Being a RPG newcomer is intimidating at times.
For one, I didn’t grow up with many of the classics so going back to play them can be a chore sometimes. From outdated mechanics to inaccessibility, playing them just isn’t the same as if I had grown up with them.
That is why the Square Enix’s HD-2D trend has been so much for me to see.
The longtime RPG developer has lent its name to this gorgeous style, utilizing it on several new games such as both Octopath Travelers and Triangle Strategy.
Most recently, Dragon Quest III got the treatment and its two predecessors are on the way. With this trend largely getting positive accolades, it begs the question of what is next.
As someone looking to these HD-2D remakes as a way to try these games out before getting to the originals, I would welcome any number of older titles to don this or a similar format.
Below is my list of six games — a mixture of Square Enix and other titles — I would like to see get this treatment.
Final Fantasy VI
While Final Fantasy VII gets many of the accolades for bringing the series into the mainstream, FFVI rivals it in almost every single way. It was the last mainline FF game to grace a Nintendo console for some time it is heralded as one of the best of the SNES era.
Fans got a taste of an HD-2D remake with the famed opera scene jumping to this format during the game’s Pixel Remaster. Just that taste makes many fans want the entire game in this format.
As a newcomer to the genre, I have yet to play this game. I’m working my way through the Pixel Remasters but have yet to get to this one. That said, I would love Square Enix to bring this format to this classic.
Chrono Trigger
This is the granddaddy of them all and, surprisingly, we haven’t seen a remake of this game in quite some time.
The last major rerelease of Chrono Trigger was on the Nintendo DS in 2008. It’s had a few ports since but nothing major. That’s why an HD-2D would be a welcome sight.
As a newcomer, Chrono Cross made its debut on the Nintendo Switch a few years back, and it included the the Radical Dreamers game that is supposed to bridge the two games. It’s not too late to build on this.
Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride
Dragon Quest has had a bit of a resurgence thanks to Dragon Quest XI. While this popular RPG franchise doesn’t enjoy the western popularity that Final Fantasy does, it is still a key piece of the genre.
All that said, there isn’t much access to the series’ backlog. The first three DQ games saw rereleases in 2019 and Dragon Quest VII and VIII both had rereleases on the 3DS, the rest have largely been quiet.
With the original trilogy getting the HD-2D treatment, the other early games shouldn’t be neglected. Dragon Quest V often gets mentioned in the same breath as DQIII, DQVIII, and DQXI so it would be a perfect candidate. This style would enhance it past what it had on the PlayStation 2 and DS.
Pokémon Crystal
We’re starting to get out of the Square Enix territory with this one so if Pokémon‘s second generation ever were to get this treatment, it would have to be unique.
I picked Crystal because it represents the most complete version of the generation as it added some extra lore and content the first two did not. Arguably, these games represent the best the franchise has had to offer, making Crystal a perfect candidate.
It wasn’t that long ago that Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver made their 2009 debuts on the DS, but that was 15 years ago. If these games were to get another glow up, HD-2D (or Pokémon‘s equivalent) would make for a great format.
Lufia 1 and 2
Technically, this is two games, but I thought they should get the same treatment the original Dragon Quest trilogy is getting. Lufia is a franchise that has gone away in recent years so it’s primed for a comeback.
If it were to make that comeback, an HD-2D format would be the way to go. It would introduce these games to an entirely new generation and help newcomers, like myself, play them for the first time.
Many franchises such as Suikoden, Romanacing SaGa, and Star Ocean all have reintroduced the world to their history through remakes and remasters. Lufia could catch this train and do so with a bang.
EarthBound
EarthBound is already largely accessible to modern audiences thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo 3DS. That said, it’s time to give Ness and friends new life.
This is another RPG I haven’t played yet and I will tackle whatever version is available to me. That said, the game could use a fresh coat of paint to further enhance its already-gorgeous look.
Furthermore, it could serve as a springboard to bring in an HD-2D-like remake of Mother 3, which is sure to excite the masses. While many might not be clamoring for this remake, I think it would look gorgeous nonetheless.
And there you have, an RPG newcomer’s list of games that should get the HD-2D treatment. I only limited it to six but there are so many others that would look great in this format.
Not only that, but it would make for a great jumping on point for RPG newcomers, like myself, to finally get into these games.
What about you? What RPGs would you like to see get the HD-2D treatment? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Square Enix (via But Why Tho?)
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