New screenshots for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake showcase changes to skills and sigils

New screenshots for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake showcase changes to skills and sigils

Square Enix has shared new information and screenshots for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, detailing some big changes made to these new versions of RPG classics.

The most significant change looks to be how the five sigils originally found in Dragon Quest II are implemented (sometimes called "Crests" in earlier localizations of the game). In the HD-2D remake, these sigils are instead collected in both games (and not just in the second), while also offering various bonuses that take place during battle. Additionally, scrolls have been newly added to the remake, allowing characters to learn new skills.

The details and screenshots can be found below, via Square Enix.

If you missed it, read James' hands-on preview for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, as well as details for the save data bonus here. 

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launches on October 30 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam). Last month, Square Enix shared details and screenshots for the cast for each title, alongside several of the locations you'll visit.

New items and features have been added to greatly enhance the battles! Use a variety of strategies to defeat the monsters!

When exploring the overworld and dungeons in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (hereinafter referred to as “DQ I” and “DQ II”), you will encounter monsters and launch into battle. Defeat monsters through turn-based command battles familiar to the Dragon Quest series! In battle, you can use weapons, as well as spells and skills with various effects to unleash a wide range of attacks.

Encounter monsters in the overworld and dungeons! Sometimes you'll come across tough enemies.
When you enable suggested actions in the battle settings, spells and skills that exploit weaknesses will now be displayed in text above the enemy. Use this to help you choose the most effective way to battle.

Introducing the unique battle features of the Hero and his comrades! A brand-new item makes an appearance: the scroll!

In DQ I, you will play as a single character, while in DQ II, you will play as a party of up to four characters as the story progresses. Each character has different spells and skills, so try to take advantage of their unique characteristics in battle. In this game, you can learn additional spells and skills by using a new item called scrolls.

DQ Hero

On top of various sword techniques, he also wields Sizztype and Zap-type spells. His ability “Dragon Slash” deals massive damage to dragons!

Prince of Midenhall

Besides unleashing attacks such as “Knuckle Sandwich” and “Hatchet Man,” he can also learn “Forbearance” to protect his allies, making him effective at both offense and defense.

Prince of Cannock

Well-balanced in both sword skills and spells, he cannot only attack but also heal and support his allies. His “Gigaslash” attack, which sweeps away all enemies with a lightning blade, is devastating!

Princess of Moonbrooke

With outstanding spell-casting abilities, she has mastered powerful offensive spells. She can also support her allies with support spells and healing spells such as “Oomph” and “Insulate.”

Princess of Cannock

With quick and agile movements, she can perform a variety of special moves and is also skilled at Frizz-type and Cracktype spells. However, she sometimes gets carried away and starts playing around during battle!

Use the new scrolls to learn special skills and spells!

A new item, “scrolls,” has been added to this game! You can obtain scrolls from treasure chests and other places and by using them, one of your party members can learn a new spell or skill.

The teachings contained within scrolls can only be learned by certain characters

Collect all five sigils to unleash various effects during battle!

The five sigils that appeared in the original DQ II, which hold the powers of the sun, star, moon, water and soul, return in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. In this game, you will collect the five sigils throughout DQ I and DQ II. Furthermore, if you have a sigil, it will have various effects during battle when certain conditions are met. Each sigil has a different effect, so let's take a look at some of them!

Dragon Quest I

Sigils also appear in the HD-2D version of DQ I! In this game, you help the fairies create their sigils for a certain reason.
When the sigil mark appears, the effect is activated! With the Sun Sigil, some special abilities will deal critical damage!

Dragon Quest II

In DQ II, you must find the five sigils to defeat Hargon, the evil high priest who leads an army of monsters.
If you have the Moon Sigil, some spells will act unpredictably.

The effect of Soul Sigil activates a Souped-Up Skill!

When you have the Soul Sigil, certain abilities and spells will change during battle if specific conditions are met. Use these powerful SoupedUp Skills to defeat your enemies!

If you input a certain command when selecting a spell or ability under specific conditions...
The ability Dragon Slash is upgraded to the even more powerful Double Dragon Slash!