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[Skiesofwonder]

WHAT WE KNOW

• Planned release sometime this year.

You are now less than 365 days away from a new console Zelda game.

Wired.com: I think people were really interested to know, are [you] going to release Mario and Metroid and Zelda all in one year?

Dunaway: And you said we wouldn’t. You bet no, right?

Wired.com: I bet no. Are you going to hold me to that? Do I owe you a steak dinner?

Dunaway: I think you do.

• Has been in development since (at least) 2008.

But when we sat down with Shigeru Miyamoto this week, he elaborated on situation, absolutely confirmed that a new Wii Zelda is underway, and suggested that it will see some fundamental changes.

• Eiji Aunoma is NOT the director.

During lunch, recently I have been spending my time with other game directors playing local connection battles in Spirit Tracks. I have been partnering with the director of the DS version to fight against the director of the Wii version and yes, recently we have been winning!

• Will be shown at E3.

We will show the new Zelda title for Wii at E3 this year.

• WiiMotionPlus Required.

In fact, Aonuma told Famitsu that the game will be Wii Motion Plus exclusive. This was actually an area that was under debate at the outset of development. "After actually making it compatible," said Aonuma, "it just feels so natural. Link's sword and the controller that you're holding become one."

• Link is much older then he was in Twilight Princess.

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. There is one hint. Maybe from the art work you can see that he's not holding a sword.

• Change of traditional Zelda flow.

We're making efforts regarding the total flow of the Zelda game. So far, the basic flow of the Zelda games is you're exploring a field, you go to a dungeon, you conquer it and return to the field. We're looking at altering that traditional flow. That's all I can share, and I can't say more until E3 next year.

• Game structure developed first.

Normally, we create the video sequences, and these sequences are expanded. But this time we started with the game structure. And then with the video sequences. So this time it was reversed. Therefore, we have had little so far from the game to show. But will publish a lot close to the game's completion.

• Will be more accessible.

For us, it is important to the to optimise gameplay and make the controls easier. We do our best to make the controls player friendly, since 'Zelda' has become complicated.

• Artwork plays important role in plot.

This image plays an important role in the plot. At E3 you will see what I mean.

WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW

• Has been in development since 2005.

Zelda game specifically for the Wii has been in development for a year already.

• Has some sort of flying mechanic.

Aonuma says that he told his eight-year-old son that in the next Zelda game, Link will have a train. His son answers, "OK, Dad, first boat, and then train? Surely next time, Link is going to fly in the sky ..." Eiji Aonuma then pauses, while grinning. He says, "I just don't know. If many people make many speculations ... some of them might be correct. Right now, I have to refrain from commenting on anything."

• Archery will be performed with motions instead of pointer control.

MotionPlus will also be used to target things on screen in place of the Wii’s infrared sensor. In the previous game, you aimed at things by pointing at the screen, but this time we'll use MotionPlus to create a much more convenient targeting system and a more pleasurable playing experience.

• Will be Vitality Sensor compatible.

Whenever we are going to use any new device it is possible to expand the appeal to those who are new to the videogaming world. At the same time, however, it is also fun to think of ways in which we might apply that new technology to existing forms of gameplay – just like the way we are working on the new Legend Of Zelda together with Wii Motion Plus. As you become more scared, the enemies become even tougher. So maybe you might like to ask me to incorporate the Vitality Sensor into Zelda so that as you become more scared, the enemies become even tougher.

• Girl from Artwork is Link's Master Sword.

Maybe from the art work you can see that he's not holding a sword.

• Girl from Artwork is also the Fairy Queen.

Yes, I have read some of the speculation on the internet, and some of it is right! But that is all I can say at the moment...

• Retro Studios was once working on Legend of Zelda Wii.

- Heard crazy rumblings last week
- NOTHING IS CONFIRMED, NO LONGER TRUE
- 95% sure this was true at one time
- A year plus ago, Retro Studios was doing the new Zelda or doing something big with it
- For one reason or another that’s not the case anymore they don’t believe
- Not working on it anymore
- Got reliable info, there were internet rumors at one point
- This is a rumor, really good rumor, since has been debunked that they’re working on it
- They are not making that game anymore

Master Sword and Shield spotted in Retro Studio's conference room (5:30 mark).





INTERESTING TIDBITS FROM NINTENDO REGARDING LEGEND OF ZELDA WII

I can tell Nintendo's staff has really been galvanized by you. I can tell they feel like you did what they hadn't yet," Iwata said in a conversation with Monster Hunter Tri game director Kaname Fujioka and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto. "Looking at the graphics objectively, I feel like the game's visuals are one of the representative examples of what can ultimately be done with Wii. I think it [Monster Hunter Tri] has placed the Zelda team under a considerable amount of pressure.

In this [installment of the series], we're using MotionPlus to make you feel much more like you're actually fighting while holding a sword in your hand.

(commenting on First-Person View) [is not] going to be that radically different [than previous games in the series]..

We are trying to make Zelda, which has become very complicated, easier to play.

I don’t think it’s [the graphics] going to change dramatically. We are doing it on the Wii [console]. That being said, we can look at Twilight Princess – it was built to run on both GameCube and Wii, and this one will be running only on Wii, so I think there will be differences inherent to the fact that it’s only on this platform.

Every person’s own individual experiences with the game should be unique and be their own sort of ‘My Zelda’ experience, and I think that’s super important, and we have to look at that when we’re creating dungeons and how we can make that come true. So we’re spending a lot of time concentrating our efforts in that area. But it’s not going to become individual: ‘Hi, I’m this Zelda’ or ‘I’m this Link!.’ The experience will be unique but within the world that we’ve defined.

I'd like to show something playable (at E3).

The fact of the matter is that MotionPlus was actually not conceived at the beginning of the development of this new Wii version of the game," Aonuma explained. We thought about the possibility of integrating the Wii MotionPlus technology into the Legend Of Zelda idea so we then had to start experimenting. Now we have come to the stage where a very convenient result has been realised. In the end, Wii MotionPlus will be something really great for improving the playability of the game.

In the case of the new Legend of Zelda on Wii, he’s trying to take more direct hands-on and specifically at least once every month we are having a very intimate meeting where we confirm the status quo, we discuss what needs to be done and Mr Miyamoto gives instructions as to what we need to do.
And in such a situation, of course there are some heated arguments, because each of us has his own idea as to what a Zelda game should look like, should play like. As time passes and as we are growing in terms of number of people working for the same department, naturally Mr Miyamoto has to keep some distance away from any other producers and developers, but I think we always try to have as close communications as possible in one way or the other. That’s how I think everyone including me has been communicating with Mr Miyamoto at Nintendo.

It is something we used to talk about with Mr. Miyamoto, and he and I agree that if we are following the same structure again and again, we might not be able to give long-time Zelda fans a fresh surprise. So we have been trying something new in terms of the structure of the Wii version of the new Zelda game this time. I am really hopeful that people will be surprised with the changes we have implemented for this Wii version.

Asked if there will be gameplay that emphasizes the ability to freely swing your sword, Aonuma responded with an "Of course." He also hinted that the way you fight enemies could be the key to solving some puzzles.

Elsewhere in the interview, Aonuma reflected back on 2009, a year that saw the release of Zelda Spirit Tracks, on which he served as producer. In Japan, the game made it out a few days before Christmas. However, it was almost a Spring 2010 title. Early in development, the staff believed they'd need the additional time. E3 came around and the game had all the fundamentals in place, and not wanting to overlap with Wii's Zelda, Aonuma pressed the staff for a release at the end of the year.

Although you may be under the impression that we are still only in the early stages of development, in fact we are well into the making of the game.

A product like Zelda will launch truly when it's perfect and the best person to answer that question is going to be Mr. Miyamoto. Hopefully, hopefully it's going to be a title that we can bring to market this year. But it's not something that we're going to commit to until we have a much better sense of whether Mr. Miyamoto is going to upend the tea cart and challenge Mr. Aonuma to do new things or whether the development plan is going to stay on track.

For us, it’s all about making sure it is perfect.

I’ve talk to people about it. I, personally, have not played Zelda.

THE BOMB WILL DROP BETWEEN 9 AM AND 11 AM PACIFIC TIME JUNE 15TH, 2010!

 

[EmCeeGramr]

gee i wonder where it will fall in the TIMELINE (which we should really talk about)

 

[Skiesofwonder]

Reserved spot for Legend of Zelda Wii information.

EDIT: Darn you slow computer and EmCeeGramr!

Anyways, if anybody knows of or finds any information that you think needs to be in the OP, just let me know through this thread or a quick PM. I'll try to keep track and update the OP as quick as possible.

 

[hyduK]

I really hope that everything listed under 'What We Think We Know' is completely false.

 

[HAL_Laboratory]

gee i wonder where it will fall in the TIMELINE (which we should really talk about)

More important to me is whether he's left or right handed. That's a game breaker for me.

 

[WillyFive]

Yes! It's starting!

I am not as big a Zelda fan as the guys here, but I can't deny the hype.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Fantastic OP!!!!

 

[BowieZ]

Great, great OP.

And thank you for using the correct sword-girl comparison pic. The purple-green checkered legs are the giveaway.

Spoiler

Hey, Huelen.

 

[fernoca]

More important to me is whether he's left or right handed. That's a game breaker for me.

The artwork already shows him as right-handed...that the game includes an option for left-handed; is another thing.

 

[HAL_Laboratory]

This is the only Zelda game I've been apprehensive about. I'm excited, but the thought of parading that chick around as your real sword (who would undoubtedly serve as another Navi or Midna type character) is a little off-putting. But I have faith in those guys to get it right and even exceed my expectations, so I will hold off on my assumptions.

But yeah, could be a dismal critical failure; could be Link's finest hour. Regardless, I will be there on day one to find out.

 

[Door2Dawn]

I really hope that everything listed under 'What We Think We Know' is completely false.

You know jack shit about what the game is about, and yet you want the stuff we think we know to be false?

 

[Majine]

Also known as "The most hyped game with minimal information given" :lol I mean, it's not just Gaf. All across the net, there are megathreads about this game. Just amazing to see. You have the chance to win E3 here, Nintendo.

 

[DreadTheUnDead]

Great OP! let the hype train begin

 

[Chris R]

If WM+ is required it better be packaged in the damn box :<

 

[Brazil]

Fantastic OP!!!!

Indeed.

This week is going to be so fucking long.

 

[WillyFive]

If WM+ is required it better be packaged in the damn box :<

It always is.

 

[Osuwari]

$4 that it is something no one expected.

$3 that it doesn't fit anywhere in the timeline.

 

[hyduK]

You know jack shit about what the game is about, and yet you want the stuff we think we know to be false?

I know that it's still Zelda, and I know that I don't want to use a vitality sensor, or to pretend my controller is a bow while playing it.

 

[Kaldea]

So excited. Setting myself up for being let down, but I don't care. :lol

 

[brandonh83]

I may as well call this thread "home" for the foreseeable future. :lol

 

[Perfect Blue]

I CANT WAIT

I hope it's in the same vain as Majora's Mask in the sense that it's a new antagonist, new world, and just off the wall insanity. With Wind Waker visuals. And orchestrated music.

FUCK YE

 

[timetokill]

I don't know why, but I feel disappointed that the girl seems to so obviously be the sword. But when it's in action that can definitely change.

If the Vitality Sensor is used, I almost wonder if they could make it work like the Stone of Agony or something. But changing AI based on player biometrics would be cool.

The game would take a whole new meaning if you took Travis Touchdown's "sword charge" mechanic and animation and applied it to this game though :lol

I CANT WAIT

I hope it's in the same vain as Majora's Mask in the sense that it's a new antagonist, new world, and just off the wall insanity. With Wind Waker visuals. And orchestrated music.

FUCK YE

And Tingle!

 

[hyduK]

It always is.

I'd imagine it would be packaged with Zelda, but we have a pretty small sample size of M+ games to say that it will always be included.

The expansion pack wasn't included with Majora's Mask, was it?

 

[HAL_Laboratory]

I may as well call this thread "home" for the foreseeable future. :lol

Pretty much.

This and the 3DS thread.

 

[fernoca]

I know that it's still Zelda, and I know that I don't want to use a vitality sensor, or to pretend my controller is a bow while playing it.

The vitality if anything will be optional..like the rumble pak on Ocarina of Time; having it just unlocks additional things... and the bow thing will probably play like the archery mini game I think from Wii Sports, were you perform the motions with the nunchuck while you pint at the screen..or something...which is nice, but nothing that you'll be doing the entire game.

 

[WillyFive]

I'd imagine it would be packaged with Zelda, but we have a pretty small sample size of M+ games to say that it will always be included.

The expansion pack wasn't included with Majora's Mask, was it?

Not outside Japan, I think.

Maybe you have a point, especially since Wii's and every controller come bundled with Motion + already.

 

[Stitch]

Girl from Artwork is Link's Master Sword.

wow.
mind = blown

 

[Vizion28]

Just for the record I wanted to state my prediction that Zelda Wii will utilize vitality sensor. Then I will come back here after E3 and receieve praise for my awesome prediction which came true.

 

[JaseMath]

This is one hype train that cannot crash.

 

[Chris R]

It always is.

Good. I just hope the game doesn't try to hold your hand so much in the early game and has a better flow to it. TP took forever to get even decent due to that. I still haven't finished the game due to the horrible taste the early game gave me.

 

[vareon]

I wanted to say "goddamit how many zelda prediction threads do we need just stop it" but I have to say I'm really excited.

 

[WillyFive]

This is one hype train that cannot crash.

I don't see how it can.

The Wind Waker was the closest we can call to crash, and that was because of the art style. If it can survive a change like that, what could crash this?

Good. I just hope the game doesn't try to hold your hand so much in the early game and has a better flow to it. TP took forever to get even decent due to that. I still haven't finished the game due to the horrible taste the early game gave me.

Ouch. You should finish the game.

Didn't think holding your hand could do that, I always thought more games should have done that so that people would play them more. :lol

 

[Pinko Marx]

June 15th! Thats my birthday!

 

[Anonymous Tipster]

Oh man, I can't wait.

There has yet to be a Zelda game I haven't enjoyed, and I'm sure Zelda Wii won't break that streak.

 

[Perfect Blue]

Fuck it, this game needs to be like the original. Let it drop you in the middle of fucking nowhere and let you decide what order you want to do the dungeons in.

 

[abstract alien]

Alright, I had no idea the vitality sensor would be used in here, which is a pretty clear indication that it has gone under a massive overhaul design and aesthetically speaking. What sort of design would work now?

June 15th! Thats my birthday!

Who is that cutting the rug in your avatar!? :lol

 

[hyduK]

The vitality if anything will be optional..like the rumble pak on Ocarina of Time; having it just unlocks additional things... and the bow thing will probably play like the archery mini game I think from Wii Sports, were you perform the motions with the nunchuck while you pint at the screen..or something...which is nice, but nothing that you'll be doing the entire game.

If it's like the rumble pack than that's fine, if it's a core component I'd be sceptical.

I realize what it would be like, but unless they're fundamentally changing the way Zelda works, I think it would be taking you out of the action. TP's bow worked just fine, allowing for both precise but quick targetting.

 

[RurouniZel]

wow.
mind = blown

Mine was as well. That comparison pic really sells the theory to me.

 

[WillyFive]

Fuck it, this game needs to be like the original. Let it drop you in the middle of fucking nowhere and let you decide what order you want to do the dungeons in.

That would be a huge simplification. Mario Galaxy 2 underwent a massive simplification, but not that massive.

 

[Kajiba]

Nice thread. I'm suscribing this.

 

[hyduK]

Good. I just hope the game doesn't try to hold your hand so much in the early game and has a better flow to it. TP took forever to get even decent due to that. I still haven't finished the game due to the horrible taste the early game gave me.

Go back and play TP. I completely agree that the beginning sucks (I tried to replay it recently, couldn't bare to do it) but after the first dungeon the game just picks up and doesn't slow down.

 

[cacildo]

So we´re not waiting for E3, we´re waiting for the new Zelda reveal

Spoiler

i am...

 

[Perfect Blue]

That would be a huge simplification. Mario Galaxy 2 underwent a massive simplification, but not that massive.

I don't think of it as a simplification. It would be cool for the game to have that same feeling of adventure and mystery like the original. I really felt overwhelmed the first time I played it. Only Legend of Zelda and Metroid Prime made me feel that way about a game.

 

[ThanksVision]

I'm on the East Coast USA. What time does the conference start for me?

Thank you sooo much.

 

[Tricky I Shadow]

June 15th! Thats my birthday!

 

[MikeE21286]

The anticipation.....oh man, can't wait for E3. I hope they have some playable stuff.

 

[Tenbatsu]

Let's see if it can surpass MH3 visual!

 

[Shikamaru Ninja]

How about Aonuma's second Zelda team, meanwhile gets cracking on converting the Four Swords Adventures game into "New! The Legend of Zelda! either for 3DS or WiiWare.

What I really hope is that Nintendo get rid of the stupid text during cinemas. Either do the cinemas completely through facial expression and music, or put in some voice acting even if it is just some omniscient narrator.

Just no more giant text with stupid baby sound effects. Uggh.

 

[Zoramon089]

Fuck it, this game needs to be like the original. Let it drop you in the middle of fucking nowhere and let you decide what order you want to do the dungeons in.

Let's also made dungeons 2 dimensional mazes and completely remove the tight integration items have with them. I've heard that idea countless times and while it might initially sound like a good idea, when you go back and see the dungeons in the first Zelda compared to TP, it's not possible

 

[Bizzyb]

Dual release For Wii and "Next Wii" a la Twilight Princess...I hope