Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (PS5) Review- A Slow, Expansive RPG Journey
Platform: PlayStation 5
Played over: 2 months
Playstyle: Gentle / Casual /Fun
Mana Rating:
8/10 ~💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (PS5) Review – A Slow, Expansive RPG Journey
Few RPGs embrace slow, deliberate storytelling quite like Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past.
Now reimagined for modern platforms, including PS5, this classic entry in the series offers a long-form adventure built around exploration, time travel, and gradual progression.
But does that slower pace still hold up today?
First Impressions
From the very beginning, Dragon Quest VII feels different from modern RPGs.
There’s no rush. No overwhelming systems thrown at you immediately. Instead, the game takes its time introducing its world piece by piece.
This approach won’t appeal to everyone, but for players who enjoy slower, more mindful RPG experiences, it fits perfectly.
What Works Well:
Character Design & Party Progression
The cast is one of the highlights.
Each character feels distinct, both visually and in personality, and they come together as a genuinely enjoyable group to spend time with.
A particularly strong feature is how characters level up even when they’re not in the active party. This removes the usual frustration of rotating party members and keeps progression feeling smooth.
Vocations System
The vocation system adds depth and flexibility.
Being able to equip two vocations at once allows for interesting combinations and experimentation. It gives the game a layer of strategy without overwhelming the player.
Exploration & Rewards
Exploration is consistently rewarding.
From mini medals to the matching card mini-game, there are always small incentives to explore thoroughly. These systems give purpose to wandering the world and make each discovery feel worthwhile.
Story & Structure
The story is built around travelling between the past and present, restoring islands through fragments.
This structure works incredibly well, as each island feels like its own contained story while contributing to a larger narrative.
There are also some memorable story moments, including:
- a surprising early departure of a key party member
- the feeling that the story is ending… only for it to continue with a twist
These elements help keep the long journey engaging.
Relaxed Gameplay Systems
Several features make the game feel especially relaxed:
- Auto-battle allows you to move through encounters quickly
- Over-levelled players can defeat enemies instantly on the map
- Turn-based combat gives you time to think rather than react
Together, these systems create a very low-pressure experience.
Equipment & Visual Detail
The equipment system is another highlight.
There’s a wide variety of weapons and armour, and a particularly nice touch is that equipment visibly changes your character’s appearance.
Seeing shields and weapons displayed rather than default models adds to the immersion.
Art Style & Atmosphere
Visually, the game fits perfectly with the ManaMode aesthetic.
The colourful, warm art style and charming environments make it a pleasure to explore. Every town feels distinct, and the overall tone supports a slower, more reflective style of play.
Where It Falls Short
Combat Difficulty
Combat is undeniably easy.
While this works well for a relaxing experience, it may disappoint players looking for a challenge. Bosses can often be defeated quickly, even without grinding.
Lack of Challenge in Boss Battles
Closely related to difficulty, boss fights rarely feel demanding.
For some players, this reduces the sense of accomplishment that usually comes from overcoming major encounters.
Pacing Issues in the Story
Although the structure is interesting, the pacing can be inconsistent.
Some story segments feel overly long, and there were moments where engagement dropped slightly due to extended dialogue or slower progression.
Party Limitations
Like many RPGs, the game limits you to four active characters in battle.
While standard for the genre, it would have been interesting to see a more flexible system, especially given the larger cast.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is not a game that tries to keep up with modern trends.
Instead, it stays true to a slower, more deliberate style of RPG design.
For players who enjoy:
- thoughtful exploration
- relaxed turn-based combat
- long, evolving stories
this is a deeply rewarding experience.
However, those looking for challenge or fast-paced gameplay may find it too easy and occasionally slow.
Ultimately, Dragon Quest VII is best enjoyed when approached with patience — as a long journey rather than a race to the ending.
ManaMode Score
8 / 10 — Polished Crystal 💎
A strong and relaxing RPG with excellent systems and atmosphere, held back slightly by low difficulty and pacing issues.
Who This Game Is For
✔ Players who enjoy slow RPGs
✔ Fans of classic JRPG structure
✔ Those looking for a relaxing, low-pressure game
Not ideal for:
✖ Players seeking challenging combat
✖ Fast-paced or action-heavy gameplay fans
Session Reflection
This is a game that fits perfectly with the idea of mindful play.
It doesn’t demand urgency. It encourages you to take your time, explore, and enjoy each part of the journey.
And in a gaming landscape that often prioritises speed, that slower rhythm feels refreshing.