes from news coverage or other third party public sources ("Third Party Materials"). Permission to quote from Third Party Materials in this press release may neither have been sought nor obtained. The content of the Third Party Materials has not been independently verified by 3DIP and does not necessarily represent the views of 3DIP. The authors and/or publishers of the Third Party Materials are independent of, and may have different views to 3DIP. The quoting Third Party Materials on this press release does not imply that 3DIP endorses or concurs with any part of the content of the Third Party Materials or that any of the authors or publishers of the Third Party Materials endorses or concurs with any views which have been expressed by 3DIP on the relevant subject matter. The Third Party Materials may not be representative of all relevant news coverage or views expressed by other third parties on the stated issues. In respect of information that has been prepared by 3DIP (and not otherwise attributed to any other party) and which appear in the English language version of this press release, in the event of any inconsistency between the English language version and the Japanese language version of this press release, the meaning of the Japanese language version shall prevail unless otherwise expressly indicated. 1 Percentages have been calculated by excluding respondents who answered "No opinion," and have been rounded to the nearest whole number. View source version on Contacts KRIK (PR Agent)Koshida: +81-70-8793-3990Sugiyama: +81-70-8793-3989 Sign in to access your portfolio
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However, the results of the Survey indicate that a significant majority of market participants believe that the outside directors are not fulfilling their role of representing and advocating for minority shareholders. This clearly demonstrates that simply establishing a formal majority of outside directors is insufficient to assure market participants that the Board has developed a robust supervisory function over management. In light of the concerns identified through the Survey, we hereby reiterate our request that NSSOL establish a special committee composed solely of independent outside directors to conduct a comprehensive review aimed at maximizing corporate value, including a reassessment of the Company's relationship with Nippon Steel. If this review is led by independent outside directors, it would ensure independence from the Nippon Steel and enable a fundamental review of the relationship with the parent company. 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(iii) Quantitative assessment and consideration of other areas for value enhancement that remain unrealized due to the lack of independence from Nippon Steel and the absence of a KPI-driven management approach focused on maximizing corporate and shareholder value. To ensure the committee's effectiveness, a working group should be formed to support its operation, and a financial advisor with a proven track record in enhancing corporate value should be appointed. In line with discussions in the 'Study Group on Minority Shareholder Protection in Subsidiary Listings' and the Tokyo Stock Exchange's December 26, 2023 guidelines on 'Enhancing Disclosure on Minority Shareholder Protection and Group Governance,' the committee should produce results within a reasonable period and disclose both the review process and its findings with sufficient transparency. The above constitutes our current request to the Board. We respectfully ask that you inform us by June 30, 2025, whether you are willing to establish such a special committee. [Appendix 1] Survey Results 1. On the relationship with Nippon Steel 64% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's corporate value and the interests of its minority shareholders are being impaired by its parent company, Nippon Steel?' 62% of respondents answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Do you believe that Nippon Steel's influence and control hinder NSSOL's management from maximizing corporate and shareholder value?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL provides adequate explanations to shareholders regarding transactions with Nippon Steel that may impair corporate value or minority shareholder interests?' 2. On Outside Directors 84% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors engage in sufficient dialogue and interaction with shareholders?' 67% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors appropriately supervise conflicts of interest between Nippon Steel and minority shareholders?' 100% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe NSSOL's outside directors adequately fulfill their role in representing and advocating for shareholders?' 3. On the Board of Directors 90% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's current Board of Directors maintains sufficient independence from Nippon Steel?' 4. On the New Medium-Term Management Plan 72% of respondents answered 'No' to the question: 'Do you believe that NSSOL's new medium-term management plan sufficiently addresses exploitation by the parent company, Nippon Steel?' Note: The above percentages have been calculated by excluding responses marked 'No opinion' and rounding to the nearest whole number. About 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. is an independent Singapore-based Japan focused value investing fund manager founded in 2015. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. focuses on partnering with managements who share its investment philosophy of medium- to long-term value creation through compound capital growth and a common objective of achieving long-term returns. Disclaimer This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell any security or investment product, nor does it constitute professional or investment advice. This press release should not be relied on by any person for any purpose and is not, and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, tax or other advice. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. and its affiliates and their related persons ('3DIP') believe that current market price of NSSOL does not reflect its instinct value. 3DIP acquired beneficially and/or economic interest based on its own idea that NSSOL securities have been undervalued and provides attractive investment opportunity and may in the future beneficially own and/or have an economic interest in, NSSOL securities. 3DIP intends to review its investments in the NSSOL on a continuing basis and, depending upon various factors including, without limitation, the NSSOL's financial position and strategic direction, the outcome of any discussions with NSSOL, overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to 3DIP, and the availability of NSSOL securities at prices that would make the purchase or sale of NSSOL securities desirable, 3DIP may, from time to time (in the open market or in private transactions), buy, sell, cover, hedge, or otherwise change the form or substance of any of its investments (including the investment in NSSOL securities) to any degree in any manner permitted by any applicable law, and expressly disclaims any obligation to notify others of any such changes. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets, or developments referred to herein. 3DIP expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for any loss howsoever arising from any use of, or reliance on, this press release or its contents as a whole or in part by any person, or otherwise howsoever arising in connection with this press release. 3DIP hereby expressly disclaims any obligation to update or provide additional information regarding the contents of this press release or to correct any inaccuracies in the information contained in this press release. 3DIP disclaims any intention or agreement to be treated as a joint holder (kyodo hoyu sha) under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan, a closely related party (missetsu kankei sha) under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act with other shareholders, or receiving any power or permission to represent other shareholders in relation to the exercise of their voting rights, and has no intention to solicit, encourage, induce or require any person to represent such voting rights. 3DIP does not have the intention to make a proposal, directly or through other shareholders of NSSOL, to transfer or abolish the business or asset of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies at the general shareholders meeting of NSSOL. 3DIP does not have the intention and purpose to engage in any conduct which constricts the continuing and stable implementation of business of NSSOL and/or NSSOL group companies. 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SHAMPOO (42A: Pet salon cleanser) Fortunately, my pet, Willow, does a good job of keeping herself clean (she's an indoor cat, so that helps), so I have not had to use SHAMPOO on her or take her to a pet salon. I am one hundred percent certain that would not be a pleasant experience for either of us. The other day, Willow decided to take a bath on my desk, while I was trying to work; she's so helpful. PITA (44A: Pocketed bread for souvlaki) Souvlaki is a fast food dish in Greek cuisine. It consists of meat (often pork) grilled on a skewer that is served with or rolled inside a PITA. The phrase "pocketed bread" is a nice hint for solvers who might not be familiar with souvlaki. SAM'S (45A: ___ Club (Costco rival)) SAM'S Club and Costco are membership-only warehouse club retail stores. Both corporations were founded in 1983, SAM'S Club in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Costco in Seattle, Washington. EPEES (70A: Heaviest fencing blades) Of the three sword types used in the Olympic sport of fencing - ÉPÉES, sabers, and foils - ÉPÉES are the largest and heaviest. The maximum legal weight for the foil and the saber is 500 grams, while an ÉPÉE may weigh as much as 750 grams. FLAG POLE (6D: One of 195 outside the U.N.) The United Nations (U.N.) was established in 1945, after World War II. In its own words, the U.N. works for "peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet." The U.N. is headquartered in New York City. The 195 FLAG POLEs outside of the U.N. display the FLAGs of the 193 member states and two observer states. The FLAGs are arranged in English alphabetical order. The FLAGs are raised at 8:00 a.m. and lowered at 4:00 p.m. each weekday (with some exceptions). Fun fact: The 195 FLAG POLEs cover a distance of six New York City blocks. DEERE (9D: Big player in ag-tech) Ag-tech, or agricultural technology, refers to the use of technology in agriculture. John DEERE founded his company in 1837 in Grand Detour, Illinois. That same year, he began manufacturing steel plows. The products that the DEERE company manufacturers have changed significantly over the years. GARDENIA (11D: Fragrant white flower) GARDENIAs are large showy blooms that grow on shrubs or small trees. The flowers have a strong fragrance. There are currently 128 identified species of GARDENIA. ONE (12D: Number of horns on a unicorn) This is a playful way to clue the number ONE. REMY (26D: Rat chef in "Ratatouille") Ratatouille is Pixar's 2007 animated movie about REMY, a rat who possesses a heightened sense of taste and smell, and who dreams of becoming a chef. ESAU (31D: Jacob's twin) This is a reference to the Biblical story of Jacob and ESAU in the book of Genesis. ESAU is the oldest twin, and thus entitled to receive the birthright from their father, Isaac. One day Jacob makes a trade with (a presumably very hungry) ESAU, giving him a bowl of stew in exchange for his birthright. CHILI OIL (38D: Spicy condiment for jiaozi) Jiaozi are a kind of dumpling commonly eaten in parts of East Asia. The dumplings consist of ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped in a thinly rolled piece of dough. Jiaozi are often served with condiments such as CHILI OIL. SPA (42D: Place to get a lymphatic drainage massage) A treatment option at some SPAs, a lymphatic drainage massage focuses on the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that carries fluid (lymph). This type of massage is particularly helpful for reducing swelling in patients with lymphedema, a condition in which the lymph isn't returning to the blood as it should. MAGNET (46D: Fridge decoration) We have quite a collection of MAGNETs on our fridge. A few years ago, my sister gave me a set of National Park magnets. Unfortunately, only 24 of the 63 National Parks are represented in the set, but oh well... My husband and I decided we'd only put the MAGNETs on our fridge if we've visited the park. We're slowly working on getting that entire set of MAGNETs up. ECON (56D: GDP-tracking subject) GDP here stands for "gross domestic product," a measure used to assess the economic performance of a country. GDP is a topic discussed in economics classes. The abbreviation GDP in the clue alerts solvers that the answer will be ECON, a shortened form of the word economics. RAP (64D: Genre for Little Simz) Little Simz is an English RAP artist. Her sixth studio album, Lotus, is expected to drop this month, on June 6. A few other clues I especially enjoyed: OLD (68A: Like many family heirlooms) HATE READ (39D: Flip through just to get mad) WHEE (59D: "This ride is fun!") CUT AND PASTE (16A: Command combo that moves text) CHILDREN AT PLAY (38A: Words after "Slow" on a street sign in a residential neighborhood) COIN A PHRASE (62A: Come up with an idiom, say) THINKING CAP: Each theme answer has the initials CAP: CUT AND PASTE, CHILDREN AT PLAY, and COIN A PHRASE. It took me a little while to see that each theme answer had the initials CAP, making for a nice "Aha!" moment when I made that discovery. I admit that I'm not sure where the "THINKING" part of the title comes into play with the theme. Is it just that we are THINKING about what CAP may stand for? That may be it. If you have another idea, let me know. Thank you, Zhouqin, for this thought-provoking puzzle. USA TODAY's Daily Crossword Puzzles Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crossword Blog & Answers for June 1, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
