3D Dot Game Heroes review – a classic of a classic you won’t forget


Many iconic games go through stages of being copied. From your GTA sandbox, God of War precision button tapping and so on. This game at first glance would seem that way as well. However it would be unfair to call it a copy when its a great deal more then that. Simply take an iconic game almost 2 decades old, age it, mix it in with a heap of nostalgia and you got yourself 3D Dot Game Heroes. From Software does a great job of making you feel like a kid again, in more ways then one…

The premise of the game is simply. Legendary hero once vanquished the world of a massive threat, years later the threat arises once more and a new hero needs to prove himself to save the world all over again. Seven dungeons are the key to making this happen, each with a new power and a way to advance within the world. The world was also once 2D but since they had seen a decline in tourism, the king decided to make it all 3D. Bits of comedy are added everywhere, referencing different games and the town folks over adjustments to a 3D environment (yes they actually refer to it).

The game features an assortment of equipment that will be at your disposal as you progress through the game. Classic weapons like a boomerang, shield, hookshot are all too familiar. Modern appeal definitely influences plenty of what goes on in the game though. From its overall humor which is very charming, people complain about their lives and trying to live in 3D. A character creator is also here and is very in-depth. Players can pretty much create anything/one they want, in a blocky 2d to 3d sense. These characters can also be switched at any time when you load the game, giving you a fresh experience when exploring.


The style is one of the games best features. It takes classic gaming and makes it feel retro but new all at the same time. Great polish and water that can have you lose track of time with its gaze. The sound is some of my favorite I’ve heard in quite some time. You will easily be drawn back to some good times playing classic rpgs on the NES and SNES. Everything was well thought out, enemies break apart as blocks when killed, sound and music brings the experience to life.

Now if your still with me on how much a game like this brings back memories, well remember how frustrating it was to beat a certain level? It brings that in as well. Sometimes the game can get rather difficult and has a hard time of explaining what your next objective is. In two separate occasions it had taken us some time to realize who we had to speak to when they gave us no clear indication before hand. Music could use more variety, enemies can get over baring and everyone just simply wants your money. The difference between playing Zelda when you were younger and playing this now, is that you’d cry but keep playing, but now a game like this would lose some of its appeal. These are little flaws to deal with and don’t really take away from it.

3D Dot Game Heroes truly pays homage to one of the greatest games of all time and plenty more. Load screens that take box art from classic rpgs, retrofitted music, quarks, charms, style like no other and moments when you’ll want to pull your hair out are all here like you once remembered it. I’m surprised that more games aren’t like this because developers could definitely learn a thing or two on how to pay tribute to oldschool.

[starreviewmulti id=2 tpl=20]
Overall=8.0

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  • Remy Cuesta

    [Editor-in-Chief] Co-founder of LVLONE I work to bring you our readers a fun outlet to read tech and gaming news, reviews and experiences.

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Remy Cuesta
Remy Cuesta
[Editor-in-Chief] Co-founder of LVLONE I work to bring you our readers a fun outlet to read tech and gaming news, reviews and experiences.

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