3d Dot Game Heroes was made by Atlus for a certain type of gamer. This gamer, much like myself, remembers long hours spent in their bedroom or living room playing the original Zelda on the NES. Wondering if there was a story, or if they cared as you hacked through pixelated monsters, and navigated dungeons, wondering how you ever lived before video games.

Every moment spent playing this game is a delight. Creating your own 3d character is brought down to a simplistic level, and is only as complicated as you make it. 20 minutes in I had a Mooninite looking creation with a few combat and walking poses and was ready to start the game. As it begins you are shocked to have your hero awakened at the Inn, the king has requested your presence(surprise). Walking through the world I soon realized that Atlus spent most of their time copying the original Zelda, and a minimal amount of time creating their own world or characters. The only real changes are your giant sword, the comical people placed through-out the world, and the 3-Dimensional Landscape that you navigate. The zones remained basically the same and they simply built different maps in them, as well as added a few new baddies like the evil 3d bunnies.

The sound design in this game is a touch of genius, recreating a classic midi feel, they still allow you to hear the full frequency range of your speaker system, and even mix the game in surround sound. While swinging your giant sword it actually moves through the sound field based on the map. Attacking something in the bottom left sent sound to my rear-left channel, and so on. The bass created by the pushing and sliding of objects made my floors shake, while still giving me that classic NES soundscape that we all first fell in love with.

If I have any gripes, its that the map system for the game is still very closely related to the original Zelda, which sadly means, little direction, and a small amount of guidance. Luckily, you’re so overwhelmed with nostalgia while playing the game you barely notice when you’re lost.

3D Dot is a great addition to any gamers collection. I don’t think Atlus was trying to at all insult nintendo by parodying their game. Rather, I feel they were giving a giant hat-tip to the team that started the genre that dragged most of us into the gaming world. At a scant 39.99 this game is worth a pick up if only to have in your library.

Loved:

• Beautiful soundscape reminiscent of classic NES titles, with modern day mixing techniques.
• The consistent amount of humor put into the game
• The simple character design system, as well as large amount of pre-made sprites

Hated:

• The controls feel a bit sloppy at times, and make technical fights (Giant Bee Boss) a bit more challenging than it needs to be.

Score:

• Graphics – 9
• Sound – 10
• Replay – 6
• Controls – 7
• Overall – 8