Should All Pixel RPGs Be Remade In 3D?

Way back when, pixel RPGs used to be all the rage. Yes, it was largely due to technical limitations, but pixel RPGs always had their own unique style, and garnered a lot of love from players because of that.

Now technology has advanced so much, developers usually opt for 3D, unless they’re going for a specific aesthetic. When it comes to remaking these classic pixel RPGs, though, is it a good or a bad thing to bring them back to life in 3D, like the newly announced Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined? Should we stick to the original approach, or go for something completely new? Let’s try to answer the question: should pixel RPGs ever be remade in 3D?

Yes

3D Reimagines The World In A New Way

The difference between a pixel RPG and a 3D RPG is stark. With a pixel RPG, backgrounds typically need to be static, though developers can make beautifully pre-rendered backgrounds with them. In 3D RPGs, there’s a lot more freedom with perspectives.

That extra layer can add a lot to the world, if done in the right way. It gives existing fans more and more to explore, even if just from a new point of view. And who doesn’t want more of something they love?

No

3D Changes The Vibe Of The Original

On the flip side, having that new, 3D perspective can be a detriment. What was originally a small, cozy town is now bloated with extra nooks and crannies that no one wanted or needed. It can completely change the atmosphere if close attention isn’t paid to the original source material, which, of course, fans of the original will not like.

Instead of a carefully rendered background, it’s now filled with models that are blocky at best and plastic-looking at worst. You can see why people wouldn’t be a fan of a change like that. Rather than an RPG with a powerful story and immersive towns, it now feels like a children’s board game. Not great.

Yes

You Can Expand The Battle System

The vast majority of pixel RPGs employ a turn-based battle system because of the graphical limitations. While there are fans who love turn-based battles, lots of modern gamers don’t enjoy that style.

By remaking a pixel RPG into 3D, developers can expand on the battle system and make it more action-packed. They can also opt to keep it traditional, but the 3D element gives them more freedom to build on the original system and make it fresh and modern, even if that just means adding more animations during battles.

No

HD-2D Is The Better Option

One of the biggest arguments against 3D remakes of pixel RPGs is the existence of HD-2D remakes. These remakes take what made the original pixel style great and simply enhance and uplift it to modern standards.

HD-2D remakes maintain the original charm, while adding in all the bells and whistles that make it look even better. It seems like the logical choice for recreating the intentions behind the original. Just look at the Dragon Quest 1-3 remakes, and you’ll see why players clamour for these types of remakes more often.

Yes

The Developers Can Make It Without Limitations

As I’ve already mentioned, 2D games come with a lot of limitations. Developers worked around them creatively to make the games we now love, but the end result isn’t always what they originally thought of making.

Using 3D, developers can now remake the original work into something that’s much closer than what they could before. That includes adding in new features they couldn’t before, perhaps because the technology simply didn’t exist back then or because it wasn’t feasible with 2D.

No

3D Character Models Don’t Always Work In The Same Style

When changing from 2D to 3D, you have to change the characters from sprites into 3D models, which can completely change how they appear. Some character designs work wonderfully in 3D, while others… simply don’t.

Just look at some of the Pokemon 2D sprites compared to their 3D models. They were originally designed to be seen in 2D, so the jump to 3D doesn’t quite treat them well. Unless the designers knuckle down and really adjust those designs for 3D, it doesn’t always work. Often, 3D remakes go for chibi versions of the characters to make this easier, but then this just loops around to changing the vibe from the original once again.

Yes

3D Appeals To A Wider Audience

We’re no longer in the golden age of pixel, turn-based RPGs. Most gamers like action-packed games with good graphics. They’re most likely not going to go back and play these types of games the way they are.

By remaking the original in 3D, the game will appeal to a much wider audience, meaning the game is more likely to succeed. While we may not like it, money makes the world go round, so that means we’ll get more RPGs in the future.

No

2D Is Timeless

We can all think of plenty of 3D games that haven’t aged well. Technology evolves all the time, so games made in 3D can easily look out of date if they aren’t stylised. 2D, however, doesn’t have this problem.

Almost every pixel RPG still looks incredible to this day. By remaking it in HD-2D, instead of 3D, especially a chibi-fied 3D, that’s only going to extend its longevity.

Verdict

Personally, I think it depends on the specific pixel RPG that’s being remade and how it’s going to be remade. You can make a good 3D remake if the charm of the original is recaptured in other ways. If the majority of the charm comes from its pixel-ness, then it’s going to be a struggle.

If the RPG was originally punching above its weight and clearly needed to be 3D, but was made in a time when that wasn’t possible, then yes, it should be remade in 3D with the creators’ original vision in mind.