3D Dot Game Heroes: Divided by the Generations

AveryZoe

June 3, 2010

Whether they thought it was a fitting homage to a classic game or a blatant rip-off of one of Nintendo's classics, 3D Dot Game Heroes definitely had people talking at its release. Now that everyone has gotten over the release-day bliss and had time to actually really play the game, how is it holding up? Were excited retro fans ultimately disappointed? Were skeptical young gamers introduced to the greatness of a true classic?

3DDotGameHeroesSide2 (13K) 3D Dot Gamer Heroes was definitely a polarizing game when it came out, and it still is. What seems most likely to divide those who love it from those who hate it is simple: age. For those of us who grew up playing the original games, this could not be any sweeter. It is the beloved game from our childhood, which arguably did not need any changing to make it a great game. And they really didn't change any of the important features that made Legend of Zelda such a great game. By holding true to the original while adding great features like choice in characters, customization, killer graphics, and mini games, the developers have really hit the nail on the head for 30-something gamers who loved Zelda then and still love it now.

That being said, younger gamers seem to have some trouble getting into the game. They may find the controls too simple, or the story not complex enough, or just be bothered by the lack of fast-paced gaming that many of us have become used to. That isn't a bad thing--just a difference in gaming styles. This truly isn't meant to be a game for everybody. Some have even suggested that those who want an old-school Zelda fix should just pop the original in and play it all over again. For many, this isn't reasonable because a lot of gamers have not had their old-school consoles for years. But it goes beyond convenience. This is a chance to relive the old days of Zelda without just replaying the same game. 3D Dot Game Heroes IS Legend of Zelda, but it also isn't Legend of Zelda. It's a new game, and you don't already know how to get all of the little bonus items, or the tricks to defeating the bosses, or even the cheesey things that each of the townspeople will say. All of that is still a surprise, and makes the gameplay that much more interesting.

For gamers who want that retro fix, and yet at the same time want a new game with all the pros and cons and hidden surprises to still be discovered: 3D Dot Heroes is really the best of both worlds. If you are old enough to have loved Zelda as a kid, I highly recommend it. With current prices under $30 new, it really is a steal.