The producer of the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Masaaki Hayasaka, recently expressed interest in giving Final Fantasy 6 the same treatment as 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 style 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 during the development of Octopath Traveler. While there are no 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 game’s legacy as one of the finest examples of pixel artistry in the RPG genre.
Hayasaka explained that the HD-2D style is particularly well-suited for games originally created with pixel art. He emphasized that this compatibility is a major reason why fans and developers see it as an ideal match for remakes of classic titles. The unique blend of traditional aesthetics and modern technology in the HD-2D style creates a nostalgic yet fresh experience, especially for long-time fans of such games.
However, Hayasaka tempered expectations, acknowledging that creating games in this style requires significant artistic skill. While he is enthusiastic about pursuing more HD-2D projects, he voiced concerns about market saturation, noting that Square Enix has released nine HD-2D-related titles in just seven years. This rapid output could potentially diminish the impact of the style if overused.
Currently, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is available 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 future.
