From Details 3D Dot Game Heroes

The Japanese media was given a first chance to try out From Software's 3D Dot Game Heroes today at a press-only demo event. I wasn't invited, probably cuz I ain't bonifide, but here are some second hand details on what went down based off a report at 4Gamer.

The demo event was held at the 8bit Cafe in Shinjuku. This is fitting both because the restaurant has a Famicom theme to match the 8-bit theme of the game, and because it's not too far from From's offices.

4Gamer provided one major revelation in its story. From has thus far offered looks at two types of main characters: a hero and a prince. Joining these two is a "traveling student" main character. Each of these three can be chosen in male and female varieties.

While you start off the game by selecting one of these characters to be your in-game counterpart, you're free to change the character at load screens. You get to keep all your items and parameters when doing so. 4Gamer says that there appears to be some differences between the character types, with some being better with swords and others with magic, so perhaps character changes will play into the game.

4Gamer also shared some specifics on the game's basic combat system. You press circle to swing your sword, X to use your sub weapon (including, as detailed last week, a boomerang, bomb, and bow and arrow), and R1 to raise your shield. It's possible to make your character do a rotating slash as well. The game feels like a certain "Legend of something" game, according to the site.

There might be some worries that, given the game's looks, we'd end up with a short play experience. That doesn't seem to be the case. 4Gamer's report says to expect a 24 to 30 hour play experience to clear the game. However, with its item collection aspects, a hard difficulty mode, and a "secret character mode," the play time could top 60 hours.

From also held a Q&A session with producer Masanori Takeuchi (From Software) and producer Kouji Tsuboi (from developer Silicon Studio). Here's a bit of what was said based off 4Gamer's transcript.

Asked about the possibility for DLC, Takeuchi said that there are currently no plans, but this could change if it's determined that players want it.

Takeuchi explained that he feels the game is targeted towards players in their late 20s and early 30s due to the dot visuals.

The focus for most of the game's hype has been on its visuals. But Tsuboi highlighted the game's background music, stating that the staff is putting a lot of effort into it.

As a closing message, Takeuchi said the following: "As someone who makes PlayStation 3 games, I've gotten the feeling that there are too many games that have the same look. I know there are gamers who want to play something a bit different. This title is one of our answers for that."

Strangely, 4Gamer says that From's answer is just 20% complete. This is despite a release date already being set for November 5!

(UPDATE: Given that 3D Dot Game Heroes was listed in Famitsu as being 80% complete, it appears that 4Gamer may have meant to write that the game is 20% away from completion. That would make just a bit more sense given the November 5 date!)