Best for art direction
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
5.0 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.
Best Square Enix Video Games for art direction
art direction Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
4.3 attribute score
Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko's Mystery Dungeon
9 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this attribute.
Best overall product
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this attribute.
Art direction receives high praise for maximalist world creation and imaginative modern design.
Pros: combat system, content variety
Cons: pacing, movement feel
The HD-2D art direction was strongly praised for respecting old JRPG roots while making the worlds feel striking and modern.
Pros: remake/remaster quality, combat system
Cons: difficulty balance, grind level
The HD-2D presentation remains a major attraction, with dramatic lighting, sprite work, and a diorama-like visual style that several reviewers regard as one of the series' defining strengths.
Pros: narrative quality, combat system
Cons: pacing, side character depth
The warm autumn palette and lightly painterly presentation preserve the series’ distinctive visual identity while giving Caledon an inviting, bittersweet look.
Pros: emotional impact, choice impact
Cons: narrative quality, bug frequency
Art direction was generally praised for preserving the original identity while sharpening the presentation rather than replacing it.
Pros: remake/remaster quality, voice acting
Cons: content variety, camera behavior
The handcrafted diorama and doll aesthetic is one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly described as gorgeous, charming, and distinctive. A minority found the puppet-like proportions awkward.
Pros: combat system, accessibility options
Cons: pacing, difficulty balance
The Dragon Quest character and monster art remains a major source of charm, but opinions on the HD-2D-style treatment split sharply. Some call it gorgeous and delightful, while others find...
Pros: graphics quality, core gameplay loop
Cons: difficulty balance, remake/remaster quality