Sure, it's nothing more then a giant wish list, but really there are some good thoughts in it. Last year, our own Phil Stetson talked about the top 10 things he wants in Zelda Wii, so it's nice to see other people's thoughts about it. So, lets just get right into the list:1.) Motion-Controls:
That one is basically confirmed for Zelda Wii. Shigeru Miyamoto himself said to think of Wii Sports Resort when trying to imagine what Zelda Wii would control like. Eiji Aonuma, too, talked about MotionPlus playing a huge role for the upcoming game. While that sounds all fine, it´s not that easy if you think about it: The bow and arrow-shooting in WSR is near perfection. Shooting arrows in a videogame won´t be getting any better in the near future. It feels great. But with realism in how you control an action comes realism in how it pans out. Or in short: Bow and arrow-shooting a la WSR takes a lot of time. Should Zelda Wii make use of the exact same controls, the whole game has to be structured differently. You cannot quickly shoot something, because you need to grab an arrow, pull back, take aim and hope that you aim was correct. That means two things: a) It´s still okay for most puzzles, but b) it´s completely useless against many or quick enemies. Now while you can say that against quick enemies you simply have to choose another weapon, the means that there cannot be fast enemies that will be fought with bow and arrow, and that there either won´t be larger groups of enemies or that the controls will be gimped down in some respect. Personally, and that´s going to be mentioned later on, I hope for the former. There´s also some possible issues with the sword-fighting, but except for controls themselves, nothing regarding the sword-fighting would affect the rest of the game. 1:1 sword-controls are what are expected and what everyone hoped for when Twilight Princess was announced for the Wii. They will be there.
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon
3.) Different camera-view
4.) Less focus on story
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale
6.) Rich characters that make you feel for them
7.) No special moves
8.) Free, open world
9.) The world is your playing ground
10.) Animal Wildlife
11.) A world that feels alive
12.) Adventurer´s diary
13.) Non-linear progression
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality
15.) Optional Items
16.) Sidequests - Lots of them
17.) Mission-based sidequests
18.) Flying
19.) Gorgeous visuals
20.) Return of Magic
21.) Less dungeons
22.) Boss-battles under the sky
23.) Windfall Island x10
24.) Less but stronger enemies
25.) Emphasis on man vs man-battles
26.) More realism in enemy behavior
27.) Voice Acting
28.) Multiplayer
29.) Customization
30.) Different gameplay-styles
There you have it. Be sure to check out what he had to say about each point here. While I don't agree with all the ideas, I do feel there is a lot of good stuff there. If we can even see half this list happening in the next Zelda title, then I think we are really in for a treat.
Categories: Fan Community News
Less Dungeons but boss battles under the sky. What that means is, boss battles in a truly open world, that don't require a dungeon. And with a truly open world, you don't need more dungeons. Also, read the actual article. He has great reasoning for Voice Acting.
4- Story can get in the way of game play sometimes (I'm looking at you Dirge of Cerberus), but I think story can also open potential game play opportunities as well.
5- Thought so too with TP. While I cannot deny the beauty of the game, TP felt more like a mainstream movie or game concept of using muddy colors (muddy always=realism, apparently), and overly intricate details, than a fairy tale. However, I think MM and L'sA is a better example than WW.
8/9/10/11- That's why I like The Elder Scroll's series.
12- Speaking of TES, the journal entry is dancing close to Link having a voice. Now if this was like a Pokadex (small data computer used in the Pokemon series) or Bomber's Notebook, and just simply stated things than it would be an appropriate addition.
14/15- Also, don't make the item found in the dungeon a mandatory need to beat the boss. It's being very redundant and predicable.
16- Not making an argument or statement, but is there anyone who has not yet seen The Distraction's of Link? Funny moves (mind the slight X-ratedish joke though).
18- Eh, I'm just not feelin' it...
28- Multiplayer is promising, but will there be a fee, and will it gather a large enough audience?
30- I thought we said no more "flashy moves".
16- Not making an argument or statement, but is there anyone who has not yet seen The Distraction's of Link? Funny MOVIE (mind the slight X-ratedish joke though).
Pardon my spelling.
I've gotta say, less dungeons is a no, as well as voice acting. Link is meant to be silent, and anything but would be strange. I have no trouble reading, and the occasional screams or grunts are fine for me.
The idiots who dont want story is because they cant think.
The history is one of the best things of zelda!
Less dungeons??? What!!??
Less mandatory items...
Please think. they cant do this.
Why? Because getting the item in the dungeon will not be necesarie.
Voice acting is so bad, is only for the people that cant read.
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon
3.) Different camera-view
4.) Less focus on story
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale
7.) No special moves
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality
21.) Less dungeons
27.) Voice Acting
30.) Different gameplay-styles
Personally, I disagree with all of these. . .
I have three things to add to that list:
31. Modern/Futuristic setting
I'm sure there are plenty of arguments against this, such as going against the general feel of Zelda, but it seems like it would give the series a more timeless feel if the legend were applicable to future times. Gameplay mechanics wouldn't have to be completely overhauled, as you could easily replace Zelda staples with required analogues (a motorcycle named Epona, or a pistol for bow/arrow situations, just to name a few). Plus, the juxtaposition of ancient legends over modern times would make for an interesting plot device.
32. Interconnected Dungeons
This one I got from Metroid. Most Zelda games make references to an "Underworld" when talking about dungeons, but the dungeons really just insulated pockets. In Metroid, every place is connected to everywhere else, leading to some pretty sweet nonlinearity. Dungeons should have secret passages that interconnect them, if only to make the player feel special when he finds them.
33. Zelda/Metroid tie-in
Okay, this is just my pipe-dream, but it would totally rock if there was some connection established between Link and Samus Aran. Again, it's just a pipe-dream...
Nevermind. I just read the full article and he defends his points beautifully. While I still don't agree with all the points, I think it'd do Zelda good to have him part of their creative team.
Guys, before bashing his points enfatically, or not understanding the differences between the points... read the article. It's not our piece, so as a gesture I don't actually post his reasoning for his selections. To do that, you have to visit his site.
And, he defense them very well.
I really want Zelda Wii to be more combat focused than the other 3D titles, but I still want a good number of engaging and rewarding sidequests, great puzzles, great exploration, items to always stay useful, a difficulty setting.
Add a good story on top of top-notch wii graphics, and you've got yourself a perfect Zelda Wii game.
Unfortunately, they'd never listen to us enough to add all of that into one Zelda game in the first place. Its hard enough just to get one or two satisfactions from our expectations for each Zelda enough as it is.
Thank God he doesn't work for nintendo.
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon: Absolutely
3.) Different camera-view: why not?
4.) Less focus on story: One of my few disagreeings with the text. I would perfer a better storyline, which would inevitably mean more focus on it.
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale: No comment.
6.) Rich characters that make you feel for them: Why not?
7.) No special moves: No comment
8.) Free, open world: Absolutely
9.) The world is your playing ground: That would be nice up to a point.
10.) Animal Wildlife: why not?
11.) A world that feels alive: already commented this one at points 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10
12.) Adventurer´s diary: Why not?
13.) Non-linear progression: Absolutely!
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality: Yes!
15.) Optional Items: Absolutely!
16.) Sidequests - Lots of them: Yes, perferably one, that are somehow linked with the main story.
17.) Mission-based sidequests: Absolutely! And why not in main quests too?
18.) Flying: why not?
19.) Gorgeous visuals: Not a must-have, but it would be nice.
20.) Return of Magic: Indeed.
21.) Less dungeons: No, no no, and once more no. More, and better made dungeons. In previous Zeldas, there has peen too much weight in overworld, which too often means inenjoyable dungeons. More, and different dungeons. Few could be shorties, including only 1-3 puzzles and one or two keys, and a boss battle, some other could be overlengthed, but without a boss. Possibly one or two dungeons with a time limit.
My propably wildest idea, however, is that there would be dungeons that interact with each other. For example, you would have to get an item or solve a puzzle in dungeon B to complete dungeon A, and be able to complete B only after you have completed Dungeon A. Also different dungeon architechturicals, for example some dungeon could be a gigantic ship, or possibly a fleet.
22.) Boss-battles under the sky: some, but not all of them
23.) Windfall Island x10: Small towns? Why not?
24.) Less but stronger enemies: I agree with stronger, not with less.
25.) Emphasis on man vs man-battles: Mano-a-mano is good in mid-bosses, butI don't think it works well outside of them.
26.) More realism in enemy behavior: Definately
27.) Voice Acting: none to much more of it please.
28.) Multiplayer: Yes, mayde even multiplayer-adventure-mode.
29.) Customization: Depends what you customize
30.) Different gameplay-styles: No comment
I think Flying Fisch should rephrase Fewer Dungeons to Greater Attention to Dungeons from the misconception it's been getting.
1.) Motion-Controls: 'kshur.
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon: No, but only to the last one.
3.) Different camera-view: Ehh, no thanks.
4.) Less focus on story: No. MORE focus on story.
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale: As long as said fairy tales isn't Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, sure.
6.) Rich characters that make you feel for them: Yes.
7.) No special moves: ...lolwut?
8.) Free, open world: Yes, as long as it's filled with something other than fields and seas as far as the eye can see.
9.) The world is your playing ground: ...sure?
10.) Animal Wildlife: Yes.
11.) A world that feels alive: Yes.
12.) Adventurer´s diary: Eh?
13.) Non-linear progression: Yes please, but I highliy doubt it'll actually happen.
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality: Yes. This should mean that what mandatory items there are are actually used.
15.) Optional Items: Wasn't that what was said above?
16.) Sidequests - Lots of them: Yes.
17.) Mission-based sidequests: Yes.
18.) Flying: No thanks.
19.) Gorgeous visuals: Yes, but I can live without.
20.) Return of Magic: Yes.
21.) Less dungeons: Hell no. We need the 8 dungeons that made the early games so great. Therefore more dungeons, however these dungeons need to be better and more memorable.
22.) Boss-battles under the sky: As in, in the open? I'm open for the idea.
23.) Windfall Island x10: Towns are definitely the one thing a lot of games are missing nowadays.
24.) Less but stronger enemies: I can see where they're coming from, but I'd rather just see the same amount of enemies slightly stronger, and that doesn't mean they just take more hits.
25.) Emphasis on man vs man-battles: For story-based boss battles, definitely.
26.) More realism in enemy behavior: Better AI often means a better game, so definitely.
27.) Voice Acting: Grunts yes, speech no.
28.) Multiplayer: Yes, but not in adventure mode. That would end horribly.
29.) Customization: Of what?
30.) Different gameplay-styles: I'd like different on the scale of Majora's Mask, but not different on the scale of Zelda II.
31.) Modern/Futuristic setting: I'm not wholly against this, but I don't think the majority of fans would like it too much, therefore it would happen once and then never again. So a gradual progression of Hyrule history which we seem to be going through (Steam technology, etc.) would be great, but for Zelda Wii it would tick too many people off, I think.
32.) Interconnected Dungeons: That would be great, but sadly I doubt it'll happen.
33.) Zelda/Metroid tie-in: As you put it yourself Q, as pipe-dream, although a few cameos would be very nice.
1.) Motion-Controls: duh its a wii game
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon: obviousy
3.) Different camera-view: whats the point
4.) Less focus on story: its an adventure game, it needs one
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale: maybe
6.) Rich characters that make you feel for them: that would be nice
7.) No special moves: that would be boring
8.) Free, open world: duh, its zelda
9.) The world is your playing ground: depends what you mean
10.) Animal Wildlife: maybe
11.) A world that feels alive: depends what you mean
12.) Adventurer´s diary: that would be neet
13.) Non-linear progression: that might get in the way of the story
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality: yes, but not all optional
15.) Optional Items:yes
16.) Sidequests - Lots of them: yes
17.) Mission-based sidequests: depends what you mean
18.) Flying: maybe
19.) Gorgeous visuals: yes
20.) Return of Magic: definately
21.) Less dungeons: no, its one of the things that makes zelda a zelda game
22.) Boss-battles under the sky: not all of them
23.) Windfall Island x10: small towns? yes
24.) Less but stronger enemies: stronger maybe, less no
25.) Emphasis on man vs man-battles: depends what you mean
26.) More realism in enemy behavior: maybe
27.) Voice Acting: nah
28.) Multiplayer:depends what kind of multiplayer
29.) Customization: depends what you customize
30.) Different gameplay-styles: depends what you mean
Elemento, you should read his article. The fact that you don't know what he means by adventure's diary proves that you didn't.
I like some of his points, but I'm surprised that he likes Windfall Island more than Clock Town, which is bigger, liveler, and more involving, all by a landslide. I'd say that is all by fact.
I'm surprised many of you are against voice acting. Guys, he said in his article that Link shouldn't have a voice, although the others should. I do think it would enhance the game if done right.
Also, the comment made by someone that voice acting is for people who can't read = LOL!!!!!
No Talonmalon, I didn't read the article as I only saw the link to the source after posting my comment, lol. Upon reading it, I've changed my opinions on the following:
7.) No special moves: For the most part, I agree with the article. Zelda doesn't need, nor should it need a wide range of attacks. MotionPlus will make your movements that more accurate, therefore the move set from The Wind Waker will easily be enough to keep some sort of variety, while not being as unnecessarily flashy as Devil May Cry or Bayonetta.
12.) Adventurer´s diary: Now I actually know what the article writer meant, I can agree. My main gripe with the scanning from the Metroid Prime games (i.e. Hunters, being the only one I've played. D:) is that there is too much that's permanently missable. By implementing a "Link writes about x after talking to/fighting/seeing/etc." system, this is gone. Or at least it should be if done right. However I think the writer meant that it should be exactly like the Prime series, which would work for enemies, some items and objects, but not too well with NPCs and bosses you only fight once, which I say should be done automatically.
Now I see that 14.) and 15.) are different, I'll say that the former would be awesome, and for the people who like to challenge themselves with minimalist runs, it would be great, however the odds of Nintendo using such a system are slim, which is why 15.), although not as brilliant, is a worthy substitute that I hope will at least be considered by Nintendo.
23.) Windfall Island x10:
Again, once I've read the author's opinion, I've changed my opinion. When I read "x10" I instantly thought he meant "More towns, all similar but different", but now I realise he meant one big town around which most things are centred, I have to disagree. I'd expect at least three or four towns the size of Windfall from a Zelda game made for the Wii, or two the size and depth of Clock Town. Naturally I don't want two carbon copies of Clock Town in the one game though, that would be boring (although Clock Town was amazing). I'd say one town about half the size mfauli is on about, two important and relevant towns that have everything you would need, but that aren't clones of eachother (think Windfall and Ocarina of Time or A Link to the Past's Kakariko), and several smaller villages scattered around the place, similar to Ordon, Outset, the Kokiri Forest or the towns in Zelda II.
I agree with mfauli's windmill statement however.
30.) Different gameplay-styles: Although what I said before still stands, that was again before I understood what the author meant. It would be an amazing addition to the game, and as he said himself, the most unlikely of his suggestions, which is a shame.
I also agree with his comments about music, companions and photos at the end of his article.
Other things I'd like are different difficulty levels. However I feel that difficulty settings similar to what appears to be the case in Megaman 10 than just giving more health to enemies would be better, although I doubt Nintendo would make new dungeons and enemy layouts different just for the people who do or don't want much challenge in the game. I have other ideas, I just can't think of them right now. D:
i would love it if we could play as zelda.
kinda like what super paper mario did with playing as peach.
im not all for totaly getting rid of ganon, but what they did with twilight princess i really like, another antagonist like zant. just focus more NOT on ganon.
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon: i onestly like the old formula of link zelda and gannon, but its getting old. so insted what i sugest is mabye give zelda a diferent role, a warrior that fights and searces dungens alongside link. and as for ganon(dorf probably) he should be in the game but there should be a villan who is far stronger and posibly posesing ganon
3.) Different camera-view: umm doesent really matter, as long as its not first person
4.) Less focus on story:why? is my only question. the story in twilight princess was really good and i think more storyline in zelda games wouldent hurt the game at all.
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale: no there shouldent be just a fariytale happy power land with no darkside, it should be an imerse wold with tons of difrent aspects and that would include a dark landscape or a second kingdom beside hyrule that has no order.
6.) Rich characters that make you feel for them: yes and i even think this should aply to link as well as npc charecters, link always seems to lack any emotion wich i think negativle impacts games such as mario or zelda the main charecter should be complex
7.) No special moves:no is all i have to say to that one
8.) Free, open world: thats what they all have isnt it, i dont think the loding takes away from that to much
9.) The world is your playing ground:no coment
10.) Animal Wildlife: shure why not
11.) A world that feels alive: yes
12.) Adventurer´s diary: it wouldent be bad but it isnt needed
13.) Non-linear progression: you stole my idea
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality: pehaps, but there should still be a multitude of items
15.) Optional Items: yes, alot of optinal items, maye like 8 swords that all do difrent things such as fire sword beams or a double sword option, and an incredibly hard to obtain ultimate sword
16.) Sidequests - Lots of them: of course, thats a must have
17.) Mission-based sidequests: why not?
18.) Flying: shure it would be fun but it would be rather hard to maitain dificulty of exploration with a flying mechanic
19.) Gorgeous visuals: this one is a given
20.) Return of Magic: i think the game could do without it but it sould still be there
21.) Less dungeons: wtf are you taling about, it should just be more in depth dungens not less of them
22.) Boss-battles under the sky: yes that would be great
23.) Windfall Island x10: yes
24.) Less but stronger enemies: stronger but there should still be tons of weak enemys around one strong one to be more realistic
25.) Emphasis on man vs man-battles: yes but not to much, giant monster battles are still fun
26.) More realism in enemy behavior: duh
27.) Voice Acting: shure why not , espesialy for yonger players, because when i was young i didnt have the atention span to read long text bubles in OoT and this caused me to need my dads help for almost everything
28.) Multiplayer: why not?
29.) Customization: again why not?
30.) Different gameplay-styles: it could be interesting if executed properly
and now for some of my own expectations
1: optional dungeons that are extremly dificult and can only be completed by master players, with insanely dificult bosses at the end
2: as i said before an enemy more poweful and more evil that ganon, posibly dark link
3: dark link, every game should have dark link in some way because he represents the darkness of the pure hero and should therefore be the ultimate villan
4: item combination: i'll give an example to explain. your fighting a large beast that runs aroud and has horns, you put on your iron boots to weigh you down, you use the hookshot to atach to its horns and use the strength aplifieing gloves(whatever they call it) to swing the beast into the wall
5: fierce deity, he's the coolest character they should include the fierce deity's mask in more games as the ultimate obtainable wepon or perhaps make a game where he is the main charecter being the original link or somthing like that.
If most of these are included then Zelda Wii will be the best game ever!
My opinions
1.) Motion Controls - awesome though I'm wondering how this will work, haven't used Wii Motion Plus before
2.) Link, Zelda and Ganon - I want Ganon to be the puppet of a greater evil maybe a minion of an evil god, this would add a new twist to why Ganon first became so evil, maybe!
3.) Different camera-view - doesn't bother me
4.) Less focus on story - oh yesh!
5.) A friendly, welcoming world, set within a fairy tale - this would be awesome!
6.) Rich characters that make you feel for them - this must be included, I love feeling for characters!
7.) No special moves - doesn't bother me
8.) Free, open world - This would make Zelda Wii even better by having you choose where to go, the world is the gamers oyster
9.) The world is your playing ground - " " " "
10.) Animal Wildlife - I loved the animals in TP and to have this come back and/or even help you along in the quest would make a better story
11.) A world that feels alive - Oh most definatly to make the game feel real, would make you want to play more!
12.) Adventurer´s diary - be cool, reminds me of pokemon pearl/diamond/platinum
13.) Non-linear progression - ???
14.) Less mandatory items - More optionality - oh yes because it would make each gamers experience more unique
15.) Optional Items - yes, maybe even items that you can exchange not for better items but for other items, maybe even items in different categories like Main Melee weapon, range weapon, explosive weapon, secondary melee weapon and ect
16.) Sidequests - Lots of them - oh yes but only if they reward you with worth while items, and you get experience and optional items from each sidequest, I want lots of them that are unique for each gamer
17.) Mission-based sidequests - Same as above!
18.) Flying - Fun! ^_^
19.) Gorgeous visuals - I'm thinking as beautiful as the Monster Hunter visuals
20.) Return of Magic - YES, THIS IS NEEDED!
21.) Less dungeons - mmm don't bother me much
22.) Boss-battles under the sky - Oh yes even different bosses within the vast overworld
23.) Windfall Island x10 - Wow! O.O
24.) Less but stronger enemies - Oh yes, thinking of us hardcore gamers here, maybe even a difficulty system
25.) Emphasis on man vs man-battles - That would be awesome, maybe even a battle colosseum or something :P
26.) More realism in enemy behavior - Oh yes that would be absolutley fabulous
27.) Voice Acting - don't bother me, I don't want crappy voice acting (thinking of CDi crap) and link should still be quiet
28.) Multiplayer - ONLINE MULTIPLAYER like COD you make a player and as you level up you get new weapons even gaining weapons from side quests in the main story, your player is uniques you get to choose its appearance and its weapons, still thinking an experience system should be utilised!
29.) Customization - same as above basically your player for the story is link but as you do side quests you can change his clothing, weapons but not his hair or face
30.) Different gameplay-styles - mmm sounds awesome!
Layout of Main Menu/Menus:
Main Menu (MM)
MM¬Profile (P)
-P¬ Difficulty Setting
MM¬ Story Mode (SM)
-SM¬ Overview of Quest/Quest Log
-SM¬ Overview of Player/Appearence and Exp
MM¬ Online Multiplayer (OM)
-OM¬ Find Battle
-OM¬ Customise Player
MM¬ Options
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena
Voice acting and less dungeons? These expectations suck.