Here’s the trailer for From Software’s newest PS3 title, 3D Dot Game Heroes, released in Japan November 5th:

(I love the way the 2D game map “pops” up into 3D towards the beginning of the clip.)

The game’s designers seem to have borrowed heavily from Nintendo’s original 8-bit The Legend Of Zelda (also, the SNES sequel, A Link To The Past, if the hero’s dash move and ability to swipe at chickens are any indication).  The hero, besides wielding a comically long sword that would give even Final Fantasy VII‘s Cloud a serious case of sword envy, even uses a boomerang to flip a switch in one of the dungeons shown in the trailer.  The score, too, is very Zelda-like.

The simple, Zelda-inspired visuals share much of the same all ages appeal that makes games like Lego Star Wars and Lego Batman so endearing:

Looks like a Tektite, Leaps like a Tektite...

Town Square, Get It?

Though an official release date has yet to be announced, the game will be localized and made available to the North American gaming public in the future.