3D Dot Game Heroes

[MinisterofDOOM]

It's finally here. And every bit as awesome as I hoped.

It's basically a modern take on classic Zelda games, with a lot of other classic NES adventure/RPG games thrown in the mix for good measure. The game is dripping with satirical references to all the classics from that era.
Even the manual is full of laughs, and the background story is full of double-meaning.

Despite being retro-ish in its blockiness, the game's visuals are actually pretty impressive. Dungeon floors are often brilliantly reflective, water looks fantastic, lighting effects are employed resourcefully...

It plays basically like any old 2D Zelda. You have a sword and a shield, and can upgrade both. You have a block button, a sword button, and an item/magic button. Just like Zelda titles, you gain new items as you go along, like the boomerang and the Hooksh--er Wire Rod, bombs, bow, and others. You also learn spells.
When you have full health, your sword becomes simply MASSIVE (several times the size of your character even with low end swords). And rather than Link's classic charge-and-spin whirling attack, you can hold the sword button down and rotate the left analog stick, sweeping the blade around and leaving a swath of destruction in its path.

One of the neatest things about the game is that it allows you to create (block-by-block) and animate (frame-by-frame) your own character model. The game comes with a LOT, some of them hilariously out of place, like a car and a shark (which is represented by only the cliche fin breaking the surface, complete with water spray).
I actually think this might be the part of the game I'll have the most fun with. I spent a while today making a Vortigaunt model and while it still needs some refinement, it's definitely recognizable and looks awesome in gameplay. I'll probably make Samus (probably start with the Gravity suit, maybe do a Light Suit) and Kirby models next. I'll have to try some more bizarre ones, too, like the Enterprise or a giant computer mouse.

It is possible to share custom character models, but sadly not in-game. You need to use a USB disk to copy the files to your PC where you'll want to keep the auto-copied folder structure intact. Anyone who puts that folder on a USB disk will be able to copy it to their PS3 for use in the game.
I'm really hoping they'll patch in some sort of community sharing support in the future, though.

The game has a screenshot tool, but I completely forgot about because I was having so much fun. I'll try and remember to get some good shots tomorrow.

[Ar878]

just watched some youtube videos of gameplay and i'd definitely like to play it.
too bad i no has PS3

[MinisterofDOOM]

I made a Samus model today. Wearing the Gravity Suit. I'm really, really happy with how it turned out.
She attacks by firing her Power Beam, or by dropping into Morph Ball form. Once again, I forgot to snag screenshots. I'll definitely get some of both the Vort and Samus over the weekend.

If anyone has this game and wants to play around with either of the models, I can send them to you via email. Both of them together are less than half a meg.

Here are the thumbnails from the save files for both, although the head-on POV kills a lot of the 3D detail.


I also did a giant computer mouse that left- or right-clicks for attacks, but it doesn't look that great.
I think the next model I'll do will be an AT-AT.

[RCA]

You can DL other people's models as well. I am sure there is some one out there that has a perfect model for anything you can think of.

Saw the review for this game on a YouTube channel I subscribe to. I have to say the idea is SOO freaking awesome! It looks very well executed to boot. Only issues were perspective issues with long gaming sessions. Apparently it hurts the eyes because this is the first game to present the 2D-3D perspective.

Any thoughts on this?

[MinisterofDOOM]

There are four camera angle options. Two are close-in, two are overhead. The closer views overuse DOF (like most games these days ). The overhead views use it less. I stick with the highest (and, coincidentally, least DOF) view, and don't have any issues with eyestrain. There is a problem with the lower right and left corners of areas being cut off no matter which camera setting you use, though. Nothing important ever happens in them for this reason, but it's still distracting.

[RCA]

Buy or not to buy?

On a scale of 1 - 10. 10 being a must buy, where does 3D Dot Game Heros land?

[ProudNissanFreak]

I'd say probably a 7. Seems like a good way to kill time and it looks pretty fun too.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Buy or not to buy?

On a scale of 1 - 10. 10 being a must buy, where does 3D Dot Game Heros land?

That depends on whether you grew up playing Zelda or not.

I give it a 9.

It's also worth noting that it's only $40, not the usual $60.

[ProudNissanFreak]

Can you not also download from the PSN store?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Nope. Disc only.

[ProudNissanFreak]

Hmm, alright. I might pick this up tomorrow if I decide against a new phone or inFamous. Best Buy give card ftw lol

[RCA]

That depends on whether you grew up playing Zelda or not.
I give it a 9.
It's also worth noting that it's only $40, not the usual $60.

I didn't grow up on Zelda but I played a few Zelda titles and loved them (especially the DS Zelda) A while back I fell in love with Chrono Trigger on my NES simulator so maybe I would enjoy it. But $40...

My money goes VERY far when I buy games. I own MW2 ($60) and that is the only game I play on the PS3 or Xbox. I spent $35 on NCAA Football 2009 and that is the only title I play outside of MW2 for the PS3. In fact I only play MW2 currently for my Xbox.

My game library is MW2(Xbox/PS3) and NCAA Football 09(PS3), so $40 for a game that seems cool isn't something worth investing in.
$20 is probably the most I would shell out for a novelty game.

[MinisterofDOOM]

It's not a novelty game. It just has a sense of humor.

[RCA]

Well when I mean novelty game, I mean game that won't make my current lineup. God Of War 3 to me is considered a novelty game. I play the story mode and then, it collects dust. I am probably using novelty wrong...

[takethewall]

I love it. It's got a great sense of humor about itself.

I'm gonna go play it now.