3D Dot Game Heroes is a game that, given the cruel nature of the universe, shouldn’t have been made. Thankfully, though, the folks at FROM software and Atlus Games shake their fist at the status quo, and have brought us yet another gem.
In 3D Dot Game Heroes you emerge in the kingdom of Dotnia, a fascinating place that has just made the transition from 2D to 3D. It is a land in peril, however, for an ancient evil (once imprisoned by half a dozen sages and orbs) is about to be unleashed by the Nefarious Bad Guy™. To top if off, the Princess is missing (shocking) and only you, the potential Hero of Dotnia® can save her!
3D Dot Game Heroes is the spiritual successor/homage machine that churns out 8-bit/16-bit nostalgia by the boatload. To say that it’s referential to the original Zelda games from Nintendo is to do a disservice to the world “reference”. Everything from the music to the gameplay, to the dead-cheeky approach to the plot is spot on; if you’ve been looking for a link to your past, you’ve found it.
The gameplay takes place in an isometric view of a 2D world that has been thrust into 3D. It works, remarkably well (you can adjust the camera should you wish), with a faux tilt-shift technique applied to what you see, giving everything a miniature model look.
You’ll hack and slash your way through dungeons, pick up pieces of “heart”, get weapons that will help you destroy bosses and solve puzzles, and generally Zeld-clone it up.
Let’s be clear: This is a good thing.
Graphics
The graphics are a hoot; the fact that you can create your own characters using the dot-editor is brilliant. Atlus’ Hall of Heroes already has hundreds of characters for you to download. You can adjust the focus and the colour vibrancy of the game, but just leave it as is for an “authentic experience. The graphics are great – a real breakthrough on the creativity front.
The Tenth Doctor, with Sonic Screwdriver!
Download the 10th Doctor for 3D Dot Game Heroes
Sound
Authentic is again the word, with the chiptune soundtrack and 8-bit audio delivering an awesome experience. It is positional, which is incredibly odd, but I love it so. It’s hard to say anything negative about stylized audio; if you have any history with gaming whatsoever you’ll love it.
Gameplay
I’ve read some reviews that state that the gameplay gets old. In my opinion, it doesn’t. I didn’t marathon the game (though you can, with a little tenacity) because, as a kid, I always played Zelda in shifts. I’d recommend doing the same thing here, play a dungeon and then stop to go do something else. There’s enough replayability here to keep you going for quite a long time.
The “natural sword enhancement” mechanic is more funny than anything; having a sword that can kill any… well, EVERYthing from across the screen is humourous and fits right in with the game’s tone. If it’s not for you, take a bit of damage and fight on as normal.
3D Dot Game Heroes isn’t hard, but it can be challenging. I’d say the most apt term is fun, it’s a game that won’t have you tossing your controller in anger when you lose, you’ll just pick yourself up and get back to it.
Conclusion
FROM Software and Atlus return us to the days of 2D gaming with this charming pseudo 3D remake. While companies like Nintendo feel reticent to look to their heritage (Metroid Other M notwithstanding) it’s a relief to see that there are those out there who are willing to take up that mantle and help us, as gamers, cherish and recapture our misspent youth.
The bargain price that 3D Dot Game Heroes carries is one of the sweetest parts of the deal. You get a whole lot of game for a very little price, and it’s big on fun – so stop thinking two dimensionally and go save Dotnia!
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