Best Quotes In DQ3 Remake

Summary

• Dragon Quest 3 is acclaimed worldwide for its gameplay standards, not its story.
• The HD-2D remake introduces memorable quotes and quality-of-life changes.
• Side quests drive the story, highlighting the unique structure of Dragon Quest games.

Dragon Quest 3 came out in 1988 to critical and commercial acclaim in Japan. In 1992, the NES version was localized and failed to make a splash in the West. However, over the years, the game has come to be seen as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time worldwide due to its polished gameplay that set standards for the entire genre.

Dragon Quest 3 is not particularly known for its story; its exploration and grinding take centre stage. However, the game is home to a few memorable quotes, particularly in the HD-2D remake. Here are the ones that stuck in our heads the most.

8

“Wakey-wakey, Rise And Shine!”

But Mom, I’m Not Crono

If you thought the trope of JRPGs starting with a wake-up call from your mother began with Chrono Trigger, you’ve got another thing coming. Dragon Quest 3 was the first popular game to do things this way. It doesn’t get credit because, unlike Chrono Trigger, it took so long to catch on in the West.

This opening quote is extra memorable in Dragon Quest 3’s HD-2D remake due to the introduction of voice acting. For series veterans, seeing the cutscenes in this game voiced for the first time is nothing short of an uncanny experience.

7

“Remember: Your Curiosity Is An Asset Most Valuable.”

The Reason We Explore

While Dragon Quest 3 has never won awards for its writing, and the HD-2D remake is unlikely to change that, the game has a habit of slipping in RPG truisms that hit home. When the king of Aliahan gives you his blessing to go explore the world and hopefully not disappear like your father Ortega, he says this trite but true line.

We play RPGs to explore new worlds. Our curiosity is the driving force in advancing the plot. If not for that, Red would stay in Pallet Town, Cloud would keep working for Shinra, and Erdrick would never leave Aliahan.

6

“Back In The Dark Old Days You Used To Bump Your Head On The Ceiling If You Tried To Use One [A Chimaera Wing] Indoors… Modern Comforts, Eh?”

Quality-Of-Life Changes

For series veterans, it may sting a little to see Dragon Quest 3’s HD-2D remake calling its own NES and SNES incarnations the ‘dark old days.’ However, this is simply the direction Dragon Quest, and JRPGs as a whole, have moved in: accessibility over challenge.

In the older versions of Dragon Quest 3, using a Chimaera Wing to fly you to a selected location would fail if you were indoors. This meant whether you were in a house, castle, or most damningly, a dungeon. It’s obvious why this immersive feature was removed – Chimaera Wings would be nigh useless in a tight spot – but it might not suit purists.

5

“Just Remember, FASF: Fearless Adventurers Save Frequently.”

A Tutorial Too Late

Dragon Quest 3’s HD-2D remake is the first iteration of the game to feature pop-up tutorials, one of the many differences from its original version. However, it does feel like this advice is being given too late. The NES version of Dragon Quest 3 was brutally challenging; the SNES and GBC incarnations only slightly less so. The version that needs this advice the least is the HD-2D remake.

This game has autosaves, quicksaves, and heals your characters completely when they level up. MP is no longer a problem either. So there is more than enough reason to be fearless even if you don’t save, thank you very much.

4

“Zzz… Don’t Worry, Mum! I Will Protect You From The Archfiend!”

An Anxious Populace

Peaceful and tranquil though Dragon Quest 3’s world may appear to be, it is hiding a great deal of anxiety beneath the surface. Most people only have a vague notion of the Archfiend Baramos, but even the children feel threatened by his presence. Now that the legendary Ortega is no longer around to protect them, the people feel even more threatened.

This child, hoping to protect his mother even in his sleep, shows the extent of the issue and is sure to motivate you on your journey. No child should have nightmares on your watch.

3

“Babushka Scolded Me When I Loiter Near Village Graves.”

Are There No Playgrounds?

The only thing Dragon Quest loves more than puns and alliteration is allusion. Nearly every region in the game corresponds to a real-world locale: Japing is Japan, Portoga is Portugal, and Khyorv is Russia. The NPCs in every region talk in a dialect that makes it all the more obvious.

This seemingly innocuous line of dialogue, spoken by a child NPC, shows how nearly every interaction in the game hints at something or other. If you go loiter near the graves yourself, you’ll find a mini medal, useful for rare prizes.

2

“That Despicable Brigand Robbin’ ‘Ood Has Stolen From Us Our Most Sacred And Regal Crown.”

The Side Quests Are The Story

If you’re unfamiliar with the structure of Dragon Quest games, you might spend a great deal of the early game waiting for the plot to start moving along. This is the point where you’ll realize: the side quests are the story. You just keep completing each town’s own scenarios until you get to the final boss.

While later entries like DQ 8 and DQ 11 were more focused, most Dragon Quest games have an overarching premise and a wealth of shenanigans. Enjoy the ride: help this king who has lost his crown.

1

“You Can Claim Various Bonus Items From This Chest If You Pre-Ordered The Game Or Bought It From Certain Shops.”

An Unsettling Precedent

No, we’re not making this up. There is a line of narration right within the game, in Patty’s Party Planning Place, that breaks the fourth wall completely and reminds you that the world you’re exploring is merely a digital product.

It’s very disheartening that a classic game like Dragon Quest 3 has such an immersion-breaking element within its remake. It’s even worse that this chest can’t be removed if you didn’t pre-order the game. You can’t do anything about it: it’ll always sit there, unable to be opened.