3D Dot Game Heroes super review

Legend of Zelda gets remixed with a sense of humor

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That’s the heart of it, really. Any type player will probably have fun with 3D Dot, but at the very least you’ll need to be familiar with the source material, or else so much of what the game does so well will be completely lost on you. Otherwise, you probably don’t have the time or inclination to play through thousands of hours of ancient games just to understand what’s awesome about this one.


Above: Does this image make you feel nothing? You probably shouldn't buy this game then

If you’ve read this far, however, odds are you knew if this was your type of game just by looking at the first screens, and are extremely happy that this title found a US publisher. If so, this game is perfect for you and you should get it right now, especially considering it launches at the “value” price of $40. (Remember when that was the normal price?) But if you’re a crusty old gamer, , 3D Dot would totally be worth it even without the retro price tag.

Is it better than%26hellip;

? Yeah, but it’s pretty close. RGC was a broader celebration of NES love, but the games included ranged from amazing to repetitive. 3D Dot has a more specific direction, and it hits those beats perfectly.

? Depends on whether you want a Zelda that’s purposely stuck in the past and filled with jokes, or one that plays similarly to the classics, but reflects all the changes gaming has gone through since. Also, if you’re a Zelda fanboy, you’ve probably already finished Spirit Tracks game anyway and are ready for something new/old.

? What? Of course not! It’s hard to beat the original with a copy, but if you’ve played the first one into the ground, or would like to play it again but filled with new twists and surprises, why not buy this instead of downloading it on the Wii and playing it for the 15th time?



Just for you, Metacritic!

Though 3D Dot Game Heroes is a fun game on its own, it’s impossible to divorce it from the games it parodies. Your overall enjoyment will depend on whether you’re in on the joke or not. But if you do “get it,” then it’s the perfect game for the nostalgic fan looking for another taste of their childhood while getting a few good laughs at the same time.

Apr 19, 2010

More info

GenreAction
DescriptionThough 3D Dot Game Heroes is a fun game on its own, it’s basically impossible to divorce it from the source. Your overall enjoyment depends on whether you’re in on the joke or not. But if you do “get it,” then it’s the perfect game for the nostalgic fan looking for another taste of their childhood while getting a few good laughs at the same time.
Platform"PS3"
US censor rating"Everyone 10+"
UK censor rating"7+"
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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Henry Gilbert

Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts.