Square Enix showcased new gameplay for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake during Tokyo Game Show 2025, highlighting Ocean Floor, a brand-new area created for the remake. Producer Masaaki Hayasaka guided players through this never-before-seen location, offering a closer look at the underwater setting, characters, and enemies.
A New Adventure Beneath the Sea
Hayasaka introduced the Ocean Floor as a completely original addition not present in the 1980s releases. The party reaches this hidden region by encasing their ship in a magical bubble that allows it to sink beneath the waves. The adventure begins at Gaggle Rock, where players are invited by a mermaid to save the Ocean Floor.
The Town of Mersea and the Mermaid Sanctuary
At the heart of the Ocean Floor is Mersea, an underwater town inhabited by mermaids. However, the town has been desecrated and abandoned due to monster attacks. The mermaids have fled to the Mermaid Sanctuary, where the player must find and rescue them.
The Ocean Floor is presented as an expansive region filled with new NPCs, hidden areas, and plenty of monsters waiting to ambush the party.
Battles and a New Boss
The playthrough showed a variety of underwater battles, including the reveal of new enemies not present in the original games. At the climax, players encounter a brand-new boss: Mariella, who commands underlings responsible for the mermaids’ plight. Her appearance sets up an entirely new narrative thread exclusive to this remake.
Release Date
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launches on October 30, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and other platforms, with preorders available now.
