The producer of the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Masaaki Hayasaka, recently expressed interest in giving Final Fantasy 6 the identical treatment because the remake of Dragon Quest 3. Released to positive reviews, the Dragon Quest 3 remake has been praised for its stunning HD-2D pixel art, a mode Square Enix popularized with Octopath Traveler. This aesthetic approach combines detailed pixel art with modern lighting and 3D effects, making it a standout for remaking classic games.
In an interview with Inverse, Hayasaka revealed his admiration for Final Fantasy 6 and its groundbreaking pixel art from 1994, which served as a reference point throughout the development of Octopath Traveler. While there aren’t any current plans for a remake, Hayasaka expressed personal interest in seeing how Final Fantasy 6 would look with the HD-2D art style. This interest stems from the sport’s legacy as one among the best examples of pixel artistry within the RPG genre.
Hayasaka explained that the HD-2D style is especially well-suited for games originally created with pixel art. He emphasized that this compatibility is a significant reason why fans and developers see it as an excellent match for remakes of classic titles. The unique mix of traditional aesthetics and modern technology within the HD-2D style creates a nostalgic yet fresh experience, especially for long-time fans of such games.
Nonetheless, Hayasaka tempered expectations, acknowledging that creating games on this style requires significant artistic skill. While he’s smitten by pursuing more HD-2D projects, he voiced concerns about market saturation, noting that Square Enix has released nine HD-2D-related titles in only seven years. This rapid output could potentially diminish the impact of the style if overused.
Currently, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is on the market on multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While fans may dream of an HD-2D Final Fantasy 6, no official announcements have been made, leaving it as a hopeful possibility for the longer term.
