Honestly it annoys me that when people asks for a remake they are complaining if it's too "1:1" to the original yet when they try something more original people are complaining about that as well.
I think the same will happen with the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.
I'm of two minds when it comes to faithful/experimental remakes.
If the original game isn't available on modern platforms in any capacity, then a 1:1 remake isn't such a bad thing. Because even though a remake (especially these days) will still be different no matter what, at least they're getting to experience the game in some capacity. Perfect example: Live A Live. The HD2D remake is pretty 1:1 with the original, yet, it's still not the same. It's close enough though, so despite the original not being available through (official) means, the remake suffices.
Then with experimental remakes like DQ1HD2D and FFVII Remake/Rebirth. Their source games have been ported to everything you can imagine. Therefore, acting as a reimagining of the original isn't the end of the world, because if you don't like the direction those games go in, you can just... replay the original. I know the sentiment stems from wanting the game to be
exactly how you remember it, just with new visuals, but we can't always have our cake and eat it too. Besides, the originals will always be there, be they through official means, or others who want to preserve them through unofficial means.
I will confess though, I was shocked, and slightly disappointed when I found out DQVII Reimagined was cutting islands from the original. Usually when a remake is announced you figure it'll be the "definitive" version of the game, and removing content isn't exactly what I'd call definitive. And to be fair it
does say it's a reimagining, so it makes sense that it won't be entirely the same as the previous versions. The new Kiefer stuff further drives that idea home. DQ remakes are a bit of an interesting case because Horii is still actively involved in developing the games, so if he considers the remakes the definitive experience, then they are.
