The upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive, 3D Dot Game Heroes, sets players out to save the besieged Dotnia Kingdom from a horde of creatures up to no good, as I previously detailed. Coming May 11, the King wants results -- and soon!

But dungeon-crawling can tire even the most dedicated protagonist. Constant use of spin attacks, beam swords, and the occasional rare fish will wear down even the mightiest. Dragons, hopping spiders, and killer rabbits will take their toll. What's a hero do to?

Trust me -- you're screwed

Why, take a break! Luckily for us aspiring adventurers, Silicon Studio had the foresight to offer players of 3D Dot Game Heroes some relief with Blockout, Dash Race, and Block Defense. Talk to the right people in the game and they'll give you the opportunity participate in one of these diversions from your main quest.

So kick back, take off your shoes, and forget all about those monster invaders terrorizing the poor Kingdom of Dotnia.

Blockout

Blockout is a take on classics like Arkanoid and Breakout -- the object is to destroy a pattern of blocks by bouncing a moving ball against them. In 3D Dot Game Heroes, players ricochet the ball using either their shield or a swing from their sword. Power-ups, such as multiple balls and the ability to smash through blocks without bouncing, come from hitting treasure chests.

But swinging your sword and raising your shield are likely the two activities which tired you out in the first place. You were looking for a break, right?

Dash Race

Look no further! Dash Race is a time-attack race game, where the player must complete three laps around a track as quickly as possible. Obviously, the key to success is to skillfully use the new dash mechanic, which allows players to change directions while moving at full speed.

Well, I suppose you'll use the dash quite a lot while trying to save the denizens of Dotnia. I'll bet that you're not only worn out from fighting techniques but sprinting, too.

Block Defense

So, how about a thinking-man's game? Block Defense is a (surprise?) tower-defense game, which plays more similarly to PixelJunk Monsters than others in the subgenre. The object is to prevent a series of enemies from reaching the end of a preset path. After 20 break through, it's game over.

You'll purchase and place different types of towers that attack enemies on land, in the air, or both. Super-tough "boss" adversaries will drop crystals, which you can use to research new structures. You can gain levels, which increase the effectiveness of all towers, by standing near your defenses for a certain period of time. Contact with the enemy means that you'll drop coins. As an added bonus, your character can directly attack invaders with his sword.

Alright, maybe this isn't exactly the vacation you imagined....

Keep in mind, though, that you won't always have the opportunity to play. You'll initiate a minigame session by talking to a non-player character, but sometimes these NPCs will be too engrossed in their own attempts to give you a chance. You may be a hero, but that doesn't mean everyone is going to step aside just for you.

And really, you should be out there saving the people!