Class of Heroes 3 Remaster (PS5) | REVIEW | School Is Back In Session! Are You Up For The Challenge???

Class of Heroes 3 Remaster was developed by Acquire Corp. and Zerodiv, with PQube handling the publishing duties. This remaster brings the original 2010 PSP title to modern platforms like PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch for the first time in the West after a lengthy 15-year gap. It includes updated visuals with higher resolution support, a refined user interface for smoother navigation, enhanced audio quality, and expanded content such as larger dungeons and additional character customization options to appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.

The plot revolves around a fantastical academy setting where aspiring adventurers enroll in one of three specialized schools, each with its own training philosophy aimed at forging the next generation of heroes. As a player, you take on the role of a student leader, assembling and guiding a team through perilous quests that blend school life with dungeon exploration. There's no single predefined main character. Instead, you create and develop your party members, who grow through experiences and interactions. This entry stands as the third in the Class of Heroes series, building on the foundations of the first two games by introducing new schools and deeper party dynamics, though it remains largely standalone with subtle nods and cameos to prior installments for series veterans.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay centers on classic first-person dungeon crawling with a heavy emphasis on party management and strategic progression. You start by enrolling in a school, which influences your available classes and abilities, then build a team of up to six characters from various races like humans, elves, or dwarves, each paired with classes such as warriors, mages, or thieves. 

Exploration involves navigating grid-based labyrinths filled with traps, treasures, and random encounters, where resource management including things like monitoring health, mana, and inventory is key to survival. The battle system is turn-based and tactical, pitting your front and back rows against enemy groups as you issue commands for each party member to attack with weapons, cast spells for damage or support, use class-specific skills like buffs or debuffs, or defend to mitigate incoming threats. Combat demands careful positioning, as ranged attacks favor the backline while melee thrives upfront, and enemies can exploit weaknesses if you're not prepared. 

Outside of dungeons, the menu system offers a hub-like interface at the academy, where you can access shops for gear upgrades, alchemy for item crafting, training facilities to reclass or level up stats, and quest boards to accept missions that advance the story or provide side challenges. Features like affinity systems between characters add depth, encouraging experimentation with hundreds of race-class combinations, weapon types, and armor sets to optimize your party's synergy and overcome increasingly tough foes.

The Presentation ...

In terms of presentation, the remaster polishes the original's assets with crisper textures and improved lighting, making the 3D dungeons feel more immersive on larger screens, though the overall aesthetic retains a retro charm that might come across as dated compared to contemporary titles. Visuals feature colorful character portraits and monster designs with a whimsical, anime-inspired style, but dungeon environments can feel repetitive with their blocky layouts. 

The soundtrack stands out with upbeat, orchestral tracks that energize battles and exploration, complemented by ambient school tunes that enhance the lighthearted academy vibe. Voice-overs are fully implemented in Japanese, delivering expressive dialogue during key scenes and cutscenes, which adds personality to the characters despite the lack of English dubbing options.

The Verdict ...

Ultimately, Class of Heroes 3 Remaster delivers a solid but unforgiving experience that's around 25-40 hours long for a main playthrough, depending on how much grinding you invest in side quests and party optimization though completionists could easily double that with post-game content. As a remaster, it succeeds in preserving the essence of the original while modernizing accessibility, but it doesn't overhaul the core design enough to mask its age-old grind and steep difficulty curve, which can lead to frustration for those unprepared for frequent party wipes. It's a faithful revival that shines in its depth but falls short in innovation.

This game would best appeal to enthusiasts of old-school dungeon RPGs who enjoy meticulous character building, tactical combat, and endless customization, much like fans of classics such as Wizardry or Etrian Odyssey. If you're new to the genre or prefer more streamlined narratives, it might feel overwhelming, but for dedicated grinders seeking a nostalgic challenge, it's a worthwhile enrollment.