Compare Crimson Desert vs Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

P1 Crimson Desert
P2 Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Comparison Takeaways

Crimson Desert

Where It Has the Edge

  • replay value is 5.0 vs 2.5. Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: replay value was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 2 review(s).
  • level design is 5.0 vs 2.5. Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: level design was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 1 review(s).
  • platform-specific feature support is 3.7 vs 2.8. Reviewer evidence is mixed: platform-specific feature support drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).
  • soundtrack quality is 5.0 vs 4.6. Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: soundtrack quality was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 2 review(s).

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Where It Has the Edge

  • save system reliability is 5.0 vs 1.3. Autosave and expanded save options were repeatedly praised for reducing frustration and supporting portable play.
  • character development is 4.8 vs 1.7. Reviewers especially praised Dragon Quest II's party members for gaining stronger arcs, personalities, and interpersonal chemistry.
  • user interface design is 4.7 vs 2.0. Interface changes, shortcut assignments, and UI overhaul were praised for making these old games easier to play.
  • narrative quality is 4.6 vs 2.0. The expanded narrative was repeatedly praised for making the Erdrick trilogy feel richer, more cohesive, and less like...
Average score
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.3
Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.3
accessibility options
Product 1: Crimson Desert
No score yet
Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.6

Reviewers valued the difficulty options, markers, and other quality-of-life settings for making the old games easier to approach without fully erasing their classic feel.

AI behavior
Product 1: Crimson Desert
No score yet
Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
2.0

One reviewer criticized the automated battle behavior, saying the AI made poor choices rather than feeling genuinely wise.

aiming precision
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: aiming precision was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
animation quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
5.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: animation quality was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.6

Animation quality was praised in both battle and enemy presentation, with reviewers noting smooth movement and lively spell or monster animations.

art direction
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.0

Reviewer evidence is mixed: art direction drew both praise and caveats across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.9

The HD-2D art direction was strongly praised for respecting old JRPG roots while making the worlds feel striking and modern.

atmosphere
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.5

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: atmosphere was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
boss design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.7

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: boss design was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 8 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.5

Bosses earned strong praise when they forced strategy and felt rewarding, though a few reviewers disliked specific frustrating fights.

bug frequency
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.4

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: bug frequency was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 6 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
camera behavior
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: camera behavior was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
character development
Product 1: Crimson Desert
1.7

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: character development was consistently framed as a major weakness across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.8

Reviewers especially praised Dragon Quest II's party members for gaining stronger arcs, personalities, and interpersonal chemistry.

character roster
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.2

Reviewer evidence is mixed: character roster drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.7

The added Princess of Cannock and more useful party members were repeatedly praised as natural, valuable additions to Dragon Quest II.

checkpoint system
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: checkpoint system was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
combat system
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.2

Reviewer evidence is positive: combat system was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 17 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.3

Combat was widely seen as engaging and more strategic, though several reviewers noted Dragon Quest I's solo fights could become frustrating or unfair.

companion AI
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.0

Reviewer evidence is positive: companion AI was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
content variety
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.6

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: content variety was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 9 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.8

Reviewers appreciated the expanded worlds, new mechanics, and added content, especially in Dragon Quest II.

controls responsiveness
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: controls responsiveness was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 11 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
core gameplay loop
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: core gameplay loop was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
crafting system
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.8

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: crafting system was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 4 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
crash stability
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: crash stability was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
dialogue quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
1.5

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: dialogue quality was consistently framed as a major weakness across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
difficulty balance
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.1

Reviewer evidence is mixed: difficulty balance drew both praise and caveats across 5 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
3.4

Difficulty split reviewers: many liked the tougher, more meaningful challenge, but several criticized RNG spikes, grinding walls, or frustrating solo encounters.

economy and resource balance
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.3

Reviewer evidence is mixed: economy and resource balance drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
emotional impact
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.3

Reviewer evidence is mixed: emotional impact drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.8

Multiple reviewers described unusually strong emotional payoffs, including poignant scenes and endings that made them stop, reflect, or cry.

endgame content
Product 1: Crimson Desert
1.5

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: endgame content was consistently framed as a major weakness across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
enemy variety
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.3

Reviewer evidence is mixed: enemy variety drew both praise and caveats across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
environmental detail
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.2

Reviewer evidence is positive: environmental detail was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Environmental detail stood out through lighting, interiors, water, clouds, towns, and dungeons that made the world feel richer.

exploration quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.3

Reviewer evidence is positive: exploration quality was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 8 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.4

Exploration was generally praised for rewarding secrets, treasure, and open-ended discovery, though one underwater segment was called slow and awkward.

facial animations
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: facial animations was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
faithfulness to franchise
Product 1: Crimson Desert
No score yet
Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.0

One preview emphasized the games' JRPG legacy as a reason to experience them, supporting their faithfulness to Dragon Quest history.

family friendliness
Product 1: Crimson Desert
No score yet
Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.5

One reviewer highlighted sharing the remakes with children as a positive next-generation experience, supporting family appeal.

fast travel convenience
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.3

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: fast travel convenience was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
2.7

Fast travel convenience was one of the few quality-of-life choices criticized for reducing tension and undermining dungeon-exit magic.

flying mechanics
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.8

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: flying mechanics was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
frame rate stability
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.1

Reviewer evidence is positive: frame rate stability was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 7 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Frame rate impressions were very positive on Switch 2 and handheld play, with reviewers citing stable 60 FPS or no drops.

fun factor
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.1

Reviewer evidence is positive: fun factor was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 6 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.7

Fun factor was very high overall, with several reviewers saying the remakes were hard to stop playing or simply a great time.

gameplay mechanics
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.5

Reviewer evidence is mixed: gameplay mechanics drew both praise and caveats across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.8

Reviewers praised Sigils, Scrolls, and other new mechanics for adding meaningful choices while keeping the classic JRPG foundation intact.

graphics quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.6

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: graphics quality was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 15 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Graphics received near-universal praise, with reviewers repeatedly calling the HD-2D presentation brilliant, gorgeous, stunning, or full of life.

grind level
Product 1: Crimson Desert
1.7

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: grind level was consistently framed as a major weakness across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
3.4

Grinding remained a concern for some reviewers, but others felt difficulty modes and balancing made the grind less draining than older versions.

handheld play suitability
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.0

Reviewer evidence is positive: handheld play suitability was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Steam Deck play was praised as an ideal way to experience the remakes, helped by performance and save support.

immersion
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.8

Reviewer evidence is positive: immersion was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.9

Reviewers praised the presentation, music, and environments for making the adventure feel rich, magical, and immersive.

innovation
Product 1: Crimson Desert
5.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: innovation was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
learning curve
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: learning curve was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
level design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
5.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: level design was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
2.5

Dungeon design drew criticism from one reviewer for feeling visually varied but structurally uninspired and light on distinctive traits.

load times
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.0

Reviewer evidence is mixed: load times drew both praise and caveats across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Load times were praised in preview coverage as quick, matching the strong Switch 2 performance profile.

loot system
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.3

Reviewer evidence is positive: loot system was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
lore depth
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: lore depth was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
map and navigation design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.5

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: map and navigation design was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.2

Navigation tools were praised for streamlining play, though objective markers could make some classic item hunts feel too rudimentary.

menu usability
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.1

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: menu usability was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 6 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
mission design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.3

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: mission design was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 6 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
mission variety
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.8

Reviewer evidence is positive: mission variety was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 4 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
movement feel
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.3

Reviewer evidence is mixed: movement feel drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
narrative quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: narrative quality was consistently framed as a major weakness across 11 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.6

The expanded narrative was repeatedly praised for making the Erdrick trilogy feel richer, more cohesive, and less like a bare-bones relic.

onboarding experience
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: onboarding experience was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
open-world design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.7

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: open-world design was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 9 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
originality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.3

Reviewer evidence is positive: originality was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
pacing
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.3

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: pacing was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
3.7

Pacing was one of the more mixed areas: some found the flow excellent, while others felt added content created bloat or uneven late-game stretches.

performance optimization
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.3

Reviewer evidence is positive: performance optimization was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 9 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Performance optimization received praise from reviewers who reported smooth play and no major performance issues.

platform-specific feature support
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.7

Reviewer evidence is mixed: platform-specific feature support drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
2.8

Platform-specific support drew criticism from one reviewer because the Switch version lacked a paid upgrade path to Switch 2.

platforming precision
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: platforming precision was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
polish
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.8

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: polish was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 9 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.5

Polish was praised where reviewers found the remake approachable, refined, and modernized.

progression system
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.3

Reviewer evidence is positive: progression system was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 5 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.3

Scrolls and character growth were praised for adding light customization and clearer progression without becoming overly complicated.

protagonist appeal
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: protagonist appeal was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 5 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
3.4

Protagonist appeal was mixed: the lone hero concept intrigued some reviewers, but silent protagonists felt bland to others beside voiced side characters.

puzzle design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.9

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: puzzle design was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 9 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
quest design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.9

Reviewer evidence is positive: quest design was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 4 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
remake/remaster quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
No score yet
Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.8

Remake quality was the clearest strength: reviewers repeatedly called these definitive, transformative, or thoughtful updates to foundational JRPGs.

replay value
Product 1: Crimson Desert
5.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: replay value was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
2.5

Reviewer evidence supports replay value across the listed reviews.

sandbox freedom
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.6

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: sandbox freedom was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 4 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
save system reliability
Product 1: Crimson Desert
1.3

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: save system reliability was consistently framed as a major weakness across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Autosave and expanded save options were repeatedly praised for reducing frustration and supporting portable play.

side character depth
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.0

Reviewer evidence is positive: side character depth was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.5

Side characters were praised for compensating for silent protagonists and making the expanded story feel more emotionally alive.

skill tree depth
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.5

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: skill tree depth was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 7 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
sound design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.0

Reviewer evidence is positive: sound design was generally praised, though some notes were more qualified across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
soundtrack quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
5.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: soundtrack quality was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.6

The orchestral soundtrack was widely praised, though one reviewer found repeated tracks tiring over long play sessions.

stealth mechanics
Product 1: Crimson Desert
1.0

Reviewer evidence is strongly negative: stealth mechanics was consistently framed as a major weakness across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
tutorial quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.2

Reviewer evidence is mixed: tutorial quality drew both praise and caveats across 5 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
upgrade system
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.5

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: upgrade system was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
user interface design
Product 1: Crimson Desert
2.0

Reviewer evidence is negative or mixed: user interface design was often criticized, even where some reviewers found redeeming moments across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.7

Interface changes, shortcut assignments, and UI overhaul were praised for making these old games easier to play.

value for money
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.6

Reviewer evidence is mixed: value for money drew both praise and caveats across 4 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.2

Value was generally positive because two expanded remakes come in one package, though one reviewer wished the price were lower.

visual effects quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.0

Reviewer evidence is mixed: visual effects quality drew both praise and caveats across 1 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
5.0

Visual effects were praised for making attacks and spells feel spectacular while preserving the nostalgic tone.

voice acting
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.7

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: voice acting was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 5 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.7

Voice acting was usually praised for adding emotion and personality, with one reviewer finding the quality uneven but improved.

weapon balance
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.0

Reviewer evidence is mixed: weapon balance drew both praise and caveats across 3 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
No score yet
world-building
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.5

Reviewer evidence is mixed: world-building drew both praise and caveats across 4 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.7

World-building was strengthened by expanded towns, lore links, and details that made Alefgard and the trilogy feel more alive.

world interactivity
Product 1: Crimson Desert
4.8

Reviewer evidence is strongly positive: world interactivity was repeatedly praised as a standout strength across 5 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.5

Mini Medals and hidden interactables were praised for encouraging players to inspect the world more carefully.

writing quality
Product 1: Crimson Desert
3.3

Reviewer evidence is mixed: writing quality drew both praise and caveats across 2 review(s).

Product 2: Dragon Quest I & II...
4.6

Writing and localization were praised for adding character, humor, and series-appropriate flavor to the remakes.