The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is due to arrive in Europe and North America this October, which will certainly be welcome to those that haven't played the GameCube original and also, we suspect, a good number of those that have. It'll be the first full title for the franchise on Wii U, too, giving us an early taste of how features such as Miiverse and the GamePad controller can be used in a Zelda experience.
The decision to re-master the GameCube title may have surprised some, especially as the original release attracted ire in some quarters for its art style and approach, but from our hands-on time we've been impressed by the visual makeover, and are optimistic that the new features will all be positives. In an interview with Wired, Zelda head-honcho Eiju Aonuma explained how the new release was born from Wii U testing in which various recent releases were upscaled on the new hardware. It was the new look of The Wind Waker that caught the team's eye, and the development of the project has also been valuable for the team working on the all-new Zelda title, as Aonuma explained.
Wind Waker is kind of a test pattern for the team. In converting Wind Waker, there’s a lot to be learned. We can’t change too much, because in changing one thing you can break something else, which is not something we want to do. But it’s a shared team working on both of those projects, Wind Waker HD and the new Zelda for Wii U. Every day, they’re learning something new. As we develop the controls for Wind Waker, they’re learning how to apply those controls in the Wii U version. There’s a feedback process where when something’s discovered in development for Wind Waker, all that information is fed to the Wii U team. So we’re working on those things, polishing as we go, and all of those things — it’s a learning process, it’s a test case almost, and we’ll apply all of those learnings that we’ve acquired in developing the Wii U game.
Aonuma was also asked about meeting the challenge of appeasing those that want a conventional, single-screen focus on Wii U and those that want the next Zelda title to push the boundaries of the Wii U's control options. It seems the approach will be to find a balance to suit those that want simple button gameplay and optional off-screen functionality, and those that want a more ambitious setup.
The gaming community is — I don’t want to sound rude, or anything — very fickle. You’ve got one group that really likes the possibilities that using two screens affords, and then there’s the other half of the group that just likes the simplicity of one screen, they don’t want to bother with two screens. I’m the same way, I’m very fickle. I totally understand where they’re coming from. As a developer, I need to listen to these things and I need to, maybe, make it possible to do either one, do whatever your preference is. I certainly have my preference, but I shouldn’t limit everyone to my preferences. I need to provide an experience that is flexible, allows for maybe both of those options.
It seems that the demands of the gaming community are certainly on Aonuma's mind; we often wish for each Zelda title to be memorable and special, yet want them to arrive promptly and frequently — those two priorities don't exactly match up.
You said that Nintendo releases Zelda games regularly. We do release them regularly, but we don’t release them that often. Mario games, if you push to get it done, you can finish it in a year. Zelda games take at least three years to complete. At the same time, I’m getting pushed to release them quicker but the users are expecting bigger experiences. And those things don’t match up. So I struggle with that all the time. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do to meet both of those demands.
We'd rather see top notch Zelda titles arrive when they're ready, and there's been heavy resistance whenever we've suggested that small but regular "episodic" releases could be an option for the series. It looks like large adventures every few years will be what's offered, even if Aonuma struggles with demands and reality.
What do you think of this development approach of Wind Waker HD as a useful "test case" for the new release, and Aonuma's comments on gamer demands? Let us know in the comments below.
[source wired.com]
Comments (74)
I'm pretty sure he said this before, just wanting to know if the new Zelda game is like wind waker/twilight princess/skyward sword or a different style.
"Fickle" is putting it lightly. And I get his reasoning now for not changing much. Still not happy about it, but hey, if it leads to better games in the future, it can't be all bad.
I would prefer the games to be epic, and takes years to create, than having episodes every few months, which would ruin the whole "epic adventure" idea.
I'm not sure I like his approach for tending to different types of gamers preferences - if all First-Party Nintendo games do that, then the GamePad can never have a pivotal role, because the games have to be playable without it's functionalities.
The gaming community isn't that fickle, it's just when they call for something, they want it done once.
So if we ask for a 2D Mario, the return of the Tanooki suit, another DKC game, etc. do it once, then move onto developing something else. Not ad infintum.
When we do get an z-Zero, they'll probably release 10 at once.
@metroidoftime
Dickens novels were serialised, and I think most people would consider a few of them as quite 'epic'; I don't think a game being released in installments would necessarily diminish the whole.
@CowLaunch It would all hinge on how big the episodes were. I would still et them, because heck, Its Legend of Zelda. But I would prefer to wait for the whole package.
@Warbeard Well it can be implemented through a menu system.. for instance.. The Default Mode would take full advantage of the capabilities of the Wii U.. second screen and all.. but if you want to.. you can go into options and shut it down... this would be a way to do it.. and maybe inspire other developers to do things like it.. or try it.. to see if it is successful..
@CowLaunch Half-life 2 was arguably sullied by episodic releases. They never even released the last episode because they got caught up in making the 3rd major game, at least that's what we think. Episodes get in the way of a lot of things, unless you completely revamp your process. There's so much pre/post producing to do, instead of breaking a game into 4ths, it's more like breaking it into 4, 40% pieces making you do 60% more work than just a single release.
Honestly, I still feel like Skyward Sword just came out. I'm not quite sure why people don't just enjoy the idea of an HD remix of an old favorite and stand-by for the new one...
I agree with the "fickle community" statement, but you simply cannot satisfy all needs at once. The trick is to listen to the bigger voice of the two. Are there more "one screen - simplicity" people, or are the "two screens - possibilitys" people out there ?
Im sure that the others can adept quite easily
But the problem i see is Wind Waker itself. It is the most controvers Zelda Title out there. Its splitting the fanbase on its own, so basicly your quartering the fanbase demographic:
One screen - like Wind Waker
One screen - dislike Wind Waker
Two screens - like Wind Waker
Two screen - dislike Wind Waker
This demographic will be even harder to read / predict than any other.
Regarding the development time: I think that a game should take as much time as it needs to be perfected. And if it takes 4 years instead of the "usual" 3. Rushing a project almost never accomplishes anything good, so take your time.
And its true that Mario titles became much more frequent, but thats because they reused the same assets more than once. Super Mario World 2 was vastly different than SMW1, it was a completely different game, while NEW SMB2 was essentially the same as NSMB1 and / or U.
Im a bit split about that. I like the frequent new but "same" mario games as much as i would like less frequent buit fresh mario games.
Since the frequent titles dont hinder the ocasional fresh title, i like it the way it is now
That's what I love about Nintendo, they master their art and don't try to do something half-baked. I'm OK with them using Wind Waker as testing ground, since that would mean for a better and more polished Zelda U experience. And besides, Wind Waker is already a finished game, it's not like they're doing their testing on something completely new, so the things that are being tested with Wind Waker are probably harmless I can imagine, like some graphical, as well as interface elements.
About meeting all of the consumers'/fans' demands, I can relate to Aonuma, it's not easy pleasing everyone. I, for one, would like motion control gaming, since I really enjoyed that experience in SS, and I can assume that this time around the controls could be even more precise and accurate (not only 8 primary directions), with more range and what not. But I'm also a traditionalist, and wouldn't mind normal, control-stick gameplay. This would actually be more reasonable, considering the Gamepad ..so it's quite the dilemma. therefore I have come to the thought that they could implement both, having motion controls again, and also using the control sticks, where swigning the sword would correspond with the direction the player moves the control stick, similar to what was already done before with the likes of Ocarina as being the prime example.
As much as I would like new Zelda expereinces as much as possible, fact is that it's better having to wait a while for a new Zelda game (or any grand game of a franchise), since that would make the experience all the more enjoyable. Anticipation is an important part of entertainment, and if a fan of something keeps getting bombarded with his beloved products or whatever, I'm sure there will be a burnout, where you just say, "..okay, I need a break for a while".
On the plus side it sounds like regardless of how he uses the second screen it won't be controlled with the Wii remote (i hope), so I can sit comfortably playing Zelda again
I'd rather he take his time to produce fresh, memorable adventures. I really don't mind waiting several years for the newest Zelda game. Personally, I don't like the idea of an episodic approach. I've loved the Zelda games for being huge adventures all in themselves without being split into chunks.
@mikeyman64
I think it's quite double-edged. I can't quite imagine playing Ocarina of Time in installments to be honest, but there are lots of games over the years that have for various reasons been cancelled half-way through; I'd have liked the chance to have played at least a part of them.
I would have thought development time would of have gone-up from the Wii - Wii U, like from 3 years-5 years especially on how big Zelda could be.
It's weird how everyone clamors for a new zelda right off the bat, when it is obvious it wouldn't be ready yet. We just got skyward sword less than 2 years ago. That means they couldn't possibly be ready for a new zelda until next holiday or the year after that.
One zelda per generation is about what is guaranteed, so its best to wait till they finish it and polish it up.
I'm always up for a new gameplay experience but I will say dual screens work a lot better on a handheld not that I haven't enjoyed my Wii U but besides NintendoLand nothing has stuck out as necessary but the W101 look VERY promising!
Personally I wish the Zelda teams would stop worrying so much about what gamers will think, and just focus on providing a great game. (Which I don't feel we've seen from them since...well, the Wind Waker.) They tend to be extremely reactionary to public opinion (removing Tingle, shuffling Toon Link off to handhelds, cloning Ocarina for TP because that's the game folks liked most...) and it's really hindering their ability to make a great game.
I want to trust the developers to make a great game...not the most critical, vocal slice of the gaming community to tell them how to make a great game.
They're giving people what they think they want. That's not how art is made.
@Pierceton ZombiU did at the very least a decent job, I for one found it to be outstanding even. It has to be played on two screens, but that's alright. I didn't get the Wii U to be a handheld after all (allthough I rarely turn my tv on nowadays)
On topic: Please, don't listen to any whiny people complaining about delays and such. Of course a delay is a minor evil, but next to an unfinished game, it's obviously the lesser of evils... Take your precious time to deliver us gamers a time to remember. Once it's out, it doesn't matter anymore if we had to wait. Just make it worth the wait and everyone is happy... Or should just shut up, given how right you are about the 'fickle' part. Expending thereon: don't try to please everyone, they'll never appreciate it as a whole.
@Philip_J_Reed Eh, I loved Twilight Princess, if you stop looking at it as an Ocarina of Time clone, you can actually see how different it is.
@Philip_J_Reed Thank you! My biggest problem with TP is that it's just trying to be Ocarina 2.0 because so many people complained about Toon Link and sailing. I would love it if they made Zelda U however they wanted without worrying too much about the reception. Personally, I hope it uses the dual-screen in interesting ways.
I preferred the technique used in Twilight Princess ...
@The_Joker
Oh sure, you can. And that's great. But it's still not how you create art, or a classic gaming experience. "It's a lot like Ocarina, but there are differences" isn't much of a recommendation, and doesn't say much for the creativity of the team behind it.
They need to let themselves grow, otherwise they're just smothering the series by worrying about complaints, and catering to whoever yells loudest on a forum.
I actually liked Twilight Princess because it did everything I wanted the series to do that Wind Waker couldn't, so...I'd say there's at least some good coming from that method.
@Shambo I didn't really like Zombie U so I try not to bring it up because I'm a biased gamer when it comes to FPS lol (I know my faults). Also not saying other games like Lego City didn't use it well and yes it is great for off screen play but I just haven't played a game were I felt its was a necessary as it is on DS/3DS not that I don't think it will get there. I love my Wii U and can't wait to see how Nintendo utilizes the second screen in a home console setting but those games just haven't popped up for me yet. As for latency I haven't had any problems with that at all I think the system works great! Also I really hope they put the item menu on the touch screen for the new Zelda that would be amazing to not have to go into the menu to switch weapons!
Although, looking back at the conclusion of my previous comment on here, I would like to add that Nintendo should establish a ground graphical, art direction for the next new installment in Zelda, and keep this artstyle and make different games more frequently after that (although not too frequent like I mentioned), say.. every 1 - 2 years. Thinking back a little bit, I can only say that we were privileged to have both Ocarina and Majora's Mask come out for the N64 in, what I would say at the moment, a pretty short time span (Zelda time that is). I believe it was something like 2 years apart. I don't recall this being replicated with any system afterwards. WW came out at the beginning of the Gamecube era, and Twilight came out at the very end, both in COMPLETELY different visuals. SS had yet again different aesthetics than all games to date, and it was the only true Wii Zelda game. This clearly plays its part when developing a game, as it takes much longer I can imagine, and therefore using the same visuals would result in more frequent titles. This way, all the developer has to worry about, are the new dungeon layouts, areas, storylines and what not ..where MM proves to be a prime example, as it completely took a new approach to what previously Ocarina had offered. And did MM fail? In my eyes it did not. Was MM not nearly as enjoyable? To me it was as, if not, more enjoyable than Ocarina, even though OoT remains as my fav Zelda title, mainly due to the timing of its release and other sentimental factors
I know that seeing all of the different visulas in the Zelda franchise is very interesting and adds appeal and keeps things fresh, but I believe that now is the time, with the Wii U's HD and graphical capability, where it would be a wise choice for Nintendo to create the true and definitive visual direction for future Zeldas, where they woud be able to spare them the time in creating new character models and what not, and be able to replicate similar releases as they did with OoT & MM, and therefore the fans would be able to experience two, maybe even three new Zelda console games per system/generation.
@Philip_J_Reed best comment so far
we dont want remakes, we want original titles of games we haven't played before. first game i played in the zelda series was Spirit Tracks, and that game taught me how different Zelda was from any other game. but that doesnt mean i want to play the same thing again with updated graphics. one of the reasons why i love zelda is because it's so different from everything else, it's willing to do something no one else has done before. but with this remake bullcrap i've seen nintendo do, i am not getting that, i am instead getting that Nintendo is a bunch of sissies now, afraid to try something new. now they're just doing the exact same thing as before, which sucks. if you want younger players to experience the game, put it on virtual console, DONT release a stupid remake. i expect a NEW game when i buy zelda, not the EXACT SAME THING as before with updated graphics.
@KAHN Then don't buy it. Personally I am glad they did this, as I have never played Wind Waker, and it's loving expensive nowadays.
Watch the profanity, please — TBD
@Goginho Controlling the sword with the analog stick? NonononononononononoNO! Please, just use it to control the camera!
Very fickle? Now that's an understatement if I ever heard one.
@Pierceton I don't really see ZombiU as an FPS, it's really a survival game... In first person. With guns... Well, I get how you see it as an FPS it doesn't have you run-'n'-gun your way through though (maybe at 3 sections). It's never really necessary to have a second screen, but it does add to the already thick tension here.
But I'm also confident Nintendo will show us and other developers how it's done properly in a serious game. Untill then, it's mostly just a handy map and visual buttons on a good controller/quick internet pad, and to me, that's more than just fine!
Edit: I think Nintendo also saw how Ubisoft showed it properly, hence the ZombiU Premium Pack at launch, which is the one I got.
"Fickle" is correct.
The problem is the budget. Zelda releases need to sell more in order to do more. They have to have the majority of the fan base buy the game but that's not enough for them to expand the production values.
No doubt Zelda U got a bigger budget so pressure is on to sell more than ever. If they can meet the desires or preferences of the fans then possibly they can sell beyond them as well. it's less of a gamble than doing all your own thing and hoping it sells to most of the fans and reaches enough new customers. Especially when they've been producing Zelda for so long.
I don't even care if it uses one or two screens. I just care if the game is fun.
@WingedFish Agreed.
"Mario games, if you push to get it done, you can finish it in a year."
Well, copy and paste Mario games like the New series or 3D World could take as little as a year to make, maybe. But you don't make Super Mario Galaxy or 64 in a year.
@b23cdq Why not lol That's the way we did it with Ocarina (although it doesn't matter which direction you slice there). Remember, just as you press B, if you tilted the control stick left, Link would slice to the left. By default it was to the right across the body, slightly diagonally I think. This would work well nowaydays I believe, and it would be the perfect variation to substituting the motion-control directions, which I personally really enjoyed, as they added battles and puzzles based around that.
Fickle is a very nice way of putting it, I would have said where a bunch of BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP but ya, fickle is a very PC friendlier word lol
Can't wait for this game, is it also gonna be a retail release? Kinda feels like it will be, and I can't wait for a newer Zelda, as well, but I figure that won't be till later next year.
I can't wait for windwaker HD. as soon as i found out about it i knew it would be my game of the year. my must have. take as much time as you need, the new zelda is worth the wait, we can always go back and play older adventures while we wait.
I think, while we're waiting for the new one, Nintendo should make an HD remake of a fantastic but lesser-played Zelda and also a sequel to an old 16-bit Zelda with less resources by targeting the 3DS. That should do it.
Oh, and could we use this strategy for METROID as well! Pretty please?
It depends....what things are they "testing" for the new Wii U Zelda? I know there testing the whole "map and inventory on the gamepad screen" which is very nice, for once we'll be able to actual SEE the world without things cluttering the screen (even if the things on the screen were very minor and you could ignore them.) (And for the fact that they already tested this in that tech demo. I mean yeah, you couldn't control Link, only the lighting and camera, but the idea was still there. So it was kind of a no-brainer that they would ad that feature in an actual Zelda game.)
I was going to say gameplay, But I've never played Wind Waker before, so I would have to play it to know if that's a good thing or bad thing. Because I know that not every Zelda game is a masterpiece. I have....played one in particular that I didn't quit see "eye to eye" with.
The artstyle/graphics? Now that's what i'm worried about. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the artstyle and graphics for Wind Waker BUT for the actual true Zelda game for Wii U? I know that Aonuma said that it isn't going to be ultra-realistic or cartoony-realistic.....the only thing I can think of is a more realistic version of Skyward Sword, or a more colorful version of Twilight Princess.
Basically what Link looks like in Super smash bros. 4. He's not realistic or cartoony. Now if Link were to end up looking like that in the new Zelda game, then...I'd be happy, I'd really be jumping of the walls. :3
Wont be getting this, was recently re-playing the original and tbh it still holds up pretty well tbh. I see no need to re-purchase the game if there are going to be minimal changes/additions. It sound like a "Get this if you haven't experienced the Windwaker before" kind of thing.
I certainly prefer a great game to a game that only exists because a lot of people expect regularity.
Regarding the Wii U Zelda, I'm happy to wait as long as it takes, I know they are working on it so that's fine with me. However after the next game is released it may be an idea to have part of the team continue working on it and release DLC Story expansions every now and again. I know Nintendo wouldn't hold back from the main release so I don't see how this could be a bad thing. Ever this or have changing overworld events such as Bulbin invasions.
Dear Nintendo. America doesn't have the boner for remakes that Japan does.
@TobiasAmaranth I wouldn't say that, I'm really looking forward to this game! You probably would rather see a new Zelda though, and that is definitely understandable.
Can't wait for Wind Waker HD! I'm very curious to see what the art style will be like for the new Wii U Zelda. I really hope they stick with Gamepad and pro controller controls for the new Zelda. The motion controls in Skyward Sword worked well, but I prefer traditional controls much more.
I don't get all the hate Twilight Princess gets. It is an excellent game in my opinion, and I would actually put it in my top 5 favorite Zeldas. I hope the new Zelda brings Epona back. Riding Epona around Hyrule field beats riding on a Loftwing in the sky anyday.
I'm not interesting on Wind waker HD at all since I played this game many years ago on the gamecube so I don't see any point on get this one, I hope they made the next zelda with two screens, that's how a wii U exclusive game like Zelda should be to take advantage of the wii U hardware, some weeks ago there was some state from Aonuma saying he is not interesting on realistic graphics so I just wondering if he is planning to use cell shading or something like that because that will sucks, since wii, nintendo does not care about graphics but at this point I think I'm not the only one who thinks that Zelda should have less cartoonish style and more realistic graphics just the way they did on the 64.
Ever since I've heard about the "shock" surrounding the "kiddy graphics" of Wind Waker, I've been following what followers of Zelda wanted. I came to the conclusion that nothing would, and nothing can please whiners.
They wanted a "mature" Zelda (and we all know that if someone wants mature, its's because that someone lacks maturity, hence the need for it) which they got, but even with Twilight Princess they had issues, which made me come to the conclusion that it is worthless to try to please the audience, because you inherently can't. If they keep making Zelda games like they did before, we'll be getting fantastuc games, and that's a win-win situation.
And then, of course, some people don't like Skyward Sword either. To me, ALL of the Zeldas are excellent, any I've never had as much fun with any other game as Zelda. They all made me very happy, and had NO problem with them. All of them could be improved upon, no doubt, everything can, but they all feel different, while retaining the same EAD quality that we've fallein in love with at one point.
@CowLaunch
To each their own. Dickens' novels were way inflated (often 900+ pages when they didn't need to be) because of their minimum page requirement per episode. I think the "fickle" comment rings true in that many people have the attention/interest span of a goldfish, which is probably why every AAA title is like 10-20 hours, and why Moby Dick (which was as long as it was meant to be) had to be split into three volumes when brought to Britain where the hipster Dickens had already pleased the fickle fans with goldfish sized morsels.
Oh no, this most likely means the new Wii U Zelda will use the Wind Waker engine again. I don't know about anyone else, but i'm getting tired of the Wind Waker engine, I would love it if Nintendo made a new one from the ground up for Wii U.
I don't know how many times they can rework the items in each new game before people start to notice and become disappointed. I know I was with Skyward Sword. The Beetle being the Seagull mechanic from Wind Waker, just re-skinned, or the Gust Bellows being the Leaf from Wind Waker, but with "turbo mode" basically. It's those little things that stand out to me.
My fingers are crossed that this conversion to HD of the Wind Waker engine doesn't mean the next Zelda will use it as well, but it's sure sounding like it.
I hope the new Zelda has a much more lively world than Skyward Sword. With the exception of a couple islands in the sky, the whole world felt very hollow. When I compare it to previous Zeldas, there was just much more going on in the worlds of those games compared to Skyward Sword.
i like the graphics and the cutscenes from skyward sword, but they have to go back to the deep story of Ocarina of time, and Majoras mask, what made ocarina of time so legendary, it was really the growing up thing, from young link to adult link, and everyone loved the Ocarina fluit, it gave a magical feeling to the game, what i loved was the Dins-Fire attack, and the gauntlets which made link really strong to lift up huge things,
in majoras mask, i loved the story also, but what made that game also legendary? in my opinion the deep story, the music, but my nr one where the masks transformation, and the drama from the moon almost falling down, where the music got dramatic lol, i loved that. so they have to keep al those elements in mind. and please no more wii controlled link, just the gamepad, or pro controller.
@Goginho Because the camera in OoT3D is awful. The camera in Skyward Sword is better, but still bad.. Those are the only Zelda games I've played (got into Nintendo this February), so I can't comment on any other games, but the camera was my number one flaw in both games. Now, it's understandable that it is thatcway, considering both have only one stick, but now that they have two, i'll be pretty pissed if they don't use it for the camera.
The gaming community is very fickle, if Nintendo and its developers did everything the community said, it wouldn't be a great company. I'm glad he is open to suggestion from the community though, we are not always wrong.
I might sound like a black sheep, but Zelda is not a favorite series of mine. I love individual games, but I never considered it the "Better Than the Rest!" franchise that millions make it out to be. Therefore, it's impossible for me to be impatient with waiting for the next Zelda game. That said, not only am I looking forward to Wind Waker HD, but I also agree that gamers can be pretty damn fickle.
"We can’t change too much, because in changing one thing you can break something else, which is not something we want to do" Listen to this Miyamoto for Paper Mario!
Aonuma is 100% right I feel. Also, I would rather them every 3 years and be a great adventure than every year not so great.
Usually, remakes are kind of a "phoned in" tactic, but Nintendo knows how to do it right. Look at games like Metroid Zero Mission, Pokemon FireRed, LeafGreen, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Super Mario 64 DS, Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, and even the 'New Play Control' games.
Even ports of games like Super Mario Advance and Link to the Past: Four Swords were awesome. I'm sure Nintendo knows what they're doing.
"At the same time, I’m getting pushed to release them quicker but the users are expecting bigger experiences. And those things don’t match up. So I struggle with that all the time. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do to meet both of those demands"
I think the volume is good as it is! Please don't overdo it like you guys do it with the Mario series! You still got some other franchises, you know?! The only thing that I hate is that the console Zelda's arrive at the end of the consoles lifespans nowadays, alienating consumers in the process! You have to release a Zelda in the second or third year, that way it also sells better because people are still interested in your console (well, Wii u is maybe not a good example since it still has to become popular, but you get my point!)!!
As for Windwaker HD influencing the new Wii u Zelda: I really hope for Windwaker graphics (or something totally new), and a kiddie Link! He doesn't have to be mature all the time, that's nonsense!
"They wanted a "mature" Zelda (and we all know that if someone wants mature, its's because that someone lacks maturity, hence the need for it)"
Lol: You do have a point!
I definitely dont want episodic zelda games. I'd rather wait 3-4 years for a full game than get it in chunks. I like to be able to play the full experience and it just feels more epic that way. I dont think zelda would work well in episodes like maybe a game like fire emblem or mario. Zelda games are made up of one big quest. It shouldnt be split into episodes.
All I want the new Zelda to use the gamepad for is my inventory and my map. That alone would be a fantastic display of the gamepad's functionality in my opinion. Don't shove some path drawing with the stylus down our throats like on the DS.
I don't think 'fickle' was quite the word he was meaning....but, I can see how he would feel conflicted and pressured. His employer is sort of demanding that he adapts his game design to the uniqueness of the wii u gamepad, while a lot of gamers like me just want a really well designed, challenging, and fun Zelda adventure ... without the control scheme getting in the way..
Nintendo go about it in a donkey about way compared to other console makers/publishers...where the hardware is meant to serve game creation. With Nintendo, particularly since the wii....the game design is meant to serve the hardware. Not saying it's a bad thing, but it runs contrary to what the majority of game developers probably expect when they're making a game..
Kinda figured as much.
Love how Zelda fanboys, like all fanboys, are so fickle about the series, they has an HD remake they get the HD remake, the ask for the sequel to A Link to the Past they get the sequel to A Link to the Past.
And they are never happy about it, they just keep asking...for fickle's sake calm down, you got all you wanted.
@undead_terror
Apparently the Zelda Wii U game that was seen in development has a...
"Cartoony-realistic" Artstyle
Fickle? I would use the term self-entitled and spoiled to define the gaming community.
Did you see how many people who cried like children because the new Mario isn't Galaxy 3?? I have never seen such meltdowns, well on a toddler I have, but not from people 15-30 yrs old.
Or how many meltdowns because Retro rather make a game that will rake in a profit than a niche title that maybe will be lucky to break even...
This just in, a gaming company wants to make a profit, more news at 11.
Eiji is being too nice.
@b23cdq Yea ok, I can understand where you're coming from, the method the player moves the camera may be a bit dated, but that's the thing about it, they keep it simple. I personally don't have any troubles with it since I'm so used to it I guess, but maybe to newcomers this may be a little offputting, and I can understand that. Zelda is unique in that department, where it utilizes the "Z-targeting" system to look around. To me that's become 2nd nature ..I just turn Link the way I wanna face, and automatically see myself pressing the target button (which defaults the POV).
If they manage to implement the second stick in a way that it doesn't hinder any other actions, then I won't mind, but right now I really don't have any issues with the way it is though.
I am one of those gamers that is excited about the possibilities of what two screens would do for Zelda.
@bassoongoon
yeah me too, even if they only use the gamepad for items only, or as a second screen etc,
but i would love it more if link has some powers again, like ocarina of time and majoras mask combined. (mask transformation) Dins-fire attack from ocarina of time or something like that, the fire ice and light arrows etc, charging your sword to slice your enemies. the ocarina fluit made the game magical.
@element187
I like your comment, your attitude, and your avatar. You've achieved the trifecta.
I don't mind Zelda being a once or twice a generation thing. Was there a problem with Zelda being a once or twice a generation? Hell we got Spirit Tracks, Ocraina of Time 3d, Skyward Sword, Wind Waker HD, and Link Between Worlds, The oracle games on vc, in just the last few years. I really don't need more Zelda than that!
So 3 years to develop a new proper Zelda console game means:
For the style, they could start from the 'realistic' Zelda demo already showed previously.
I prefer epic, memorable and inspired Zelda games !! Even if it means waiting longer, definitely. As mentioned previously, there are plenty of amazing and recent Zelda games already, so take your time folks, and make us dream!
Also, I would like to see what the new gamepad controller can bring as a new gaming experience (I have plenty of ideas myself ).
Tap here to load 74 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...