Review: 3D Dot Game Heroes
Game: 3D Dot Game Heroes
Format: PS3
Developer: Silicon Studio
Publisher: SouthPeak Games
3D Dot Game Heroes came out of nowhere for the vast majority of us here at The Newb Review. You may remember a preview of the game some time ago by our very own JoeFeesh, this preview garnered some intrigue for some of us, and certainly got the rest of us down right excited about the release of this title.
The premise of the game is perhaps the most intriguing thing about it. It is set in a land called Dotnia Kingdom, where peace was upheld by six magical orbs. An evil being attacked the land, a hero rose up and defeated the monster with the help of a sacred sword.
So far, so Zelda, but this is where it gets really interesting. The tale of the heroes exploits brought visitors from far and wide, but when the numbers of these visitors start to dwindle, King Dotnia decides to make this 2D land become 3D. Thus the pixelated graphic style is born and a new hero rises up to seek out the now stolen six magical orbs.
Welcome to Dotnia Kingdom, in all it's blocky glory
Essentially then, 3D Dot Game Heroes is a 2D Zelda-style game, pushed forward into the 3D era. All the charm of the original adventure titles remains in tact and sly nods here and there to the fact that this is essentially an old Zelda game make for a suitably post-modern slant on the genre.
This is a game that knows very well what it is and exploits it to the max. You’ll find the typical bow and arrow and grappling hook that have largely become the staple diet of the genre as well as a satisfying hack ‘n’ slash sword fighting mechanic.
To modify the genre even more and play up to the fact that the entire world is made up of tiny lego-like blocks, the game allows you to upgrade your sword by making it longer and wider. There are various swords to be gained throughout the adventure and each has a varying amount of potential, which dictates the extent to which the sword can be upgraded.
The hero was definitely compensating for something with the size of his sword...
The ability to make your own hero is a nice touch. Here you are given a rectangular frame in which to place coloured cubes to create any hero you desire. However, I found it difficult to create anything decent looking and found that the multitude of standard heroes was more than enough for my tastes. Also, creating your own hero only differs the games aesthetics and has no real impact on gameplay. Having said that, having a shark fin or Santa Clause run around the screen is a hoot and doesn’t really get old.
The camera presents an isometric view that feels very much like a handheld or old-school adventure game, blown up onto the big screen. There is a surprising amount of detail and variation found with the characters as well as enemies throughout the adventure. Anyone that has disliked the trend of recent RPGs, such as Final Fantasy XII, where there isn’t a town to be found, will be happy to know that towns are not only present in 3D Dot Game Heroes, but vibrant and accessible. Whilst there’s as little to do within these towns as any other RPG; short of upgrading weapons and buying armour, there are townsfolk to interact with should you be so inclined.
Towns! Well... Town.
The music begins as a nostalgic throwback to yesteryear; however the lack of variation and unrelenting high pitch of the soundtrack is generally unpleasant. In-game characters are also entirely text based, so there aren’t even any voices to break up the kitschy track. Essentially then, you’re really only left with an assault on the ear drums that is best turned off to ensure your enjoyment lasts more than ten minutes. I’d suggest putting on Absolute 80s on the radio to enhance the nostalgia the game conjures.
With the music turned down to minimum within the options menu, the remaining sound effects are a lot more palatable and further the wistful feel of the game suitably.
Lose a bit of health and your sword diminishes massively.
The main problem with the game is that, as charming as it is in the beginning, there are a few frustrating moments where it’s unclear what you have to do. These sections, though few and far between, will have you reaching for your laptop and pointing your generic internet browser towards GameFAQs.com rather than persevering to figure it out yourself. At worst, the frustration may even cause you to turn it off altogether.
3D Dot Game Heroes really is a delight if you can get past the irritating music and creates an engaging and entertaining Zelda replacement if you’re sick of all this modern hi-res nonsense. Suitable for both adults and children, I can whole heartedly recommend you give it a try.
Review Round Up
Graphics: 4/5 The block style is a neat idea that is suitably followed through. Perhaps a little jarring at first, you soon get used to the visual style. Play this enough and you may even begin to see the world as a collection of blocks…
Sound: 2/5 The music is criminally kitsch and immensely irritating after the first five minutes. Switch this off in the options though and the remaining sounds are solid enough.
Story: 3/5 This is ripped straight from the Zelda handbook of how to write narrative, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Gameplay: 4/5 The old school mechanics will make you remember a more innocent time in gaming. However, losing health causes your sword to diminish immediately and may well mean you avoid battles as much as possible.
Longevity: 4/5 At around 20 hours this presents a sizeable adventure for the price. However, there isn’t anything to get you coming back for more, save for a few trophies.
Overall: 3.5 Magical orbs out of 5: This is a great start to what could become an excellent new franchise. The “Game Heroes” in the title suggests possible spin offs… Perhaps a 3D Dot Racers? This reviewer will be watching with great interest.
- Tom Wallis
[starreview tpl=16]
£24.93 @ The Hut
£24.95 @ Zavvi
£26.89 @ Send it
Give it to me. I want it.
I want to see what characters I can make!
I got excited about this game too, the huge swords really turned me on…..But its disappointed me.wont be buying it.
!