Dragon Quest VII Reimagined just got more compelling. In an exclusive Game Informer interview with producer Takeshi Ichikawa, Square Enix revealed that the February 5, 2026 remake will feature a completely new ending based on player choices. This isn’t just a quality-of-life remake of the 2000 PlayStation classic. It’s a narrative reimagining where veteran fans who know the original story inside and out will still encounter entirely new content they’ve never experienced before.
A New Conclusion Never Seen Before
“Player choices will get to see a new conclusion that’s never been seen before,” Ichikawa explained to Game Informer. This statement is carefully worded to acknowledge that the remake “follows the narrative of the original story” but diverges into new territory based on how players engage with the game.
This approach respects the original story while adding genuine incentive for returning players to experience the remake. Someone who beat Dragon Quest VII on PlayStation in 2001 or the 3DS remake in 2016 won’t just be retreading familiar ground. They’ll face narrative branches tied to their choices that create a genuinely different conclusion. This is far more ambitious than simply graphically updating an old game.
The Mystery of Player Choices
Ichikawa was deliberately cryptic about what these player choices actually entail. Will certain dialogue options unlock different story paths? Do specific quest completions or character relationships shape the ending? Does the order in which you tackle objectives matter? The mystery remains intentional. Developers clearly want players to discover these branches organically rather than planning their playthrough based on external guides.
This design philosophy mirrors modern narrative-driven RPGs like Fire Emblem: Three Houses or Baldur’s Gate 3, where player agency creates divergent experiences. It’s a significant step forward for Dragon Quest as a franchise, which has historically followed more linear narratives. Adding meaningful choice systems signals that Reimagined isn’t just prettier. It’s fundamentally rethinking how Dragon Quest tells its story.
More Than Just a Narrative Update
The new ending is one of several substantial changes coming to Reimagined. The game features a completely reimagined visual style described as hand-crafted figurines arranged in diorama-like environments. Character designs by legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama have been translated into charming 3D models that feel like collectible toys.
Combat has been streamlined with auto-battle features, overworld encounters with weaker enemies, and a new “Moonlighting” mechanic letting characters adopt secondary vocations. A brand-new Monster Master vocation lets players summon creatures into battle. These changes modernize the original game while preserving its core identity. The 25-year-old PlayStation title is being genuinely reimagined rather than just reskinned.
A Story Described as “Dark and Sorrowful”
Ichikawa previously hinted that Dragon Quest VII’s story is more “dark and sorrowful” than fans might expect from a Dragon Quest game. This teases that Reimagined’s narrative may explore themes and emotional depths that contemporary RPGs demand but classic Dragon Quest games sometimes glossed over. Combined with the branching ending mechanic, this suggests the story might have multiple emotional resolutions depending on how players navigated the darker elements.
The willingness to lean into darkness while maintaining Dragon Quest’s signature charm creates interesting narrative tension. Players will need to care about characters and their fates to make meaningful choices. That emotional engagement makes the multiple endings feel consequential rather than arbitrary.
For Veteran Players and New Audiences Alike
Ichikawa explicitly states: “Even players who have played previous versions of Dragon Quest VII, they’ll still get to have this fresh narrative experience with Reimagined.” This is a deliberate design goal. The developers understand their audience includes people who’ve invested hundreds of hours in the original. Rather than alienating them with “just a port,” Reimagined gives them genuine reasons to return.
Simultaneously, the hand-crafted aesthetic and streamlined gameplay make Reimagined accessible to players who never experienced the original. The charming figurine-style visuals appeal to modern gaming sensibilities without sacrificing the original’s identity. Newcomers will encounter a complete, polished JRPG experience rather than feeling like they’re playing an outdated PS1 game.
Multi-Platform Launch February 5, 2026
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches simultaneously on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on February 5, 2026. The multi-platform approach ensures the game reaches the widest possible audience. Whether you prefer portability, console power, or PC flexibility, you’ll be able to experience the new ending.
Pre-orders are live now with special in-game cosmetics including a costume for the Hero and helpful starting items. A Collector’s Edition is also confirmed with physical merchandise and DLC content, though details remain forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Dragon Quest VII Reimagined release?
February 5, 2026 on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
What’s new about the ending?
The remake features a brand-new conclusion that’s never appeared in any previous version. Player choices determine which ending you experience.
Is this just a graphics update?
No, it’s a comprehensive remake with streamlined gameplay, new combat mechanics like Moonlighting and Monster Master vocation, modernized battle systems, and a revised narrative with branching paths.
What’s the Moonlighting mechanic?
Characters can now adopt secondary vocations alongside their primary job, giving them access to abilities and spells from both vocations. This expands tactical options in battle.
Is there a Monster Master vocation?
Yes, a brand-new vocation exclusive to Reimagined that lets characters summon monsters into battle for additional tactical flexibility.
Can I play Dragon Quest VII Reimagined on Steam Deck?
The PC version will be available on Steam, making it compatible with Steam Deck, though official Deck Verified status hasn’t been announced yet.
Is this a prequel or sequel?
It’s a remake of Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, the original 2000 PlayStation game. It retells that story with modern updates.
Do I need to play other Dragon Quest games first?
Dragon Quest games are largely standalone. You can jump into Reimagined without playing previous entries.
What are the visual changes?
Characters are reimagined in a hand-crafted 3D style reminiscent of miniature collectible figurines. Environments are presented in a diorama-like aesthetic that’s completely different from the PS1 original.
Conclusion
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined’s new branching ending is exactly the kind of design philosophy that separates thoughtful remakes from cynical cash-grabs. By committing to a narrative structure where player choices create genuinely new content, Square Enix gives veteran fans legitimate reasons to revisit a game they love while welcoming newcomers into a modernized, beautifully presented experience. The hand-crafted diorama aesthetic combined with streamlined gameplay and a darker, more emotionally resonant story suggests Reimagined isn’t just remaking a classic. It’s reimagining what Dragon Quest can be for a contemporary audience. For February 5, 2026, JRPG fans should mark their calendars.