While 3D Dot Game Heroes isn't arriving for the PlayStation 3 in North America until May 11, 2010, publisher Atlus has today released a 'launch' trailer which bears more than a passing similarity to a certain iconic Nintendo series--no small coincidence.

Atlus describes From Software and Silicon Studio's $40 action adventure as "the ultimate homage to the industry's golden era," explaining "every aspect of 3D Dot Game Heroes strives to transport gamers to happy memories from their gaming childhood."

If this all brings a tear to your bitter and jaded video gaming eye, stave off those dedicated server blues with gameplay clips from the Japanese release.

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Blocky PlayStation 3-exclusive action-RPG 3D Dot Game Heroes will arrive in North America on May 11, 2010 at $39.99, publisher Atlus announced today. Silicon Studio and From Software's retro-inspired love-letter to the games of old hit Japan earlier this month, with Sony recently confirming a North American release. At the time, however, domestic release and publishing details were not known.

"3D Dot Game Heroes captures all of that legendary charm and more, bringing classic visuals, familiar sounds, and a grand sense of exploration and discovery into stunning next-gen realization, all the while giving countless winks and nudges to the fans those iconic games mean the most to," said Atlus PR manager Aram Jabbari, with the press release adding that Atlus "has licensed the rights to your childhood memories."

Retro-inspired PlayStation 3 action-RPG 3D Dot Games Heroes is "definitely" slated for a North American release, according to the official PlayStation Twitter.

The extremely stylized title allows players to customize and color characters block-by-block, with enemies exploding into a zillion voxels upon their demise.

The PlayStation 3 exclusive hits Japan on November 5 thanks to Demon's Souls developer From Software and partner Silicon Studio. No word yet as to when it will arrive in North America or which company is bringing it over, but rest assured, it's coming.

In the mean time, why not check out a few gameplay clips... Read more