3D Dot Game Heroes is From Software’s journey into Zelda the old school of gaming with a 3D twist. A kick ass tribute to Zelda and other kickass adventure games of old, this PS3 exclusive might not excel in originality for the most part, but if you are playing this you are here for the nostalgia, not innovation. The game comes fit with very familiar game mechanics. Everything from the dungeons, quests, interface, inventory, music and controller layout will seem recognizable. However, for most of us it’s been a long time and these are all welcome things. The game never feels dull for a minute and it’s certainly not tiring going through dungeons on your quest to obtain the six orbs.
The visuals and music are a nice touch too. Maybe I’m a sucker for stylized games but I really dig the “pixelated” look in 3D. The music itself is another tribute going along with the theme of the game (the overworld seeming a bit too much like Zelda) but I don’t think I’d have it any other way. It’s more than suitable for what you are playing.
Any complaints about the game are typically minor, usually directed at the lack of originality, however the game more than makes up for it, not only by being fun and nostalgic, but by adding other offerings to enhance the experience. For instance, you can play as a goddamn robot if you want. The game features a pretty kickass character creation system allowing you to make and animate whatever the hell you want. Personally I went with Travis Touchdown of No More Heroes fame as well as everyone’s favorite Pokemon, Missingno seen below:
(Travis 3D, The real Travis, and some guy who wants to be Travis)
He's real!
The game even comes prepackaged with a ton of hilarious player models ranging from the hero on the cover to Santa Claus to the fairly obscure Metal Wolf Chaos President.
The internet is full of other fantastic player made creations ranging from Final Fantasy characters to dongs of all shapes and sizes. We at GNSU however, will leave you discover those on your own.
Aside from the badass editor is a fairly awesome sense of humor. The game is very self aware and doesn’t take itself seriously for a second. It takes every opportunity to make fun of itself, its inspiration and games of all kinds. There a ton of hidden little references from the very obvious Zelda jokes to jabs at another From Software game, “Demon’s Souls”.
Even with the entertaining dialogue and hilarious possibility for your own hero, don’t take the game too lightly. The dungeons get progressively more challenging and even the side quests can be a bit of a pain.
Our own Brian Frobel had a hell of a time completing the “Dash Circuit” seen here:
I personally suggested he try using the web game QWOP for training but he said that all that did was infuriate him. And that it didn’t even help. What a jerk!
In any event if you were on the fence about this one, let me mention that it’s got a pretty fairly priced $36 on Amazon – so in a world of most new games dropping at $60 what the hell are you waiting for? The game is a ton of fun, a great throwback to games of old and there’s very little to complain about here.
By the way, if you wanted to try your hand at playing as Missingno or Travis you can grab either of them here – I’ve got them ready for download. Just copy them onto your PS3 and get going!
Download Travis Touchdown and Missingno for 3D Dot Game Heroes:
