The embargo has lifted, and the first wave of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined reviews are painting a picture of a visually spectacular yet divisively streamlined JRPG. Released just ahead of its February 5 launch on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, Square Enix’s latest reimagining of the PlayStation classic is being hailed as a technical showcase for the new hardware. However, while critics universally praise the new "diorama" aesthetic and the modernized Job system, long-time fans are torn over the drastic pacing changes that turn a 100-hour slow-burn into a much faster, arguably easier experience.
A Visual Masterpiece on Nintendo Switch 2
If there is one aspect of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined that has united critics, it is the game's art direction. Moving away from the HD-2D style seen in the recent Dragon Quest III remake, this title adopts a unique "handcrafted diorama" look. Reviewers describe the world as looking like a living set of wooden dolls and miniature landscapes, a style that reportedly shines on the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Performance reports confirm that the game targets and maintains a rock-solid 60fps at 4K resolution on the Switch 2's docked mode, a significant leap over previous handheld entries. Nintendo Life called it "the best-looking Dragon Quest game Square Enix has ever produced," noting that the tactile quality of the environments adds a cozy, storybook atmosphere that fits the episodic nature of the narrative perfectly. For players looking for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined performance benchmarks, the consensus is clear: this is a polished, bug-free launch that sets a high bar for Square Enix 2026 reviews.
The 'Moonlighting' System: A Revelation for Combat
Beyond visuals, the most significant gameplay addition is the new "Moonlighting" mechanic. This fresh twist on the classic Job system allows characters to equip a secondary Vocation, granting access to passive buffs and specific skills from a second class without fully switching roles. Critics have highlighted this as a major quality-of-life improvement that encourages experimentation without the punishing grind of the original PlayStation release.
However, this newfound flexibility comes at a cost. Several DQ7 remake review scores were impacted by the game's difficulty—or lack thereof. Game Informer noted that the combination of Moonlighting and new "quality of life" features, such as auto-highlighting enemy weaknesses, makes the combat significantly easier. For newcomers seeking one of the best JRPGs 2026 has to offer, this accessibility is a boon, but veterans may find the strategic friction they loved has been smoothed over too aggressively.
Pacing: All Gas, No Brakes?
The original Dragon Quest VII was infamous for its slow start, often taking two hours before the first battle. Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined addresses this "elephant in the room" by drastically trimming the introductory sequence and streamlining the tablet-collection loop. Console Creatures described the new pacing as "all gas and no brakes," praising the removal of tedious backtracking.
Yet, this streamlining has sparked a debate in the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined OpenCritic discussions. Some reviewers feel that in shaving off the rough edges, the remake loses some of the "heart" and sense of epic scale that defined the original. IGN’s review mentioned that while the pacing is better, the sense of hard-earned discovery is diminished, leaving a feeling of "deflation" after breezing through bosses that once acted as massive progression walls. The streamlined narrative also affects character moments; while voice acting (starring Roly Botha as Prince Kiefer) is excellent, some quiet character beats were reportedly cut to keep the momentum moving.
Verdict: A Flawed but Essential Journey
As the first major RPG for the Switch 2, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined sits in a fascinating position. It is undoubtedly the most accessible and visually arresting version of a cult classic. For the majority of players, the respect for their time and the stunning presentation will make this a must-play. However, purists looking for the friction and density of the PS1 original may feel this "Reimagined" take is a bit too clean.
With scores generally landing in the 8/10 range, it is a strong start for the year. Whether you are here for the Nintendo Switch 2 game reviews or just to experience a legendary story without the 100-hour grind, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined succeeds in bringing a Forgotten Past into a beautiful, modernized present.
