Dragon Quest VII is one of the most extensive installments of the saga at a narrative level, something that has not changed with the remake which is based on the original game. The new features of this new version begin with the design of the characters originally created by Akira Toriyama, which have been «reimagined» with a 3D art style using dolls made in real life. Square Enix talks about a «3D art style reminiscent of hand-drawn drawings.» The stages and dungeons also feature this «handcrafted» touch to give the game world a diorama aesthetic.
Although the story of Dragon Quest VII is faithful to the original, it offers «a more agile experience» and a plot that is told through a series of story arcs. Square Enix comments that the main story «has been simplified so that the journey is more accessible for all players.»
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined also maintains the turn-based combat system, but has been reworked to include changes to make battles more «dynamic and exciting.» One of the main new features is the Moonlighting mechanic that allows moonlighting to use two vocations at the same time, the Let Loose ability that can be activated to empower the character, and a new vocation called Monster Master that summons powerful beasts to attack any enemy and has its own bonus. During the battles there will be no shortage of allies, each with their own role and abilities.
Although Dragon Quest VII is an RPG considered modern, it also features quality of life improvements for a more fluid experience, including interface improvements that allow faster access to any information. There are also combat speed adjustment and auto combat functions, as well as the ability for battles to run seamlessly between turns depending on the tactics selected for the hero and his allies.