Hot on the heels of word that Atlus is publishing quirky, hyper-stylized retro gaming throwback 3D Dot Game Heroes here in The States, comes the game’s official U.S. launch trailer.
Until now very few people, particularly members of the general public, have seen anything but imagery and video from the Japanese release of 3D Dot Game Heroes, most of which is overlaid with reams of inscrutable Japanese symbols. You could certainly tell that the game is a not-so-subtle homage to 8-bit Legend of Zelda and Dragon Quest games, but with this latest video, prospective gamers are finally given a story to go along with the meticulously detailed 3D pixel art.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but it seems that the kingdom of Dotnia was peaceful, tranquil, almost idyllic even, until one day evil came, stole six magical orbs that were, for one reason or another, vital to the peace and prosperity of the kingdom, and made off into the wilderness. Luckily, a hero who bears an outfit strikingly similar, if legally distinct to that worn by a certain Hyrulian appeared (as they are wont to do) and smote said evil.
Sadly, that was then, this is now, and since everything is suddenly in three dimensions, a new, if somewhat nostalgic evil has appeared, and the kingdom of Dotnia quivers in fear, hoping that a hero will again rescue them.
Combine that tongue-in-cheek storyline — which actually sounds a hell of a lot more interesting than the stereotypical “aliens are attacking for some reason, here’s a gun, please kill them” offal we were fed with each of the PlayStation 3’s “(Halo) killer apps” — and the $40 price tag attached to 3D Dot Game Heroes, and my anticipation is hoving right around eye level for this one.
Since I’m like three or four feet taller than you, that’s pretty damn high.
