A must own for all PS3 owners!
With that said, this game is definately a service for long time gamers and fans of the days of classic RPGs. As stated before, Game Heroes is heavily built off the formula of the Zelda series but makes serveral references not only to other old school RPG (Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, etc) but more recent ones too. I won't spoil the game but their is a reference to another well known project from the same developer and fans of that game are sure to geek out upon finding it (I know sure did, lol). Speaking of references, some of the best come from the loading screens which places many of the game's characters/NPCs and arranges them in the same fashion of box art from classic games (ex. Chrono Trigger, TMNT, Castlevania, etc). It can be fun to sit and try to figure out what each loading screen is attempting to emulate. The more you progress in the game, the more "box art" loading screens you unlock. There isn't really much to say about the gameplay since it will be very familiar to many players...which is kind of a good thing as far as a learning curve. You do build a sword collection which are all full upgradable via a black smith. You make them ridiculously big (which most already start out being), have beams added on, add a spin effect, and strengthen any special effect specific weapons may have. There are plenty of rewarding side quests to embark on which helps increase the playability. I enjoyed adding elusive enemies and boss to the bestiary the most. Having to use the book as an alternate weapon and every enemy require its own set of hits to be added made doing so a challenge. The thing that I enjoyed the least about the Game Heroes were those irritatingly long and occassionally difficult boss temples! I dreaded every time I had to go into one...they really slow down the pacing of the game imo. However, the likibility of that can vary from player to player and isn't something that should universal hold the game back. Also, the mini games can be a bit punishing (here's looking at you Dash Circut and Blockout) but rewarding and mostly all resemble classic games of other genres.
As expected the plot is very simple and straight forward...a dark priest, Fuelle has stolen a dark orb used to trap an ancient evil and plans to use it to rule the world. As the decendant of the legendary hero who originally trapped the evil in the dark orb, you must set out to collect all the elemental orbs need to for the light orb (which of course counteracts the dark orb) and in addition find the where abouts of the kingdom's princess. Like Zelda and many other early RPG it emulates, Game Heroes takes the silent protagonist approach. It not only offers plenty of pre-rendered character models to choose from as your character but allows you to make your own from scratch (voxels being the tool). You can also import fan made (and unlicensed) character models into the game. A good place to find those is here:
http://www.3ddotgameheroes.com/hallofheroes/
And for all you Zelda fans, here:
http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/fromsoftware-project/1089134p1.html
The first link provides detailed instructions on how to do so...it shouldn't be too difficult. Another great option the game offers is that it allows you to change characters every time you start back up your game. The only catch to this is that whatever you named yourself in the very beginning, that's the name your character will always have in that playthrough. Also as expected, the supporting characters don't have a lot a of depth to them but are still nevertheless charming. This visuals on this game are simply awesome and not only add to the over all retro feel but is just creative. Playing Game Heroes has me wanting to see more games made in voxels. The music and the sound perfectly captures the retro and nostaglic feel that the game is going for.
My Breakdown:
What's Good:
- The voxel game design is VERY creative
- Comical references to gaming classics
- The music and sound effects give the game a nostalgic feel
- An excellent tribute to classic gaming and old school RPGs
- Great customization options
- Plenty of fun side quest to embark on
- A nice selection of weapons and magic to use.
What's Not-So-Good:
- The often punishing mini games. Seriously? Did they have to make them THAT difficult?
What's Bad:
- I personally found the boss temples annoying and hindering the pacing of the game.
In all, there should not be an adult gamer alive that has not attempted to at least play this game. It has the ability to charm the socks off anyone but specifically for those who can remember or are still into the old gaming classics. GET THIS!