Shared on Famitsu (via Gematsu), Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake will feature "several new scenes" that will focus on Ortega, who is the protagonist's father. Ortega is a hero in his own right and the one who attempted to slay the archfiend Baramos before your character. The intro of the NES and Game Boy versions of the game show Ortega's battle atop a volcano, where he meets his end.
While Ortega does appear a few times during the original version of the game, including a boss fight (where he's not playable) the HD-2D Remake will be peppered with 'Episodes' which will show more of Ortega's original journey. There will also be "new, formidable foes" added to the game throughout — not just in the Episodes — which will add to the game's challenge.
Jipang is the Japanese-inspired island nation where rice paddy fields and cherry blossoms cover the land. The island is ruled by the Wise Queen Pimiko, who has strange powers and is a focus of the story when you arrive here.
The last nation reintroduced is Ibis, a desert kingdom with ancient structures and buildings potentially housing secrets and treasure. The kingdom has a single water source and prides itself on its history.
New story segments are just one new aspect coming to the game. Square Enix seems to be teasing a brand new job for the game, though hasn't officially announced it yet. There's also voice acting, new collectibles and materials you can pick up on the world map, and probably even more we don't know about.