3D Dot Game Heroes borrows its style from very early in the history of gaming. This game is almost identical to the original Legend of Zelda in gameplay and storyline. Your kingdom, Dotnia, is threatened by evil and, commissioned by your king, you take up your sword and march out to save the day. Hampering your victory are hordes of monsters and some very challenging puzzles and dungeons. Everything in the game from people to plants is made up of tiny blocks, giving the game a very animated and retro feel. The same overhead camera from the original Zelda series is present, giving you a good view of your surroundings. There is also a very extensive character customization mode that allows you to construct a character literally one block at a time, with almost endless possibilities.

What Parents Need to Know

Violence

Your character can use swords, arrows, boomerangs, bombs, and magic to defeat enemies. When defeated, enemies crumble into small blocks and disappear immediately.

There is one sage that asks you to stab her in the stomach in order to release her magical powers.

Language

There is not any bad language in this game.

Sexual Content

There is not any inappropriate sexual content in this game.

Spiritual Content

As you progress through the game, you are able to unlock different magical powers. For example, you can use magic to reveal hidden pathways or reflect enemies’ spells back at them.

One of the main parts of the story is that you need to rescue 6 magical sages throughout the game.

There is a fortune teller in one of the towns.

Some of the enemies you encounter are wizards and will attack you with magic.

Reviewer’s Thoughts

The original Legend of Zelda was one of the first games that I played as a young gamer. 3D Dot Game Heroes borrows the same style, makes it 3D and puts it on a much more powerful gaming system. The game will definitely appeal to gamers in their late teens and young adult years, especially those who enjoy retro style games. Parents looking for a safe game for younger gamers might find that here as well if the game content listed above meets your family's criteria. 3D Dot Game Heroes makes for an epic adventure for gamers of any age.