Information was a bit unclear when Shigeru Miyamoto casually mentioned the next Zelda at his private round table. Luckily he let some bits slip over the past three days of E3. Here’s what we know.
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-Developed specifically for the Wii.
-Miyamoto hopes to show the title at E3 2010. GDC 2010 is also a possibility.
“We hope to bring it to you next year. It may take a little longer…”
-Release date is TBA. Holiday 2010 is very unlikely. 2011 looks about right.
-Unlike Twlight Princess, the new Zelda is built using Wii hardware rather than Gamecube specs. This allows for a greater set of visuals.
“Obviously, graphics have improved, but as a team, we’ve been sitting down to look at the gameplay and what we can do with it to move Zelda forward.”
-A piece of concept art was displayed at a private round table which depicted Link with his back turned. He was wearing his traditional green tunic, and not holding a sword. Facing the viewer is a new character giving off a blue aura. She is wearing a helmet/cap as well as a blue cape. The new character has traits similar to Princess Zelda, Midna, and a Zora. Overall, the concept art appears to be more along the lines of a Twilight Princess style.
-The Link depicted in the concept art appears a bit older than in Twilight Princess. The entire setting is set in a different part of the timeline.
“Well, the story setting for this Zelda is, of course, in a completely different era and Link is older than he was previously. More approaching adulthood.”
-Miyamoto hints at the fact that Link was shown in the concept art without a sword. When pressed further on the lack of a blade he simply says the next Zelda is “…something completely different.”
-Zelda Wii has actually been in development for quite a while. Total development time is unknown, but the team is far enough to begin working on gameplay/content.
-Miyamoto would love for the new Zelda to utilize the Wii MotionPlus for swordplay, archery, etc.. It could be possible that the game will require the MotionPlus in order to play, but its use depends on how well Wii Sports Resort sells.
-Considering the franchise’s core game design has been almost the same for the past 23 years, Miyamoto hopes to deepen the players connection with the story and characters.
“We want players to feel like they’re in the adventure, create memories and explore new worlds but we’re working on all that now.”
-Though his style is to make games that can appeal towards every audience, Miyamoto admits that this IP is mainly built for his advanced players.
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It’s still way too early to expect thorough information, but what do you think of the news we have? Zelda game hype is a very enjoyable time for a Nintendo fan. Lets heat up the hype train!
I want to make some incredibly early predictions:
Link and Zelda’s relationship will be examined way more, (The game may even end with a kiss, like in Zelda II.)
It will be released holiday 2011.
Certain characters use adult language. (Nothing too “out there,” just hell, damn, etc.,)
Link without a sword. I believe we call that Mario. Or something.
My prediction/hope they take Zelda back to the basic concept: free exploration of an open world. Less being held by the hand from dungeon to dungeon and more finding items/locations on your own. They’ll also sacrifice some sacred cows in the process: say goodbye to finding the item you need to defeat the boss in the dungeon – you may have to find it somewhere else.
OK, so this is more than a hope than a predication.
I hope they go back in that direction as well. I remember in the original zelda, the intrepid explorer could jump straight to dungeon eight, to get the skeleton key. I hope they include little things like that again. Allowing you to jump to the dungeon of your choice, and rewarding better players with greater rewards earlier in the game.
Yes! Exactly!
I wish they would go to an open exploration format but I feel that is unlikely as Nintendo seems to want to hold players by the hand more than ever these days… see Phantom Tracks. I wish they would bring back the more adult and more epic feel of Zelda 2.
there are some good points made here. althought i am an avid zelda fan and have never been disappointed with any of the titles i too have thought about being able to find items outside of dungeons as well. it be cool to skip some bs and go buy a key like in the original or purchase different weapons like in ff. also i wish they would bring back the forging of link’s sword like in the original, link to the past, and majora’s mask. i like being able to upgrade the power of the blade. even in wind waker you had to bring the power back to the sword, but that’s not the same thing as upgrading it. maybe the original wasn’t forging, but you start with wood, then upgrade to metal, then the master sword. i’m not sure if the power rings also changed the color of the sword, but you could tell the difference when fighting those damn red knights or goat looking things.
He says it’s for his more advanced audiences! That’s the most exciting thing I read. I hope the boss battle are as epic in scope as they were in Twilight Princess, but also way more difficult.