Zelda Universe - All the Zelda info you need.

ZU Podcast Version March 2010

Margaret — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:02:57 +0000

Helloooo fine denizens of Zelda Universe! It’s been a whole month already and we’ve been hard at work on another podcast for you. In this edition of the ZUcast, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll groan, you’ll feel slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable, then you’ll cry again and then, ultimately, you’ll laugh once more. Hopefully you’ll come out on the other side slightly more informed and entertained than you were going in.

Note: From now on, let it be known that not all content in this and future podcasts will be suitable for all age groups. However, we’ll let you know in the table of contents where this will apply:

(03:28) The latest in Zelda news. Plus this month, Nate even has a charge specifically for you, the listener!
(11:53) How many snide remarks does it take to screw in a lightbulb? We don’t know, and that made no sense, but check out the community news anyway, because Roscoe Rhodes has the lowdown from ZU’s Forum side.
(17:39) Our one and only man of world, Hombre de Mundo, is joined by special guest Mr. Wonderful for a chat about the recent Game Developers’ Conference.
(29:37) The Wacky Minish of ZU, EzloSpirit this time has chosen to profile the races of Hyrule, and, though he doesn’t know it yet, is in for a big surprise.
(35:56) Liah finally has managed to snag an exclusive interview with someone from the Kingdom of Hyrule. (PG 13)
(41:50) Due to budget reasons, Cody’s rant has been cut from the podcast, and instead our hosts will talk about Irish themes in Zelda games. (PG)
(45:47) Another thrilling installment of Power Shot’s radio drama, now known as “La Radionovela de los Zelda: Pasión de Otaku.” (16+)
(55:01) Your Feedback. (PG 13)
(01:08:53) Credits.
(01:10:55) Bloopers.

You can listen to our podcast via iTunes here.

Tell us what you think! If you have questions or even if you want to be in the podcast, drop us an e-mail at zubc[at]zeldauniverse[dot]net.

Talk about the podcast on the forums here.

Happy March!

Mailbag: The Mid-Week That Isn’t

James — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:57:06 +0000

I know I am late in posting and I know I give a lot of excuses when I do, but this one I couldn’t control. My dad is in the hospital and I have been visiting every chance I get, so something had to suffer. But I was still able to post it for you!

I don’t have much in the way of an intro, so I will just post the necessary links and get on with it.

If you missed it, Cody welcomed your questions in the Mid-Week Mailbag, so check it out.

And as always, the mailbag doesn’t run unless you send in your questions for me and the other staff members can answer! So, get on it!

Until the mid-week and next week, enjoy!

Question 1: Change in Zelda

Kiante writes:

In your opinion, what would be the single best change Nintendo could make in Zelda (the games not the character)?

James responds:

You know, I skipped this question initally, and I think I am going to have to skip it entirely and let the rest of these wonderful people share their

opinions. I just cannot think of anything!

Xeno adds:

Choices. In almost every Zelda game, Link is faced with limited to no options. A hero’s obliged to save the world when the time comes, yes. Howsoever, that doesn’t mean Link shouldn’t have to face a few choices along his journey. And I’m not talking about just optional side quests for another bottle. I mean real choices that have an affect on Link and others around him. Majora’s Mask was the closest thing that came to giving Link the gift of choice. The regular masks weren’t required to complete the game, however, they were essential for understanding the stories of the lives of the people of Termina and by giving them a sense of closure (despite the fact that time was reserved every time you played the Song of time). However, in Majora’s Mask, Link was merely an outsider meddling in the lives of the people of Termina, so the choices he made on others didn’t really affect him. Perhaps in a new game, include choices that have long-term effects.

Nintendo can go above and beyond the concept of choice presented in Majora’s Mask by not only giving Link the sense of choice in other people’s lives, but in Link’s own life as well. For example: Should he save his childhood friend first or should he save the townspeople first? What is the result and outcome of said choice and how does it affect Link? It doesn’t exactly have to be morally challenging choices; but if so, then that would make the story all that much more intricate and emotional.

It’s hard to believe that in any tale of good versus evil, the hero doesn’t have any choices in his journey.

SacredSturgeon adds:

Finally telling us all they know about the timeline, just so that people will finally shut up about it. :3

Though I’d really like it if they’d make the games a bit harder as well. It’s just that much more satisfying to beat a boss if you only have one heart and no healing items left. :3

Cody adds: (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

I think that they should either a) expand on Link’s personality or b) remove it. Right now, Link is a bit too developed to be considered an avatar of the player. All decisions are made for us in cutscenes, Link has his own reactions to every event, we can’t have our own voice for him in our heads because to the grunts and the “hyaaah”s and the “come on”s tell us what his voice sounds like, and so forth – it’s obvious that he’s his own character now. The problem is that he’s just not a very good one.

They should either go the direction of Metroid: Other M and give the character some development, or they should go the direction of the Half Life series and let you keep full control of the character at all times. I think that getting rid of the currently wishywashiness over that could definitely help the series improve.

Question 2: Zelda Villians

EzloSpirit writes:

I was wondering what you think the greatest Zelda villain is. Personally, I like both Ganondorf and Vaati equally, but what do think? Vaati? Ganondorf? Majora? Someone else?

James responds:

I think I have to say Ganondorf, just because he is the most fleshed out of them all. We have seen in more of the Zelda game than not, and he is a big influence on whether or not most Links decide to save the world. In terms of villians, he has his head on his shoulders a lot more. He knows what he needs to do from the beginning to take over the world and he plays each person he need very well and gets what he needs done. But, he also falls at the end, which makes him the villian in the end.

Xeno adds:

Ganondorf. Mostly because he’s the only villain in the Zelda series to have any sort of character development. The Wind Waker’s Ganondorf would be a perfect example of this. Plus, he’s just one badass dude.

Cody adds: (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

I’d have to go with Ganondorf, if only because he’s the only one to get any proper development. In Wind Waker especially Ganondorf was an interesting character, with a motive of saving Hyrule from the flood that would actually allowed us to sympathise with him. I don’t like the way they handle him in games like Twilight Princess though – he’s not meant to be just a jack-in-the-box or Team Rocket, where he justs pops up at the end for the sake of a cameo and then blasts off in time for another episode. A Ganondorf that’s properly developed throughout the game would make a great villain, in my opinion.

Question 3: Movie and Developers

Shock&Money writes:

1) What if the Zelda developers decided to hire a Hollywood film score writer to collaborate with Koji Kondo? If this was ever a possibility, who do you think would be a good fit?

2) What if Nintendo pulled a Metroid on Zelda and handed development for a new game over to a different developer? Other than Retro Studios, who do you think could pull off a good Zelda title?

James responds:

1) I think I would have to choose who I think is the best film composer of all time and that’s John Williams. We all know his work, ranging from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and beyond. I think that would bring out the music we would need to make a Zelda film work.

2) Nintendo has pulled a Metroid on Zelda when it comes to a majority of the Game Boy Zelda games. The Oracle games were made with Capcom and they turned out very good. Minish Cap was with a company called Flagship (which was a sister company of Capcom). It can be done and works very well. I think that Nintendo trusts the portable games in the hands of a second developer than they do the console games. But we will see in the future.

Xeno adds:

1) If John Williams (musical score writer of the Star Wars series) ever collaborated with Koji Kondo for a Zelda game, I imagine that game would have the most epic music ever conceived for any video game.

2) They’ve already done it with Capcom: Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, and Minish Cap. All three games were exceptional in my book.

SacredSturgeon adds:

1) Don’t see this one happening, ever, but if there is going to be a collaboration, I’d like it to be with Zimmerman.

2) Been done before, together with Capcom and with Phillips. The former are, from what I gather, decent games. The latter, not so much.

Question 4: Tingle: Real or Fraud

Valdek writes:

Is Tingle a guy who thinks he is a fairy, or is tingle a race in the Zelda games? another question i have is what are Keetens( if i spelled that right )
the ones in Majora’s Mask?

James responds:

I think Cody answered this the best he could in his mailbag, so I am just going to leave it at that and include Xeno’s and Sturgey’s answer as well.

Xeno adds:

It’s suggested that Tingle is either Terminan due to his first appearance in Termina (however, like almost all other characters in Termina, it could have just been a Terminan counterpart to that of the Hylian Tingle) or Hylian due to his pointed ears that all Hylians bare.

I believe you mean Keatons, correct? It seems as though Keatons are a race of foxes derived from the Japanese lore of spirit foxes, or kitsunes. Ocarina of Time first introduced Keatons in the form of a popular mask. Keatons are again introduced in Majora’s Mask, but as a race of foxes rather than a simple mask.

Finally, Minish Cap introduces Keatons as enemies that steal your rupees.

SacredSturgeon adds:

You have got to explain to me by what leap of logic you end up with the idea that Tingle could be a race.

As for Keatons, they’re magical foxes with multiple pretty tails. They’re based on the Kitsune, a Japanese mythological creature. Not much else to add.

Cody adds: (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

Actually, I’ve always thought that Tingle in MM is the Terminian counterpart of Link! He’s basically a Link wannabe, an adult who’s always wanted to be a superhero (and dresses like one) but never got the chance. He could also represent us, the gamers, since forgetting about reality and pretending to be a fairy man with a green tunic and tights destined to fight evil is basically what we do whenever we sit down to play Zelda.

As for Keatons, they seem to be based on the Kitsune from Japanese mythology, which are foxes with nine tails. The pokemon Ninetails is also based on that myth.

Question 5: Remakes…Again

MidnaFan writes:

Nintendo has made lots of money of remakes of games, particularly converting big console games into handheld ones, like Super Mario 64 ds, and there have been countless rumors of an OoT of MM remake for the ds. Is there any thruth to these, or any possible remakes in the future for us poor N-64/Gamecube/Wii-less people?

James responds:

More than likely, we will not see an OoT or MM remake on the DS. I really don’t think it would be a good idea to it anyway, just because we all get antsy waiting for a new game to come out, that if we are bombarded with a remake first, we might get more upset. If it does happen, I would think it would be with the DS2 rather than the first one. That’s right, a console that hasn’t even been announced yet!

Xeno adds:

As of now, there are no plans to remake Ocarina of Time nor Majora’s Mask to the DS. Is it possible? It depends if Nintendo is willing to go through incorporating the stylus properly. However, I wouldn’t get your hopes up, as a remake of either game seems very unlikely at this point in the DS’s lifetime.

SacredSturgeon adds:

Given the complete and utter lack of any kind of hints pertaining to N64 Zelda remakes by Nintendo, I’m going to have to say that I don’t see this happening any time soon.

Question #: Zelda Co-Ops

ZeldaFan734 writes:

What do you think about a 3d Co-Op Zelda game. Do you think it would be a good addition to the series?

James responds:

A 3D co-op game, huh? I think I agree with Cody on this just because I know how much I suck at co-op games. A Zelda game is all about the puzzle and the combat. I think you feel more accomplished completing a puzzle yourself rather than sharing it with another or having someone complete it before you get the chance isn’t that fun either. One other thing that sucks is team-killing, but that’s another time and place, really.

Xeno adds:

In my opinion, Zelda should stay true to its single-player roots. The series just isn’t meant for the multi-player scene.

SacredSturgeon adds:

Honestly, no. I prefer my Zelda as a single-player experience.

Cody adds: (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

I don’t know about an actual two-player game, since having to rely on someone else can be frustrating, but I think that would be be good would be a Super Mario Galaxy-style 1.5 player game where the second controller is able to shoot star bits and thus your friend/family member/spouse has something to do and doesn’t feel left out. Maybe something like the Tingle Tuner from Wind Waker, except not using up all of your rupees.

Question 6: Oracles Timeline Placement

ToadstoolNews writes:

I was wondering that the Legend of the Zelda Oracle of Ages and Season are normally put at the end of the Zelda timeline but do you think it may be possible that they are close to the begining of it. When you think about it the are two new villains (no vatti) then there is the twinrova (which where killed in ocarina of time) trying to bring back (or create) ganon and there are also two new races (Subrosian and Tokay) which we never see again.so what do you think?

James responds:

The arguments you make can also be used to say that they are need the end of the timeline as well. You have Twinrova, who appeared in Ocarina and Majora trying to revive Ganondorf, who was killed earlier in the timeline. You also have the two new races that you never see again, which means that we are at the end of the timeline. You also have to remember with the races, though, is that those two races exist in another land than Hyrule.

Xeno adds:

An important part of placing Oracle of Ages/Seasons within the timeline is to look at the state of the Triforce within said games. In the beginning of each game, we see that Hyrule Castle currently houses the entire Triforce. Taking that into account, we must consider what games are there in which the royal family could possibly have obtained the entire Triforce.

I won’t list any theories, as I merely present the facts. It’s up to you to decide where the games should be placed based upon these facts.

Question 7: Body Switching

Jacob writes:

do you think there would be a zelda game where theres some evill force makes zelda link and ganon either switch bodys or change spirits such as link either switchs body’s with ganon or turns evil from his spirit then link would kidnap zelda for a reason and ganon would save zelda.

James responds:

I think a story like that would be too campy and not fit the Zelda series well. I think it would be more suited for Mario, actually. I got the idea right here! Mario and Luigi: Inside Bowser’s Story! Oh, wait… That game already exists. Dang.

Xeno adds:

I highly doubt it. Interesting idea, though.

SacredSturgeon adds:

The day this happens is the day I travel to Kyoto and burn down Nintendo’s corporate headquarters (and maybe throw some eggs at KyoAni for the whole Endless Eight fiasco, but I digress). :3

Question 8: Zelda and the Forest

TheGoronClub writes:

if you look back at the very early trailers for twilight princess you see link in a deep misty forest and i have always thought that would’ve been really cool to see in a zelda game would you like to see more areas in future zelda games like that area

James responds:

You a forest dweller, huh? Well, I think Faron Woods was pretty, well, not misty but foggy kinda. I know that Zelda tends to mix the four key elements of the world: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. We always see those in the games, it seems, so that keeping it in the forest wouldn’t exactly work. But, a forest

Xeno adds:

Almost every Zelda game has some sort of forest. It’s up to Nintendo to decide how much effort and detail they add into creating their environments. And we all know detailed environments are never a bad thing.

SacredSturgeon adds:

If you’ve never seen a misty forest in a Zelda game then you haven’t played a lot of Zelda games.

Question 9: Hardest Zelda

Dan (Aerotrigger) writes:

Out of all fourteen Zelda games, witch one did you find the hardest?

James responds:

Oddly enough, the original two. I know I am might get a backlash for this, but I have a good reasoning behind it. Games nowadays cater to gamers and they tend to be a little bit more easier than games back in the day. I have just picked up Mega Man 10 and played on normal and found myself in the bottom of pits more times than not. Old school games were tougher because of the fact that we didn’t have maps or games weren’t linear and most didn’t tell you where to go.

Xeno adds:

Probably Zelda II: Adventure of Link. Any fan of Zelda would know why that is probably the hardest Zelda game to date.

SacredSturgeon adds:

The original. Damn those Wizrobes. Damn them twice in the arse with a burning chainsaw. Not to mention the Darknuts. The blardy Darknuts. Raaaaaaaaage.

(Yes, I found Zelda 1 harder than Zelda 2. I may well be the only one on the planet)

Question 10: Best and Worst Mask

Luke writes:

Aside from the ones that transform you, what was your favorite and least favorite mask in MM and why?

James responds:

I would say my favorite mask is the Blast Mask or the Great Fairy Mask, as they are the most useful in the situations they are needed. My least favorite would have to be the Mask of Truth, just because it was just as lame in MM as it was in OoT.

Xeno adds:

My favorite mask would probably be the Bunny Hood. Anything that lets you run twice as fast as you normally could is the best in my book. My least favorite mask was probably the Mask of Scenes. It was easily the least useful mask of them all.

SacredSturgeon adds:

My favourite would have to be the Blast Mask. Anything that blows **** up is awesome in my book.
Least favourite would be the All-Night Mask. It looks bad and only serves to get a Heart Piece.

Cody adds: (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

I always liked the musical masks, specifically the Bremen mask that lets you march around with 10 animals in tow and the Kamaro’s Mask which lets you perform that awesome dance. As for my least favourite mask, probably the Scent Mask.

Question 11: Zelda: Back to the Roots

Scott Walker writes:

I am still a HUGE fan of the Zelda series but I can’t help but miss the days when it was all a “medieval” setting, now it seems trains, boats and gunpowder weapons have taken over do any of you feel this way. PS im still a loyal fan!!!

James responds:

Well, gunpowder is nothing new, because bombs have been in the series since the first game. All you have to see this as is that the series is progressing the same way most socieities do. They progress in technology in similar fashion we have in our world’s history. See it as a normal progression rather than a change.

Xeno adds:

Different Zelda games are placed in different time periods. Naturally, as time goes on, so do the advancements in the technologies of Hyrule — as with any civilization. Personally, the way I see it, different settings provide more new experiences and offer new things to the table. The more new experiences, the better.

SacredSturgeon adds:

Zelda has always had elements that were out-of-place for a Mediaeval European setting; see boomerangs, bombs and the Hookshot, gramophone players, funky lighting, mecha cuccos and basically everything else about the Bombchu Bowling Alley (and, for the matter, Bombchus themselves), giant water-driven machinery serving no identifiable purpse, a giant mecha bull, cameras, and a lot more.

Honestly, there’s two DS games that heavily feature steam power. Other than that, I don ‘t really see how it’s gotten less “Mediaeval” than it already was.

Cody adds: (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

Actually, random out-of-place technology has been a part of the Zelda series for a long time. In the Adventure of Link there were even random unexplained elevators! Items like the hookshot from, well, almost every Zelda game, are also highly advanced, and some things are so advanced that we’re not sure if they’re superadvanced technology or magic – for example, the floating castle in Twilight Princess. As long as Link keeps his sword and shield, though, I’m fine with stuff like that.

Question 12: Twilit Civilization

N. Greenway writes:

Hello! My name is N. Greenway, and I am new to the site (just jointed last month).
I watched the last mailbag, and someone asked if they thing that there will be a reoccurance of the Majora’s Mask timeline in a future game. I was wondering, seeing as how Twilight Princess is my favorite game, if you think that the Twilit civilization will return. They were able to come to Hyrule even when the Twilight Mirror was incomplete. So, seeing as how the mirror is now destroyed, I don’t think that they would still have a problem. What do you think?

James responds:

As long as Midna rules over her people properly and doesn’t cause any issues, they shouldn’t have to come back over into our world. Midna didn’t seem like the type who wanted to push the Twilight Realm over to Hyrule and take over like Zant. She was content on keeping her world the way it is and not interfere with us. So, I don’t think we’ll see it again, unless someone takes over again like Zant.

Xeno adds:

If Nintendo wanted, they could easily bring the Twilit race back.

SacredSturgeon adds:

I can see it happening if fan demand is strong enough. If not, Nintendo will probably forget about the Twili.

Question 13: Deku Tree and the Butler

Calhoun327 writes:

do you believe that the sad tree in the cave from beginning of Majora’s mask is really the son of the deku scrub butler. in the credits you see the butler crying in front of the tree and i thought that maybe skull kid cursed the son and turned him into a tree. on the other hand it could just be a memorial of sorts devoted to the son. what do you think?

SpaceTimeBomb writes:

what did mean the strange tree at the begining of mayorask mask?

James responds:

I do believe that he is the Butler’s son just because of the clues you are given in the game. You are told that the Butler has lost his son and he can’t find him. Then you see at the end of the game the Butler is hovering over this stump. So I believe it is.

Xeno adds:

It’s heavily implied that the tree you mentioned is in fact the Deku Butler’s son. It’s no mere coincidence that it happens to look like a Deku. Tatl further supports this by stating how when Link transformed into the Deku Scrub, he looked similar to the tree itself.

“Come over to this tree and check it out! It’s strange, but the way you look right now sort of looks like this tree… It looks all dark and gloomy… almost like it could start crying any second now… How sad…” – Tatl

SacredSturgeon adds:

I always assumed the tree was, in fact, the Deku Butler’s son. Not sure if there’s actually any hard evidence, though.

Question 14: Hardest Boss

Kidacechaos writes:

I do not Know If this Question has been asked before but… Out of all the 3-D Zelda games, Which of the bosses do you find the hardest and which is your Favroite?
ps:im new to this kind of thing

James responds:

I can hands down tell you that my favorite boss is Argorok, just because of the way the battle takes place. Floating around above the ground with the Double Clawshots and attempting to lock onto him and attack him is unique and awesome. I can’t really say which one is the hardest. Barinade is pretty annoying with what you have to dodge and attack, especially early in the game with as many hearts that you don’t have to waste. Goht can be annoying as well, trying to hit him perfectly with your Goron attack (or cheat and him with arrows as he goes by the entrance, but that takes patience). But I can’t really put my finger on the hardest though.

Question 15: Zelda Wii = TP2

Nathan writes:

Dear,Zelda Universe do you think Zelda Wii is Twilight Princess 2? It makes sense for 2 reasons 1. The same dark kind of art style in the poster
2. Nintendo’s steak of 2 like Super Mario Galaxy 2

James responds:

I do not think Zelda Wii is TP2. While it has been a pattern in recent titles to have the second console game to be the sequel to the first game, but I don’t have the feeling that we are getting a sequel to TP. There are rumors that it is a sequel to MM, which has been a big desire for a lot of Zelda fans since it was released. But we will see, I guess.

Question 16: Overworld Travel in DS

TVT writes:

Does the mailbag answerer think replacing the overworld with a travel minigame in PH and ST hurts or helps the quality of the DS games as a whole?

James responds:

I don’t think it hurt the quality of either game, even though they could be annoying and deter from the overall gameplay. The dungeons and puzzles counteracted the fact that we didn’t have a huge overworld to play around in. The only thing that deters the quality in PH was the TEMPLE OF THE OCEAN KING!

Question 17: The Anouki

Midna Fan writes:

I had a question on a newer Hyrulian species, the Anouki. Since the species only appears after the alleged extinction of the Zoras, and there are no more Ritos to be seen anywhere in the world of Phantom Hourglass or New Hyrule, is it possible that this breed is a supposed descendant of the two, or are they a spin-off of an earlier Hyrulain species I just haven’t heard of?

James responds:

I don’t think they are descendant of the two, just because of the fact that the Anouki love the cold and neither the Rito nor the Zora did. I don’t see any resemblence in the Anouki and the Rito or Zora either, they are just a new type of race that we encounter in the games. You also have to remember that the world in ST in a new Hyrule that we haven’t seen before in the series and they could be inhabitants of that land before the Hyrulians made an appearance there.

Question 18: A New Setting?

Scott Walker writes:

What if nintendo tried a new setting? like instead of one character trying to take over hyrule, there was a territorial dispute or some kind of war between hyrule and a different country, kind of like the wars between the kingdoms of England and France

James responds:

I think they did that. The game was Twilight Princess and it came out in 2006. You know, Hyrule vs. the Twilight Realm? They have done it in the past where there is two worlds where you have to travel between.

Question 19: Usernames and Items

Kiante writes:

1) How do YOU think my username is pronounced?

2) This has probably been asked before, but what is your favorite tool from the Zelda series?

James responds:

1) Kee-on-tay

2) My favorite tool from the series is the Double Clawshot, no doubt.

Question 20: Gossip

SpaceTimeBomb writes:

Could you , kind of, resume al the theoryes of gossip about the new zelda?

James responds:

We can’t really post any theories or gossip about the new Zelda when there aren’t any new gossip or rumors to report. Sorry.

Question 21: FSA and Timeline

ZeldaTheoristb211 writes:

Do you think Four Swords Adventures was meant to be a prequel to A link to the past or just a side story because a lot of dungeons in Four Swords Adventures have the same exact dungeons in A Link to the Past?

James responds:

Four Sword Adventure is a really weird thing to theorize on, in my opinion. You have to remember that the FSA is a sequel to FS, which is in the same trilogy of The Minish Cap. If this is the case, then FSA should have the same map as TMC, but it doesn’t, it shares the map of ALttP. So whether they link into each other is hard to say in opinion. But I hate talking timeline theories, so that’s why I say that really.

Question 22: Best Story

Verifyy writes:

Which out of all the Zelda games do you think had the best story line?

James responds:

I hate to say it, but I really think that Twilight Princess had the best story of the games. There is so much going on and it is very easy to get into the story of corruption of the land, the main character, and the main villian (Zant and not Ganondorf). It is a very detailed story and really work very well.

Question 23: Hyrule Changes

jticeman writes:

why is hyrule so different in twilight princess to the hyrule in oot because someone said was a flood but the flood is in the 1st time line and tp is set in the 2nd time line

James responds:

I know this is a stretch, but take the maps of OoT Hyrule and TP Hyrule and put them side by side. Put Hyrule Castle in the center and look at the locations of each town, temple, and landmark. Put Lake Hylia to the south of the castle and then pinpoint Kakariko Village, the Forest Temple, Gerudo Valley/Arbiter’s Grounds, Death Mountain, etc. The only real addition to the map is the Snowpeak Ruins, which is north of the castle, which we didn’t visit in OoT. The only real difference is that Zora’s Domain has moved to the north of the Castle in the TP map, but that could be due to migration of the Zoras or the river realigning somehow.

Question 24: Toon Link

Seanthesupercoolguy writes:

Do you think they will make another 3D Toon Link game? What do you think it will be about?

James responds:

I think they are sticking Toon Link of the portables for now, just because of how much dislike we have toward the character and his appearance. I don’t know what we would see from him either.

Question 25: King of Hyrule

Zack writes:

On your website why dont you put the King of hyrule from legend of zelda the wind waker in you races section in Hyrulians?

James responds:

The King of Hyrule isn’t a race, he is a part of the Hylian race. Now, if we were to include every member of each race, those lists would be long and pointless. We just included some of the more famous members of the race.

Question 26: Love

Forte writes:

James, I love you. Do you love me too? y/n? <3

James responds:

I love everybody. That’s why I answer your questions every week. Now isn’t that nice of me?

ZU Wins Golden Mirror Shield Award

Cody — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:39:30 +0000

Exploding Deku Nut’s Golden Item Awards for Zelda fansites have wrapped up again for the year, and this time we were lucky enough to win the Golden Mirror Shield Award, also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is based on a site’s long-term contribution to the Zelda community.

If you’re interested in hearing the reasoning behind the award and some interesting quotes, the relevant award page can be found here.

The other winners this year were Zelda Party Channel for most unique, Zelda Eternity for Most Stunning, Hidden Triforce for most aspiring, and LegendofZelda.com for Most Lively Forums. Congratulations to everyone!

The Philosophy of The Wind Waker – Part Two

Hylian Dan — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:30:18 +0000

A five-part article for The Missing Link series
by Hylian Dan

In this brand new, five-part article series for The Missing Link, renowned Zelda theorist Hylian Dan discusses The Wind Waker’s deepest themes and philosophical connections. Read the entire article below.

Introduction
PART ONE: Leaving Paradise
PART TWO: Growing Wings
1. Introduction
2. The Fledgling
3. Windfall
4. The Covetous
5. Inner Strength
PART THREE – coming March 21
PART FOUR – coming soon
PART FIVE – coming soon

Introduction

Well, Link…
I’m not very confident, but I think I should try to fly…
—Medli

At times, life asks that we venture past our comfortable islands. In the ocean, without any external support, we must rely on our own strength to remain afloat.

The Wind Waker prepares a series of metaphors and parables to represent the moments in life when we leave behind our little paradises. The game presents another part of life’s journey in a similar fashion, again using metaphors and allegorical storylines. This collection of symbols and stories all revolve around a common theme: the discovery of inner strength.

To begin with, there is the story of Komali, the young fledgling who grows wings.

The Fledgling

When Link comes to Dragon Roost Island he meets the Rito Tribe, a race that lives to fly through the sky. The tribe’s chieftain explains how this is connected to the process of a child becoming an adult:

As you can see, we of the Rito tribe are profoundly connected to the sky. We make our livings on the airways.
We do so by the graces of the sky spirit, Valoo. When a Rito reaches adulthood, he or she journeys to the top of Dragon Roost to receive a scale from the great dragon.
It is this scale that enables the Rito to grow his or her wings.
—The Rito Chieftain

However, Valoo has recently become violent, unpredictable, and unapproachable. This danger threatens to create a more confined world for future generations of Rito:

If this continues, the fledglings who are of age will never be able to receive scales from Valoo on Dragon Roost.
They will remain wingless, and in time, our very way of life will be threatened.
—The Rito Chieftain

The chieftain continues his story, introducing his son, Komali:

My son, Komali, is of the age to earn his wings…
Yet…he is weak, in some ways…and in light of the current situation, he may just give up on ever getting them…
—The Rito Chieftain

Komali remains in his bedroom with his treasure.

Young Komali spends all his time within his bedroom, a bird in a cage. Days pass by and he lies on his mattress frightened and depressed, not wanting to make the journey to Valoo. When his father tries to offer encouragement, Komali becomes aggravated:

Oh, sure, telling me to be brave is easy enough for him…
It’s not like he’s the one who went through that horrible experience… It’s not like HE still has to go get a scale from Valoo.
—Komali

Though Komali’s father is asking the boy to grow, Komali chooses to live like a prisoner, afraid to venture beyond his bedroom cage. Komali’s friend Medli explains why the boy now behaves this way:

I feel as though I should tell you, despite what he may seem like right now, young master Komali is quite a pleasant child…
His father, the chieftain, is quite busy, but Komali’s never once complained, though I’m sure he’s been lonely at times. He’s the chieftain’s son through and through.
However, his grandmother passed recently, and Komali seems lost. His confidence is… gone. His grandmother was always with him, you see. A great, great woman…
—Medli

Just as Tetra lost her mother, Komali lost his grandmother, the person he relied upon. This, coupled with the danger that has befallen his home, has put Komali in a particularly rough position. In response, Komali clings to his last remaining source of comfort: Din’s Pearl, the memento his grandmother left behind.

It’s strange… Holding this calms me down. I forget all the bad things.
It’s so pretty, isn’t it? It’s called Din’s Pearl. My grandma gave it to me.
Oh, Grandma… If she were here, I know she could calm Valoo down. I just know it…

What? What is it, huh?
Listen, you can stare all you want, but I’m not giving this to you.
This is MY treasure. You understand?
—Komali

When Link succeeds in calming Valoo, Komali has a change of heart. Inspired by Link’s courage, Komali offers Link the pearl and some wisdom:

Giving you the thing I value most will give me the courage I need to stand up to bad things!
—Komali

By giving away the pearl, Komali frees himself from his reliance upon his grandmother. He no longer needs her as an external source of strength, but her love and support are still there to guide Komali. These forces no longer come from the external world; they now exist within Komali, in the form of a memory.

Shortly after Link departs Dragon Roost Island, Komali makes the journey to Valoo and grows his wings, representing this strength he has found.

Windfall

Komali’s story conveys a crucial point: one must not always rely on the external world for strength. At times, life offers us protection and solid foundations. For a time, Komali’s grandmother was there to nurture her descendant. But, inevitably, she passed away and Komali was left alone.

It is at such a time that Komali must learn to rely upon himself. When the external world does not offer support, one must look inwards for strength.

On Windfall Island, a story unfolds that explores this theme from opposite angles. It is the parable of two families and their reversal of fortune.

Maggie and Mila, before their reversal

Maggie comes from a poor family and Mila comes from a wealthy family. Both are kidnapped and taken to the Forsaken Fortress. When Tetra’s crew rescues the girls, Mila’s father hands over the entire family fortune to pay off the ransom. Maggie, however, brings back a collection of valuable Skull Necklaces and sells the trinkets for money. Mila and her father fall into poverty, while Maggie and her father are launched into wealth.

Before the two girls return, Maggie’s father is in a wretched state. Tragedy has befallen him and he runs to strangers, begging them to listen to his tale of woe. The man is a pitiable character: life has been cruel to him, and he does not have the strength to cope. But when fate deals him a sudden windfall, the greedy nature of his soul becomes apparent:

Money for this! Money for that! A little money over here! A little money over there!
Money, money, money… Grah ha ha ha ha ha HAR!
Money makes the world go round! Eeyeh heh heh heh heh heh!
I’ll be bathing in money yet again! The money bath! The only bath that gets you filthy…filthy RICH!!!!
—Maggie’s Father

It is worth pointing out here that the term “windfall” means unexpected good fortune, usually fortune that has not been gained through hard work.

Maggie's father, the miser

When treasure suddenly falls into the hands of this weak and helpless man, he becomes cold and arrogant. Like Komali, this childish figure is content to sit in his cramped room and gaze endlessly at his precious treasure.

This is MY treasure. You understand?
—Komali

Komali is initially a weak, pitiable character. But Komali grows. He makes the journey to the top of Dragon Roost Island to see Valoo. Because of this journey, he then grows wings and becomes a bird of the sky.

But Maggie’s father is the fledgling who never grows any wings.

I was once quite poor myself, you know. Back then, I used to dream of owning a boat… A boat I could use to go off in search of treasure…
And now look at my filthy richness! Chase your dreams, little urchin!
—Maggie’s Father

As a poor man, he is helpless and miserable. As a wealthy man, he sits on his tall pile of riches and sneers at those beneath him. This behavior belies his inner emptiness; were his newfound wealth to suddenly vanish, his selfish happiness would disappear along with it.

Mila's father, the pauper

On the other end of the spectrum, Mila’s father gives away all of his accumulated money for the sake of his daughter. The man loses all of his material possessions, but he finds something better in their place:

We’ve hit rock bottom! But…my little Mila is alive and home safe where she belongs, so I can’t complain. A daughter is more important than money.
Being poor must be pretty rough…You take one look at me, and that’s the first thing you think, isn’t it?
I ask you, why is that? Sure, the days can get kind of tough, but good things still happen, don’t they? Money doesn’t make the sun shine, you know.
My daughter and I have managed to eke out a decent life, and in the process, I’ve realized a great truth…
There is something more important than money in the world…
I think at long last I’ve finally come to understand just what true happiness really is.
…And I’m thankful for it.
—Mila’s Father

Like Komali when he gives away his pearl, when Mila’s father gives away his possessions he finds something intangible in return.

The Covetous

Sometimes there are odd circumstances that make people do what they do! How could you be so close-minded?
—Mila

The girl Mila is left in a precarious position: she is a sheltered child who has suddenly lost everything. Life has become terribly difficult, but instead of trying to cope with it Mila tries to revive her lost childhood. To reclaim her wealth and the security it once offered, Mila turns to thievery.

Mila and the safe

In the middle of the night, Mila runs to an exposed safe and attempts to break the lock. But Link catches her in the act and declares himself to be an ally of justice. Mila then pleas with Link:

Could you at least listen to the circumstances in my life that led up to this moment? Please, you owe me that much!

I…was once the richest little debutante in this town. Did you know that?
But one day, a monstrous bird came and took me away to a terrible place called the Forsaken Fortress, where I was locked up and held captive. Oh, it was awful!
My father spent every last Rupee in his coffers in an attempt to get me rescued.
That’s right! Every last bit of our family fortune, gone…
That was when my life of poverty began.
Now, every day, from morning until night, I’m busy working for the open-air shop.
So, as you can see, at least I’m trying to settle into my poor lifestyle.
—Mila

Ganondorf and the Triforce

A similar scene unfolds during the finale of The Wind Waker. Ganondorf prepares to lay his hand upon the golden Triforce, the wish-granting treasure of the gods. By stealing from others – by kidnapping Aryll, Maggie, and Mila, and by spreading misfortune across the Great Sea – Ganondorf gains access to this carefully guarded relic. Much like Mila, he plans to use his stolen treasure to restore his lost paradise, the fallen kingdom of Hyrule.

And when the Ally of Justice confronts the King of Thieves, Ganondorf also takes a moment to explain the circumstances of his life:

My country lay within a vast desert. When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes.
No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing… Death.
—Ganondorf

Mila pauses in the middle of her story and asks Link, “Doesn’t that just tug at your heart strings? What do you say about the tragic events in my pitiable life?”

“That’s terrible,” Link responds.

Mila continues her story:

And to make matters worse, for some reason I still can’t figure out, that slob Maggie, who was the poorest girl in town, suddenly got filthy rich! Maggie, of all people! It makes me so mad that I want to do something terrible! Grrrr!
—Mila

And Ganondorf continues his story:

But the winds that blew across the green fields of Hyrule brought something other than suffering and ruin.
I coveted that wind, I suppose.
—Ganondorf

Mila and Ganondorf both confess to feeling envious of those who experience better fortune. It is not an unreasonable feeling. However, this envy drives both of them to attempt terrible deeds. They focus their gazes upon external treasure that does not belong to them. As they try to take this treasure from others and make it their own, they compromise something intangible that lies within.

Inner Strength

Beauty does not come from what you see… it comes from what is inside you.
—Knuckle

The parable of the poor man and the wealthy man refers to the relationship between Ganondorf and the King of Hyrule. Maggie’s father represents Ganondorf, the pitiable being struggling to keep his people alive in a harsh desert. And Mila’s father represents Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the wealthy king living in a land of prosperity.

Maggie's father and Ganondorf, cursed with hardship

The transformation of the two fathers foreshadows the outcome of the conflict between Ganondorf and Daphnes. When glorious treasure falls into the hands of Maggie’s father, he becomes a selfish miser. And as the pitiable Ganondorf prepares to touch the Triforce, his choice of words betrays the sort of inner character he is about to reveal:

Give Hyrule to me!!!
—Ganondorf

Money, money, money… Grah ha ha ha ha ha HAR!
—Maggie’s Father

The King of Hyrule and Mila's father, blessed with prosperity

The King of Hyrule then stands in Ganondorf’s way and wishes for the ending of Hyrule. Though he loves his lost kingdom, Daphnes releases it so that the children, Link and Tetra, may build a new future in its stead.

Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future!
—The King of Hyrule

A daughter is more important than money.
—Mila’s Father

When they cast away the great treasure, Mila’s father and the King of Hyrule find the courage to face the future. Mila’s father confronts his new life of poverty, and the king accepts his death.

This parable does present a rather troubling pattern: unfortunate characters like Ganondorf and Maggie’s father come across worse than those lucky enough to know more comfortable lives. This pattern extends to Tetra and her crew as well – likable as they may be, they bleed Mila’s father dry for no reason but their own selfishness. Perhaps this is one of the perils of the life of a sailor. People need sources of comfort and strength, and too much time on the empty seas might harden one’s heart.

The unlucky Mila has lost her little paradise and is struggling to get by. She is cast out of one cage of sorts, but her actions might eventually lead her to another: Windfall Island holds its own prison cell, after all.

The girl’s fate is momentarily in Link’s hands. If Link lets her run away after listening to her tale of woe, Mila laughs to herself.

Good-bye! …Ah hee hee hee hee!
—Mila

As soon as she finds another chance, she runs back to the safe and attempts once more to break into it.

But if Link refuses to let Mila escape, she asks why. Link answers, “Because I’m honest.” Mila then responds:

It’s true… I know I’m quibbling over nothing… But being so poor weakens a person’s very soul…
But…it’s time I quit making silly excuses for myself!
Thank you so much… Thanks to you, I didn’t have to sink down to the level of a common thief. I will never do anything like that again!
Ahhhh… What an amazing feeling! I’ve let all of my worries out of my heart. Wow! I actually feel refreshed!
Let me at least thank you. Please take this! It’s a tiny bottle made of crystal-clear glass… It’s so beautiful.
I wish my soul could be that beautiful… Oh! What am I saying?
When you live in poverty, you can say the cheesiest things without blinking an eye.
—Mila

Mila abandons thoughts of thievery and lets go of her obsession with her past. She goes back to work with her eyes focused on the future, determined to build a new foundation for herself and for her father. In this difficult new life, Mila learns to rely upon her own strength.

As Mila, her father, and Komali discover, when external sources of strength are relinquished, they transform into internal sources of strength.

This internal strength may sustain a person when the surrounding world becomes harsh and dreary.

About the Author

Dan Merrill, aka Hylian Dan, is a junior at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, where he is majoring in electronic game design.

E-mail: hyliandan [at] zeldauniverse.net

Next Wii will Innovate, More DS2 Rumors

silver-hero — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:40:09 +0000

In another interview with Nintendo of America’s former president Reggie Fils-Aime, he told Kotaku that it’s unlikely that a new console will be arriving any time soon, as many fans were hoping to see.

He further elaborates by stating that the Wii still has a very long and vibrant life in front. And nothing could currently stop it from the markets. A direct quote from his interview:

“Mr. Miyamoto himself has said that he himself is very interested in a high-definition experience, but to be 120 percent crystal clear, HD by itself in our view is not enough to go for a new console past the Wii. (Our new console will be) consistent with what we brought to market with Wii and with DS. It will be mainstream. It will be encouraging more and more consumers to get into this category that we love. It will provide new, unique, compelling experiences that are meaningful to that large potential consumer base. Those are the principles that drive us.”

- Reggie Fils-Aime

In addition, a new Nintendo handheld console seems to be in development, tentatively titled the DS2. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, rumors have surfaced from possible developers working on the console. It will most likely be revealed at E3 2010.

Here is some rumors regarding the DS2, leaked by possible developers:

Still has two screens, but both are bigger with higher resolution
The gap between the two screens may be negligible
Has an accelerometer
Similar to the power of the GameCube

The console is in its finishing stages and is predicted for a late 2010 release.

Source: Rpad.tv

Reggie asked about Zelda, Wii 2 and more

Hombre — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:27:26 +0000

IGN recently interviewed Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime at the Game Developer’s Conference. Here are some highlights from the interview – more after the jump.

IGN: However, I did, of course, read recent comments from Cammie Dunaway in which she very strongly hinted that we would see the new Wii Zelda unveiled at E3 and released before the end of the year. What’re your thoughts on that?

Reggie: [...] 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.

IGN:Wii 2 — got to talk about it. I know you hate it. Seems like this will happen at some point, but I want to get a definitive answer because I’ve seen some wishy-washiness. Is the next Wii going to be high-definition or not?

Reggie: [...] The way we think about systems — and it’s the beauty of software developers side-by-side with hardware developers — it’s all about when a software developer says, “I’ve got this wonderful idea, but the hardware doesn’t support it.” That’s when we get serious about the next-generation. And we’re not there yet. What that next-generation looks like is going to be dependent on what’s going on at the time. What the consumer is ready for. Who knows? Maybe we’ll leapfrog this HD generation in its entirety because at some point in the future maybe there’s something better going on. All of this is conjecture at this point. The fact of the matter is, when we can’t do a great idea, that’s when we will work on the next platform. And that next platform will be a ‘wow’ for the consumer.

IGN: Can I assume, though, that hardware is constantly being worked on.

Reggie: That is absolutely true.

IGN: I just heard from a development source who said they talked to Nintendo and Nintendo told them it would be ready to roll out the successor to Wii in 2012. Is that true?

[...]

Reggie: That is all rumor and speculation.

The IGN interview can be read in its entirety here.

Midweek Mailbag: Cody Edition

Cody — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:04:49 +0000

Hey everyone, this week it’s my turn to do the mailbag. I probably said a lot of controversial things, so if you have your own opinions on them feel free to comment!

In this mailbag I talk about various things, including the true identity of Tingle, how Zelda has gone away from its medieval roots, and amazing sparkly dragons. If you have any other questions, you can send in your own questions here.

Question 1: Tingle: Real or Fraud

Valdek writes:

Is Tingle a guy who thinks he is a fairy, or is tingle a race in the Zelda games? another question i have is what are Keetens( if i spelled that right )
the ones in Majora’s Mask?

Cody responds:

As for Keatons, they seem to be based on the Kitsune from Japanese mythology, which are foxes with nine tails. The pokemon Ninetails is also based on that myth.

Question 2: Change in Zelda

Kiante writes:

In your opinion, what would be the single best change Nintendo could make in Zelda (the games not the character)?

Cody responds:

Question 3: Zelda Co-Ops

ZeldaFan734 writes:

What do you think about a 3d Co-Op Zelda game. Do you think it would be a good addition to the series?

Cody responds:

Question 4: Zelda Villains

EzloSpirit writes:

I was wondering what you think the greatest Zelda villain is. Personally, I like both Ganondorf and Vaati equally, but what do you think? Vaati? Ganondorf? Majora? Someone else?

Cody responds:

Question 5: Best and Worst Mask

Luke writes:

Aside from the ones that transform you, what was your favorite and least favorite mask in MM and why?

Cody responds:

Question 6: Zelda: Back to the Roots

Scott Walker writes:

Cody responds:

The Philosophy of The Wind Waker – Part One

Hylian Dan — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:19 +0000

A five-part article for The Missing Link series
by Hylian Dan

“If only I could do things over again…”

The King of Hyrule speaks these words at the end of The Wind Waker. As he faces his own ending, the king reflects on how he has lived his life. Looking back, the king perceives only yearning and regret. Looking back, he perceives his own foolishness.

“Time certainly laughs at us all, huh?”

A traveling merchant says this to Link on an island in the Great Sea. The merchant explains that he has a dream of one day opening his own shop. He set out to pursue this dream long ago, but things did not quite work out. The days went by and plans got delayed, and now thirty years have passed fruitlessly.

Time is passing and the merchant lets it slip through his fingers. Life has passed and for too long the King of Hyrule has not lived it.

But in all this time, the king has at least learned something: that there is a better way to go through life. As the king prepares to face his death, he speaks to Link and Tetra and tells them, “I have lived regretting the past.”

“But you…

I want you to live for the future.”

These words are the thesis of The Wind Waker. The entire game is built around this philosophy: live for the future. The game is laced with metaphors and parables that develop this theme and support it with examples. The metaphors—islands and oceans, birds and cages, winds and sails, trees and seeds—illustrate this philosophy while the parables—the storylines that unfold throughout the game—provide context for these metaphors, showing how they may be applied to the way we live our lives.

Time slips away all too easily. There are many people who grow old too quickly, who look back and sadly speak the words, “If only…” But there are other ways of living, ways that lead to happier destinations. There are lessons to be learned from Link’s adventure on the Great Sea, for The Wind Waker is a guide to living a fulfilling life.

Introduction

‘Tis a peaceful place, this here island…

The people here would never even dream of leavin’ their little paradise and settin’ sail on a voyage at sea, know what I mean?

Why, this town is full of faces that don’t even show the slightest interest in the sails of a ship. Are we sailors the only ones?
Has no one else set out on the Great Sea?
—Kane, the Sailor

One of the most memorable features of The Wind Waker is the design of the game world: small islands and vast oceans. This design does more than simply set up the gameplay and story, however. It conveys a certain way of seeing the world. Sometimes we have solid ground beneath our feet. At other times we are on our own, and nothing but our own resilience is there to keep us afloat.

We live in relation to islands and oceans. This is one of the key philosophical points of The Wind Waker. Islands represent comfort while oceans represent hardship. Many of the people who populate the Great Sea spend all their years within the confines of a single island, clinging to a personal little paradise. To them, the sea is too vast and dangerous and it is better and easier to remain at home.

It is true that those who sail the seas face many dangers. But, there is also a danger that threatens those who never set out on the Great Sea: the prospect of an unlived life.

The Islander and the Sailor

What? You worried about little old me, fry?

Hah! Don’t be! I’m a man-fish! I’ve spent my life being toughened up by seas rougher than any you’ve ever seen!
—The Fishman

The Wind Waker begins by introducing two of its central characters, one who embodies the lifestyle of an islander and another who embodies the lifestyle of a sailor.

Link, the islander

Link has spent his entire life thus far on Outset Island, a place of comfort and beauty. His is a life of leisure, with plenty of time for napping. He has a cherished sister, a loving grandmother, and a whole community of friends there to support him.

And then there is Tetra. She seems to be of a similar age to Link but she has already managed to become the leader of a band of pirates. One of her companions explains the circumstances of her life that led to this:

You’re probably wondering why we treat young Miss Tetra with so much respect when she’s clearly so much younger than us, aren’t you, now?

I suppose it was just chance that we lost our last Miss when Miss Tetra was still young. Hooo… Fate is cruel, she is.
That’s why Miss Tetra took over so young. She owes it to her predecessor.

Everyone’s come to respect her for that. For coping with so much, at such an age. Respect has nothing to do with how many years you’ve been on the earth.
—Nudge, the Pirate

There was no life of leisure for Tetra. The mother who should have been there to love and support Tetra vanished from the world. But Tetra endured.

When Tetra meets Link, one of the first things she observes is how this boy handles loss: when Link’s sister is kidnapped, Link is horrified and he abandons his senses. Chasing after the great bird that has Aryll, Link runs straight off a cliff.

Uhhn! Stupid kid!

Get ahold of yourself! She’s gone. There’s nothing you can do.
—Tetra

Tetra the sailor already understands hardship and loss, but Link the islander is inexperienced and reckless.

Tetra is familiar with hardship, but Link is inexperienced and reckless.

As Link recovers some of his wits, he sets a goal for himself: to rescue his sister, no matter what. The local adults warn Link, “Setting out like this means many long hours of toil and hardship lie ahead of you.” But Link goes forth to pursue this goal, even though it means leaving behind his life of leisure.

Still, Tetra challenges Link. As the boy gazes back at his island and the crowd of loved ones cheering for him, Tetra smirks. “I can tell you’re just going to get more sentimental from here on out. There’s still time, you know… Are you sure we shouldn’t just turn around and take you back to your island?”

But Link proceeds, and his life as an islander ends. He lets go of paradise and prepares to face the world beyond. This is one of the necessary stages of life, for paradise does not last forever. Living for the future means being willing to let go.

The Longing of the Heart

Not all of The Wind Waker’s characters are as bold as Link. There are many people who do not take such a step. Instead, they live bound to the life that they have always known.

One such person is Missy, an old lady who is a permanent resident of Windfall Island. She spends her days gazing at Dragon Roost Island on the horizon. She’s heard stories of the majestic Rito Tribe that lives there, and she longs to see the place with her own eyes.

The sky-dancing Rito tribe… A mystical sky spirit… Dragon Roost Island just sounds like a paradise floating in the ocean of my dreams!

But… to someone like me, a person who’s never left this little island, it may as well be a fairy tale out of a child’s book. …Oh, if only I had my own boat!
—Missy

Missy is confined to Windfall Island.

Missy has a dream but she does not pursue it, not believing she is able to. As Missy grows old, she thinks of this dream and speaks those words, “If only…” Time is slipping away, but she is confined to her island.

In this way, The Wind Waker presents the metaphor of islands and oceans in literal terms: some people stay on islands and others set sail. However, this metaphor extends beyond such literal expression.

Lenzo, Windfall Island’s famed pictographer, tells Link a story of two people who also live the lifestyle Missy represents. He is speaking of the young adults Anton and Linda:

Somewhere in town is a couple, a man and woman whose hearts are secretly filled with thoughts of the other, and yet for reasons unknown, the two have never spoken.

Even when they happen, by chance, to pass each other in the road, they each steal a brief, furtive glance of the other, but they suppress the longing in their hearts…

I cannot let this tragedy go on any longer!
—Lenzo

They suppress the longing in their hearts; Lenzo dramatically calls this act a tragedy. Time marches forward as Anton and Linda stand in place, bound to their comfort zones.

Anton and Linda gaze at each other, and then walk away.

Fortunately, Lenzo intervenes and pulls some strings, with Link’s help. Anton finally decides to ask Linda out on a date.

…So what’s her name, anyway? Do you think she’s nice? Does she have a steady fellow? Ohhhhh, I’m so NERVOUS!
—Anton

Such is the feeling of taking a chance. But in spite of the fear, Anton speaks with Linda and things go well for him.

Hey! It’s you! Listen to this, will you?

I…DID…IT! I worked up my courage, and I talked to her, and it was totally the right move! You know why, buddy? She likes me!

She actually likes me!

Everything’s coming up roses for me…

Life IS good, buddy!
—Anton

Lenzo is able to perceive that there is a better life waiting for Anton and Linda, if they can just muster the nerve to pursue it.

Immovable Objects

Nevertheless, there are others who do not feel any need to step past their limited comfort areas. They are happy with life the way it is, and they do not want it to change.

Minenco was dubbed Miss Windfall forty years ago, and she relishes that status every day. She refuses to believe that her physical beauty will ever fade.

My skin will always be beautiful! Hoo hoo hoo! Not even the younger girls look prettier than me!
—Minenco

There is also Manny, a fan boy who is content to wander the Nintendo Gallery in awe. The Nintendo Gallery is a series of rooms that Link and a sculptor named Carlov gradually fill with figurines.

Listen… Please try not to interrupt me as I gaze upon my figurines…in supreme bliss. All I want out of life is just the chance to hang out and gaze at my figurines… My life is soooo good.
—Manny

The allegorical content here is thinly veiled. Manny is happy to live life in a bubble, a world of hand-made figurines in place of real people. It is a world not unlike the Zelda universe: an artificial escape from reality. Manny wants to stay in this paradise forever.

However, there are consequences to living such a blissful, unchanging lifestyle. The Wind Waker uses several characters to illustrate these consequences.

The Little Tipsters

On Windfall, there are two girls who have earned the nickname “The Little Tipsters” thanks to their habit of spreading rumors about the island. There happen to be two middle-aged women, Pompie and Vera, who are also eagerly exchanging idle gossip. When Link eavesdrops on their conversation, they become upset.

…She is so saucy, isn’t she!

I can’t believe she’s a schoolteacher!

Hm? …Now, just WHAT are you doing?

Were you listening to us, you scamp?

We’re discussing…very, VERY important topics that kids just wouldn’t understand. You’re far too young to be listening to us, young man! So shoo!
—Pompie and Vera

Pompie and Vera

Pompie and Vera fuss about the fact that Link is a child, but their own lack of maturity is quite apparent. They come across as older counterparts of the Little Tipsters, alike in both appearance and behavior. Pompie and Vera have simply spent a longer amount of time doing what the Little Tipsters are doing.

That is what becomes of people who live unchanging lives. They grow old, but they do not grow.

The Wind Waker takes this important point even further. On the Private Oasis, a nasty butler guards the cabana of Miss Marie the schoolteacher. The butler serves two purposes: he scowls and barks at any stranger who comes close, and he welcomes the owner of the cabana whenever he or she visits. When the master or mistress is present, the butler’s demeanor changes abruptly and he becomes as polite and subservient as is humanly possible. But there is a catch: the butler is not quite human.

Ah! All of a sudden, I have become painfully aware of my existence as a door.

Wah! Waaaaaah!
—The Butler

The butler plays the role of a door.

The butler’s two purposes are that of a door: to chase people away and to welcome them. The butler has spent so much of his life simply playing this role that the game depicts him in the physical form of a door.

This is the danger that paradise poses. One who remains on an island for too long risks becoming as immovable as the island itself. The energy of life drains away with time, leaving only an inanimate object.

Escaping the Cage

Link is thrown into a prison cell.

As Link storms the Forsaken Fortress early in The Wind Waker, he gets thrown into a prison cell if the guards spot him. Tetra rebukes Link if he spends too much time lounging around in the cage.

Are you planning on spending the rest of your life in there?!

Look around! I’d be surprised if a run-down cell like that didn’t have a hole or two that you could use to worm your way out!
—Tetra

Surely enough there is a crack in the wall hidden behind a vase. Link wriggles through the crevice and escapes to freedom.

Tetra’s question, “Are you planning on spending the rest of your life in there?!” connects Link’s behavior to the behavior of the permanent islanders. Islands are small, confined places – and so is Link’s prison cell.

Islands tempt people with their beauty, with their safe familiarity, with the easy life that they promise.

But beneath the illusion of paradise, there is a cage.

Missy the elderly lady is a prisoner of Windfall Island. She is unable to perceive any crack in the wall leading to freedom. As the years of her life slip away, she gazes past the bars of her cage and says, “If only…”

Paradises are places of beauty, but those who live in paradise must be able to let go of it lest it become a prison cell. It is a shame to spend all one’s time in a small, confined space when there is a great wide world out there, waiting to be experienced.

A world of islands and oceans

Ahh, do you not feel the grand romance of the wide open skies? The roaring invitation of the wind? The soft call of the clouds?

You are a boring, boring creature.
—Willi, the Bird-Man

Whenever Link sets out for the Great Sea, the island he had just visited shrinks into a tiny speck behind him. The Legend of Zelda theme song begins playing as the wide ocean stretches out in every direction. The little paradises fade away as new shadows appear on the horizon, gradually taking shape as Link sails towards them.

A life of adventure awaits those with the courage to step beyond their comfort zones.

About the Author

Dan Merrill, aka Hylian Dan, is a junior at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, where he is majoring in electronic game design.

E-mail: hyliandan [at] zeldauniverse.net

Two Spirit Tracks Guides: Rabbits and Force Gems

Jason — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:48:02 +0000

Every once in a while, someone comes along and does us a favor – this can be anyone, but this time it was truly special. On the brink of surgery, Melissa came to us in an email, saying that she “noticed that certain areas like the rabbit locations was missing”. Not a day before her scheduled surgery did she go to work creating three new guides for our Spirit Tracks section.

Well, after a bunch of polishing and formatting, two of these guides are now up and available! These include Melissa’s Rabbit Location guide, and her Force Gem guide. Both complement the other; the Rabbit Location relies on the Force Gem guide. We’ll also have graphics and maps to complement both of these guides soon.

A huge round of applause and thanks to Melissa for writing these guides for us, especially under her conditions! To say we’re touched is an understatement. We’ll have her final guide, a full Spirit Tracks checklist of items, collectibles, heart containers and all, up soon.

New Affiliate: NintendoLand

Jason — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:47:34 +0000

Love Nintendo? What a coincidence – so do we. And so do the folks at NintendoLand. So, we’re proud to announce that NintendoLand is our newest affiliate.

For the uninitiated, NintendoLand is a Nintendo fan site with over ten years of history, dedicated to everything Nintendo. They’ve got information about Nintendo’s various consoles, as well as a vast repository of fan-created artwork, stories and games. They’ve also got a decently sized message board, so if ZU has seemed too Zelda-oriented for your tastes, try joining NintendoLand’s boards for a broader flavor of discussion.

NintendLand just recently revamped their whole site, and it’s looking snazzy! So go check them out, or find them underneath the “Friends” section of our affiliate lists.

Guy in Subway Station Plays “Song of Storms”

silver-hero — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:25:04 +0000

This person has been spotted in a subway station playing one of the most popular Zelda songs- the Song of Storms from Ocarina of Time. A couple facts also worth mentioning are that he’s dressed as Boba Fett (a character from the Star Wars Universe), while playing the song using an accordion instrument.

You may think he is just your average guy who makes a living off of playing music on the streets, but he turned out to be a college student. You can check this link to see a recent interview with him. So if you ever run into this person, be sure to spare him a coin!

Mailbag: The Quiet Edition

James — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:52:58 +0000

So, I was missing last week, not posting a video. I have no good reason for not posting, but I hope you all understand.

If anything good came out of me missing last week, it was I was able to launch the mid-week mailbag for everyone. What do I have to do with the lovely video Aniday posted? I am the only one (at the moment) who gets the mailbag questions in my ZU mailbox. So, I had a nice batch of questions to pass over to Aniday to use for his version. We all win!

Three things: First, I have posted Aniday’s answers in this version, just in case anyone missed it. This is will more than likely be a regular occurance when mid-week mailbags are posted.

Second, I did not answer all the questions I have gotten up to this date. The reasons being is that I had already recorded the video and it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t include some questions over others and to have some left for the next mid-week mailbag that will occur this week.

Third, we need some more questions from you! So, don’t forget to fill the mailbag with your questions.

Until next week, enjoy!

Question 1: Occupations

midnight writes:

What do all you guys do for a living. I mean Im glad you always update and have a awsome podcast and mailbag, forums, ect. but were do you find the time to do all the sitely stuff you do. thanks

James responds:

Sometimes I wonder how I find the time to get online to check ZU (nowadays, anyway). I have to work around spending time with my fiance, entertaining myself with the television, and (soon) taking care of a child. It is a miracle and I can only imagine how others do it.

Most of us are high school and college students. I graduated a two-year college with an associate’s degree and plan to finish in the next three years.

Other than that, I work at a local Babies R Us and plan on working with the U.S. Census this year as well.

Xeno adds:

Currently, I fix computers around my school campus. Not without pay, of course. Basically if there’s a computer, network, or even printer problem, they send me in to fix it. It also happens to be good practice for when I get my MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification.

SacredSturgeon adds:

I am a parasite on society in general, and my parents in specific. :3

Question 2: FanFics

ChainofTermina writes:

it occurred to me that I just so happen to have a 72 page long Zelda fanfic that I wrote, and I have not submitted it anywhere. perhaps I should. How would I go about doing this on this most obvious of choice of a site?that was worded kinda weird. what I mean to say is how do I submit a fan fiction that I wrote? and also, people can comment on it, right? do they ever…..say mean things? I don’t want them to say mean things.

James responds:

Leave it simple, next time! Visit the Fan Fiction section of the forums and post it there. I think Cody may take them, but I am not certain.

Question 3: Instruments, Zelda MMO, and Other Endeavors

ruffblade027 writes:

1) What in your opinon is the best instrument used in the games?

2) What do you think of a zelda mmo if done right.I think this could work if you choose classes Hylian Kokiri Zora Goron Skull Kid Shiekah and Gerudo. as hylian choose your alliegence to either Din red tunic, Farore blue tunic, and Nayru green tunic or Ganondorf to become evil and wear Dark Links tunic. Then player could design facial features, Link, Zelda, Ganondorf and other real Characters would be set and not able to be made exactly. The problem is set Link could not talk to you without breaking the tradition of Link being a mute. Zoras would be Aoutomaticlly alligned with Farfore, Gorons with Din, and Kokiri with Nayru, Sheikah would choose anyone and have same clothes, Then you choose sword as Kokrir, Zora, or Hylian, (Goron’s weapon roll,Sheikah’s asorted weapons in shops in the game)Swords are biggoron sword, master sword, orodon sword, or(kokiri only) kokiri sword. Hylian sheild would be aoutomatic to everyone but kokiri they get deku sheild. Shops would sell other swords and you could change your alleigence at the temple of time and potions could change your race. Then you choose an instrument from one of the zelda games.I’ve got more ideas too.

3) Do you make the videos on Zeldadungeon.net your vioces souynd the same

James responds:

1) The best instrument in my opinion is the Ocarina. The reasons being that it transports you across the world map instantly, it changes the scenary of the world map instantly, and messes around with time. What more can you ask from an magical instrument? Oh, and it can wake a giant Wind Fish as well.

2) I really don’t think an MMORPG in the Zelda series would work. I think that the series works better in the type of game it is currently in. Yes, it could work if done correctly, but I think it would change the series overall.

3) I am not that person, I am myself.

Xeno adds:

1) I’d have to say the ocarina. It has given us so many memorable songs; ranging from upbeat, lively songs like Saria’s Song to slow, melancholy songs like Zelda’s Lullaby. What Zelda fan honestly doesn’t automatically think “ocarina” when they think of Zelda instruments?

SacredSturgeon adds:

1) Deku Pipes. ****ing Deku Pipes.

Aniday adds (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

The best instrument in a Zelda game hands down in the Ocarina of Time. It’s been used in two games wonderfully. From manipulating time to your advantage to warping across the game world, the Ocarina is probably one of, if not, the most Powerful Zelda item ever. No other instrument comes close, in my opinion.

As for future Zelda instruments, who knows? Nintendo might not even use an instrument in the next Zelda game for the Wii. They might do something like they did in Twilight Princess where there were other ways of musically unlocking a part of your quest like the Wolf Howling.

I’d like to see a new instrument come into play for Zelda Wii, I just hope Nintendo is imaginative and puts a new spin on it.

Question 4: Interlopers Scene

Cole Wagner writes:

In zelda twilight princess there was scene with link and this girl. She has a kinfe and no eyes there was also three shadow Links I played the game twice and still don’t understand what this scene is talking about. Could you explain?

James responds:

From what I interpreted it as, it is the origin story of the Twilight Realm. It was Xeno who said it last week, that it shows how a person can easily be corrupted, which is a theme of the game overall. Here is the entry from last week:

Xeno adds (from Last Time):

As you know, corruption plays as an important theme in Twilight Princess. The vision Lanayru gave Link was to show not only of past events concerning the interlopers who tried to take over dominion over the Scared Realm, but also of how corruption (in this case, associated with power) can consume oneself.

“O hero chosen by the goddesses, beware. Those who do not know the danger of wielding power will, before long, be ruled by it.” – Lanayru

Question 5: Zelda’s Power

Katrina writes:

I know that there was a question asked earlier based around this, but to add off it; in Twilight Princess, when Zelda gave her triforce to save Midna, where did she go when she disappeared? Did her release of power automatically put her in Ganon’s hands? Or was her “vanishing” simply supposed to represent the fact that she gave over her power?

James responds:

I think she handed over her power and is stuck in a limbo somewhere, waiting for the time where she would come back and help Link and Midna.

Unfortunately, Ganondorf finds her first and uses her body as a puppet to attack Link.

Xeno adds:

It’s hard to say exactly what happened. Zelda’s power enabled her to keep her corporeal manifestation within the Twilight Realm. When she gave Midna her power, that power was passed on to Midna, however, with the opposite affect (Midna was able to keep her corporeal form within Hyrule’s realm). One could theorize that because Zelda no longer had that power, she faded into the Twilight.

With particular scenes like these, there is no right or wrong answer, since we don’t really know what happened. So, your guess would be as good as mine.

Question 6: Zelda Minus Nintendo

chuggaaconroy fan writes:

Do you think Zelda should ever go on a non-Nintendo system, for better graphics?

James responds:

Zelda is a Nintendo series and as such will remain on Nintendo systems for that sole reason. If Nintendo ever pulls a Sega and stops making consoles

(which I don’t see happening EVER), then it may be possible. Don’t hold your breathe, though.

Xeno adds:

As long as Nintendo was developing the game.

Over the years, Nintendo has incorporated their own uniqueness and play-style to their games that can only be described as one word — Nintendo-esque. I’d hate to see the Zelda series lose that appeal and charm we’ve all come to know and love.

SacredSturgeon adds:

They tried that before. Didn’t work out very well. :3

Question 7: Zelda and Bosses

ZeldaFan724 writes:

What do you think The legend of zelda would be like without bosses?

James responds:

It would be very anti-climatic. That is like asking what any game would be without bosses. A game is a story with a antagonist and protaganist. The protaganist must defeat the antagonist, and most times, a game has a villian with many lackeys trying to kill you as much as he/she is. That’s just the way it is.

Question 8: Better Link

Link Zelda Ganondorf writes:

Which Link is better young, adult or toon link

James responds:

This is tough. However, I think Adult Link, just because it is easier to get away with things when your older than when you are a kid. Plus, you are a lot stronger and can do a lot more when you are older as well, as showcased in some of the games in the series.

Question 9: Phantom Hourglass Help

Connor writes:

I was wandering, seeing as Phantom Hourglass is set in a different world is it possible that it is the flooded version of Termania in Majora’s Mask (I have never played it before so i dont know any land marks or anything that could help)

James responds:

Given that you return to Tetra’s ship only a few minutes after leaving, it would seem that the game is not set in Termina. There are no landmarks in the game that tell you either way, so I am not entirely sure.

Xeno adds:

It is heavily implied at the ending of Phantom Hourglass that the world Link, Tetra, and Lineback were in was merely a dream world created by the Ocean King (a.k.a., Oshus).

SacredSturgeon adds:

Given that MM takes place in an alternate dimension whereas PH merely takes place outside of Hyrule’s boundaries, so it doesn’t seem likely to me.

Mind you, even disregarding that, while it would be possible, it still wouldn’t be terribly likely due to the complete lack of anything at all pointing to any connection between the two.

Question 10: Return to Termina

thezeldasensei writes:

Hi Im new to Zelda Universe and I got to say that I love your site. Im a life long Zelda fan and I have played and beaten every one. My favorite Zelda game is without a doubt Majora’s Mask. My question is do you think Nintendo would ever make another return to Termina with either Majora’s Mask or another evil force? And if so, do you think it would be a sequel to the original or not?

James responds:

There is a rumor floating around the net that the new Zelda for the Wii will be a sequel to MM, with the same Hero of Time from MM. I would love to see another adventure in Termina and a little bit more fleshed out with the history of the land and its races. Granted, the races are the same as Ocarina, but the tribes and such are different in Termina.

Question 11: Sheik’s Own Game

Noah the Nintendo Nerd writes:

What do you think of this idea–
A game (probably for DS) where Sheik is the main character…… having to save Link, or maybe not save, but help him- maybe it could take place in between the other main games? I’m not sure, It was on my mind

James responds:

I have always wanted to write a fan fic that takes place in the 7 year period that Link is sleeping, showcasing how Zelda became Shiek and that it was Zelda who hid all the items in the temples for Link to find. I love the Shiek character and I would love to play a game with Shiek as the main character, but I don’t see it happening.

Question 12: The Secret Poem

ed writes:

Is the upside down triforce poem really a riddle?

James responds:

I don’t know. I mentioned the last time that it is a secret to everyone and that is what I meant. No one knows except the person who created it, and he isn’t speaking.

Question 13: Two Swords and Shields

Edwin Serpas writes:

Hey what happens to Link’s beginning sword and shield after he gets the master sword or the upgraded version of the shield (always different names)? And why can’t he keep both swords in battle almost like Roxas in the Kingdom Hearts series before he battles Riku and when Roxas battles Sora? I understand how hard it is to carry 2 shields, but what happens to the first shield or first sword?

James responds:

In most of the games, you can still equip them if you need them later in the game. You just have to assume that the it is possible for people in Hyrule to carry a LOT of items in that wonderful Hammerspace we know and love.

If you don’t know what Hammerspace is, it is time to read up and learn.

Question 14: Fan Movie and RPG

Acorafication writes:

1. What’s your opinion on the LoZ fanmovie, The Sage of Darkness?

2. What would your opinion be one a LoZ RPG? It wouldn’t necessarily have to do with the whole Link-Ganon-Zelda storyline, but would take place in Hyrule, with the races and Lore of the series. You would be able to create your own character, choose their race, their class, whether they were good or evil, ect.

What would you think of this? Would you like it? What race would you use? And what kind of character would you play? Good or evil, mage, warrior, archer, or rogue?

James responds:

1) Never seen it and unfortunately, I do not have the time to take a look at it right now. When I get the chance, I will take a look and get back to you.

2) My answer is above in a prior question. I would rearrange the questions so that they are together, but I don’t feel like it. Sorry.

Xeno adds:

2) The Zelda series has always sort of been in the Action-Adventure genre (save a couple of games). Personally, I wouldn’t want to see it go into any other genre.

SacredSturgeon adds:

2) That too, is something they tried before. It’s highly underrated.

Well, actually AoL doesn’t really fit the description, so to properly answer the question: while I like the idea of being able to play as other races (which, incidentally, is something they’ve tried before as well. It’s one of the better entries in the series), I myself just don’t see such a game working well.

Having said that, if they can make it work, I’d totally be a Goron. A Goron that likes pounding **** into the ground, specifically.

Aniday adds (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

We all know Nintendo isn’t really in the MMORPG business. They seem to hate to have people communicate directly and play online. So it’s a given that there will probably never be a Zelda MMO made. Ever.

However, if one was made some major changed would have to take place in the world of Zelda and how you play it. The Legend of Zelda is meant to be played by yourself with you as Link and you being the only main hero. With an MMO, every is a hero so obviously no one can be Link. Like any MMO there would be playable classes like Gorons, Zoras, Hylians and all the staple Zelda spices. There would also be a bunch of Zelda related quests and items and so on.

The thing that all MMO’s have and Zelda does not, however, is an ever expanding, huge backstory.

Yes, Zelda has a decent sized lore and people can talk about how all the games tie into it for ages, but look at games like World of Warcraft. WoW has a massive web of story lines and quests and backstory that makes the game incompleateable. Zelda doesn’t have that and it’s likely that Zelda will never have that

Even if Nintendo did make a Zelda MMO it wouldn’t feel like Zelda to me. It would be too far detached from what I love about how I play Zelda where I am the only hero on my lonely quest to defeat evil.

Question 15: Hero’s Shade

GamerRob1 writes:

According to several theories, the “Heros Shade” (The character on Twilight Princess who teaches you special skills, but first shows up as the gold wolf.) is the Hero of Time which is of course, the Link from OOT, and MM. Some evidence of this is that the hero’s shade says things that would be a dead give away.

For example, He claims that he was the chosen hero in the past, and had to slay the dark lord to save hyrule. He also looks pretty similer to a Stalfos. Which are people who get lost, and die in the lost woods without a fairy. And Link was looking for his fairy after MM. Anyway, Stalfos’s become evil, but of course since the Hero of Time had a good soul, he was not evil. His equipment actually looks pretty similer to MM’s Great Fairy Sword, and the Mirror Shield too. but rusted out of course.

Then the final thing he says to Link on the last skill. He says “Run and do not falter, My child.”. He could have been refurring to him as his student. But some think he was saying it as his child. There are many other give aways, but this message is getting kind of big lol. Some other evidence is that Malon was a rancher, and Link on TP grew up as a rancher. So its just something to think about.

But anyway, i would like your opinion on this, hopefully it makes it to your video. Sorry for the huge message, and thanks.

James responds:

When I first heard saw the “Run and do not falter, My child,” line from the game, I started to wonder if the Shade was the Hero of Time, or a Link from the past. I could definitely see Nintendo playing with us and putting those clues in to make us think that. It would be a fitting place to put the Hero of Time, since the TP is after the Child Timeline, right? This makes the Stalfos theory a little more plausible definitely.

Question 16: OoT DS

link1123333 writes:

hey love the videos keep em coming
ok so my question is what would you think if they ported any of the n64 zeldas to the ds/dsi in my opinion ocarina on ds would be amazing what would your opinion be thanks

James responds:

As much as I would love to see an upgrade of OoT, my opinion still stands that OoT has been re-released too many times and should be left alone. Zelda team is going to devote most of their attention on newer games for us to enjoy.

Question 17: TP’s Hardest Dungeons

Dan writes:

In Twilight Princess which of the 10 dungeon’s did you find the hardest?

James responds:

I would have to say either Lakebed Temple or Snowpeak Ruins. The Lakebed Temple just because it’s yet another Water Temple that requires you to once again manipulate the water of the temple, only this time it is the direction it’s going. Snowpeak because it is a large house that requires you to backtrack to the foyer three times, an annoying mini-boss with the Ball and Chain, and freezing enemies around EVERY CORNER.

That is all.

Xeno adds:

I found City in the Sky particularly challenging. It was the only dungeon I actually got stuck on a few times.

SacredSturgeon adds:

Twilight Princess? Dungeons? Hard? I’m afraid I do not understand this question.

(In all seriousness, I have to agree with the Xeno here. City in the Sky did give me some trouble. Lousy Clawshot puzzles… )

Question 18: Mosh Posh of Questions

Leon J. Fletcher writes:

Thanks for answering my question a couple weeks back. This week, I have a few more to ask:

1) If you could come up with a new plot and Name to a Zelda game, what would it be?

2) What Zelda game do you think has the best music compositions?

3) What would you think of a Zelda game where you would play as someone completely different than Link?

4) What do you think has been the best instrument in any Zelda game and what new instruments do you think could be involved?

5) What’s your top 5 Zelda bosses and Zelda boss music?

6) What would you think a multiplayer co-op Zelda would be like?

7) and finally, What is your favorite enemy (octorok, mobline, keese etc.)?

James responds:

1) The Legend of James: Mailbag of Time

2) I think I have to agree with Aniday and say Majora’s Mask. Clock Town has such a joyous tune that makes you feel like there is a celebration going on, which there is. However, once the Moon gets closer, the music starts to speed up and make you feel panic.

Most of the tunes in the areas are also that of sadness, because the world is being fooled around with due to the effects of Majora’s Mask.

3) First off, I think it should be in a limited role, where Link is unable to move and someone needs to take over for a short period of time. I think it could definitely add to the series if done right.

4) I answered this earlier and I still stick with the Ocarina.

5) Cragma(ST) because you have to run around the track of the room and take out multiple targets with your Bow. Argorok(TP) because I still feel it is one of the unique boss battles ever; the fact that you have to use the double clawshots to stay in the air, avoid fire, and then latch onto the dragon’s back to attack is very cool. Morpheel(TP) because it is an underwater battle that needs a lot of patience; you have to attack on the ground and swimming around the water. Phantom Ganon(OoT) because you have to make sure you have to attack the right Phantom out of the painting and then attack him when he is out of the painting. Gohdan, just because it is one of the few bosses in the series that is trying to help you win, but still trying to kill you in the process.

Boss Music in no order: OoT, MM, TP, tWW, and LA.

6) I think it would be called Four Sword Adventures, and it would be good.

7) My favorite enemy? Hmm… I can’t really think of one, but if I had to choose, Armos, the statues that aren’t. Especially in The Minish Cap, when you have to turn some of them on and off to open new paths.

Aniday adds (from the Mid-Week Mailbag)

2) Majora’s Mask. That game not only has an excellent score, but it used it’s music wonderfully. Take the Three Days for example. On each day the music in Clock Town reflects how much time you have left. Even in the final moments the music becomes somber as if the world has accepted it’s fate and waits that last hour before doom. It’s moments like these that pull you in and make you a part of the game. I have always become panicked in these moments where I am afraid that I may not finish what I had to do in that hour before I could not wait any longer to go back to the First day. Music is a big part of these feelings, and Majora’s Mask mastered that.

Question 19: Hyrule Knights

AuraKshatriya writes:

1) This is a fairly random question, but I suppose I`ll give it a shot.

Ocarina of Time`s Link was “said” to be a descendant of the Knights of Hyrule, or something to that effect, if I remember correctly.

In The Wind Waker, the concept of Pirates, another type of sword-wielding group was explored, but they never really expanded on Knighthood. The Boss of Twilight Princess, Twilit Dragon Argorok gave me the same sort of feeling, knights were typically dragon-slayers, so it would make sense in a Zelda game. Do you think it`s possible that Knighthood, as a concept, may be explored in the Zelda series in the future at some point, or that it may play a role to some degree?

2) Though I`m sure you`ve seen various speculative articles, ect., on it, what is your opinion on the true identity of the character from The Legend of Zelda:Twilight Princess known s the Hero`s Shade? I`ve seen guesses that he`s actually Link from Ocarina of Time, ect., based on things he says, how he moves, and various other points. Do you think this could be true, or do you have another take on it?

James responds:

1) I think it was the ALttP Link that is supposedly a descendant of the Knights, but I do remember seeing one of them being so.

I think Link is already a knight of sorts in the series, it is just never really stated in the games. He protects a Princess and is a master of swordplay and archery. That usually makes someone a good knight in my opinion.

2) I agree with everyone that the Hero’s Shade is either the Hero of Time who became a Stalfos, or a descendant of the Hero of Time.

Question 20: Link’s Voice

Maranda writes:

Since the new Zelda Wii should be coming out in mid 2010, I began to think… Should Link ever get the chance to speak in a Zelda game? If you agree, should it be with voice acting (grant it every other character gets voice acting as well) or using text only and why? Thank you for taking the time to look at my message and I hope to get your opinion.

James responds:

Actually, Zelda Wii will more than likely come out at the end of 2010.

I agree with a lot of people who see Link as a link to the player, as it always has been since the series has begun. Therefore, if you add a voice to Link, you are taking away that link the player has to the character. The character is now someone you are just controlling and not becoming that character.

Question 21: Fan Input

rags18 writes:

Do you think Nintendo takes the fans input when making new zelda games?

James responds:

They may go around to fan sites and see the concerns we have for the series, but I think the majority of them just have a set way to create the game before going in. Therefore, if you place a concern for a game currently in development, you won’t see it resolved until the next game. That’s just how it works really.

Question 22: The Hatred of Tingle

Deku-Baby writes:

Japan really seem to like tingle, there are 3 games just for him, but why over at America people don’t like Tingle the way the Japanese do? Is there a certain reason for this?

James responds:

I think Aniday put it better than I ever could: Japan’s culture enjoys a lot more weirder things than we do in America. Yes, we like weird things as well, but Japan seems to outdo us in that sense. Tingle is one of those that seems to do better in Japan than over here. It is just the way it is.

Aniday adds (from the Mid-Week Mailbag):

Because of differing cultures. If you notice in Japan they have a lot of weird and wacky games that don’t make any sense. Take Katamari, for example. They seem to love to make those kinds of games because I assume it sells there. It doesn’t really make sense to me, but that’s my guess.

Question 23: Ganondorf’s Ghost

oconnell5522 writes:

Ganondorf was killed in both twilight princess and Windwaker.Do you think his ghost,or otherwise some other spirit could show up in future games?

James responds:

Well, Ganondorf has actually been revived a number of time as well in games that are later in the timeline, where he would be killed in past games. One such game is the Oracle games, where the whole purpose of the games was to revive Ganon by killing both Bosses of the game. Whether a ghost would be seen in the future? I don’t think so.

Question 24: The Poll

Nintendo Uboy writes:

I know a lot about the games but I don’t know a lot about this site, my question is what’s up with the poll?? when I was here a couple months ago I saw the SAME POLL

James responds:

I will tell Cody that we need to update it. I thought he was going to keep on it, but apparently not.

Back to Hyrule: A Spirit Tracks Review

Jason — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:00:09 +0000

I’m not ashamed of it: I didn’t like Phantom Hourglass very much. When I heard Nintendo was having another crack at a DS Zelda game and had seen the first trailer and batch of screenshots, I cringed. Phantom Hourglass was a game that suffered from several very deterring gameplay mechanics – the sailing was made monotonous and dull, and The Temple of The Ocean King… well, we don’t mention that when we discuss the great moments of the Zelda franchise.

Phantom Hourglass showed many of us – or at least myself – that a Zelda game didn’t necessarily have to be a gem amongst dust and rubble. And yet we ate it up, and ate, and ate for over a year. Phantom Hourglass was the last word of Zelda in Nintendo’s longest development hiatus since the gap between Link’s Awakening and Ocarina of Time. To those of us who enjoyed Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks’s appearance was a godsend – to the rest, it signaled that Nintendo might have been out of touch with its core audience.

Spirit Tracks has now been out for over two months. Most of us have bought, played, and even finished the game. Was it an improvement over its predecessor? How will Spirit Tracks stand in Zelda history amongst its brethren? And, more importantly, what does Spirit Tracks say about how Nintendo is addressing its core audience of gamers?

Contents

The Quick Gist

Uh-oh! Looks like it's time for another adventure.

Spirit Tracks takes place chronologically after Phantom Hourglass, roughly a century after Link and Tetra discover new land (though we’re not told how long it took them to find said new land). The land, unfortunately, is plagued by evil – these kids can never get a break, can they? – and the spirits of good must work to fend it off. With all their energy, they seal the great evil away beneath the ground and lock it up with the Spirit Tracks and the Tower of Spirits.

A century later, this great evil has returned in the form of Malladus, the Demon King. Naturally, it’s up to Link’s latest incarnation to stop him. This time, Link’s companion is a bit different: It’s Zelda, in the flesh. Or at least for a little while. Fueled by your usual assortment of plot devices and items, you make your way across this New Hyrule to gather the materials you need to be able to stop Malladus’s revival, and later his destruction of the world.

Gameplay

A Train Travel-tastic Adventure

With the backstory covered, you immediately notice something big: the Zelda series has finally returned to solid ground with Spirit Tracks. Of course, if you thought that the ocean was green and brown you probably didn’t notice, because the mechanics of traveling are essentially the same as Phantom Hourglass. You still travel about the overworld in a vehicle, unable to leave a given path you set, and unable to get out of your vehicle and explore on foot (which you could do in The Wind Waker). Although Nintendo has fussed with the mechanics of traveling about the overworld slightly since Phantom Hourglass, it still feels like a gigantic step back from the likes of The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and even earlier handheld Zelda games which allowed the player to freely roam about the world without the aid of a vehicle.

Nintendo: It's fun, but don't do it again.

That said, it’s great and fun for what it is. You travel about New Hyrule in a train, along the sacred Spirit Tracks which keep Malladus bound to his prison. Unlike in Phantom Hourglass, where you could guide your steamboat anywhere on the ocean, your Spirit Train is restricted to a set path – the Spirit Tracks. You can preset your route along the tracks if you like, or make turns along the junctions manually.

In Phantom Hourglass, there was a tendency to, well, fall asleep while traveling about the ocean. Since you could also preset your route in Phantom Hourglass, the attention-grabbing sailing from The Wind Waker disappeared. In Spirit Tracks, Nintendo’s tweaked, more fixed formula alleviates the issue somewhat. There are obstacles along the tracks, and new tracks to discover. More often than not the set route you pick before you start your travels won’t be the route you take to your destination, as you’ll be constantly fighting enemies and avoiding obstacles moving along the tracks (such as other trains).

This all culminates to make train travel feel much fresher than steamboat travel, and more unique than The Wind Waker’s sailing. However, it does not fix one of the most significant issues of the Zelda series as of late: The implausibility of having such a disjointed kingdom. As in Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and even Twilight Princess, the overworld is essentially barren. This is alright in Twilight Princess because you can go anywhere – and the same in The Wind Waker.

But in Spirit Tracks, all you can do is pass by this barren land, this white space, and feel that something is being taken from you. There’s this entire world to explore, but you can’t go explore it. The world feels so much smaller as a result – in fact, the entire world feels like it only consists of six towns and five dungeons. And, well, it pretty much does. But although it’s the same case in other Zelda games, they rarely feel so empty – Nintendo has always done a good job of making its worlds feel grand and full of life when, in reality, the worlds are rather small and empty. In Spirit Tracks, you only see anything when you stop at a train station. The towns are small, underdeveloped, and have at maximum ten or so people living inside them.

The entire population of New Hyrule might not be more than fifty folks. Your local neighborhood has a population many times the size of this. Heck, your high school might have a population ten or twenty times the size of New Hyrule. This wouldn’t be an issue if the land didn’t feel so empty – and the cause is the train mechanics. The steamboat traveling. The sailing.

While train travel was fun, even downright enjoyable, and the experience polished to a T, it was the direct cause of a much more striking issue: In future games, a de-facto “method of transportation” must disappear. After three games, it’s getting rather tired and it shrinks the size of this beautiful new world Nintendo has so carefully crafted by orders of magnitude simply for what it is.

Nintendo is clearly aware of this; Zelda Wii is expected to change things up a bit – or a lot. But for now, it remains that most of the Spirit Tracks gameplay is, essentially, what you saw in Phantom Hourglass.

The Control Scheme

The controls are slightly improved, but touch screen accuracy can cause issues during battles that matter.

In fact, the entire Phantom Hourglass formula remains essentially unchanged. This includes the inability to control Link using any sort of physical button and, although I can appreciate Nintendo’s interface decisions, there really is no excuse after the complaints with Phantom Hourglass to not include the option to control Link’s movements with the D-Pad. The D-Pad again becomes this useless instrument, with only the down button serving any actual function.

I can’t help but feel that the gameplay and interface issues caused by Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks are steps backward from over two decades of interface innovation in software and games. Apple’s iPhone has taught us that gaming without buttons is a different beast entirely, and Nintendo’s handheld was not set up for an all-touch interface. Ignoring half of your own product’s interface is not the proper way to push a system; it never has been, and it never will be.

The buttons. Use them.

Nintendo had learned how to properly implement Zelda controls with buttons on a handheld device the day it released Link’s Awakening for Game Boy, and for some reason it feels that it needs to forget that its systems have buttons that most gamers would cry to be able to use. This is an issue I have with the DS that goes well beyond Spirit Tracks, but it’s worth mentioning here because I can only hope that some smart interface designer at Nintendo is reading this article.

The DS’s touch screen is resistive, and not very sensitive. This makes it not very ideal for short gestures, or gestures which require a high degree of accuracy. While you get this kind of accuracy on capacitive screens like Apple’s iPhone and other modern mobile phones, you don’t get it on the DS. The DS’s touch screen, in today’s market, is almost unforgivable in its accuracy and quality; there are better solutions out there that didn’t come from my circa 2003 Palm Pilot. This wouldn’t be an issue if not for the following…
Nintendo omits button controls and replaces them with gestures that require accuracy that the DS does not have. Swiping is the big no-no here. In Phantom Hourglass, it was the little circles. Tapping is the only “gesture” that truly works flawlessly on the DS.
A touch screen is not a replacement for buttons. Games want tactile feedback because tactile feedback results in high accuracy. Nintendo needs to use the L and R buttons, the D-Pad, X, Y, A and B. They should be able to make innovations without sacrificing controls, or else build a console made for full-on touch controls.

That’s all I’ll say about that, because I don’t want to wrongly give impression that I hate Spirit Tracks because of Nintendo’s interface decisions. Rather, I’d like to now focus on what Nintendo did right with the interface and gameplay in Spirit Tracks, and where touch controls work the best and are used appropriately.

What’s Right With the World

The touch controls that involve tapping are implemented gloriously; they’re just right. Tapping on an enemy to hit it has always felt great since Phantom Hourglass, and I’m glad that was left unchanged, even if it makes it essentially a piece of cake to kill any enemy.

I’m especially glad that the circles-to-roll gesture was abolished for a double tap for the reasons I explained above; that said, the slashing is still less accurate that it could be, and doesn’t always work, again for the reasons I explained above. Nintendo’s touch screen just isn’t up to spec with what it could be for the money we pay for this console.

The train controls are what’s right with the world here. Although I’ve already spoken about the train, I have to reiterate that it was executed skillfully – the train is fun, and fun to control, much more so than the steamboat! The variety of things you can do with the train and its controls make it second only to the King of Red Lions in transport and versatility.

The Tower of Spirits – Spirit Tracks’s counterpart to the Temple of the Ocean King – is probably the most welcome change in the game. Gone is the time limit and the stealth; in fact, everything about the Temple of the Ocean King you probably hated has been done away with for what really is six different dungeons that all happen to be in the same building. And controlling Zelda inside of those dungeons is easy – it took some getting used to, but in the end worked out great. Zelda’s inclusion I’ll get to in a bit, but for what it is it made the game much better, not worse.

But I have to reiterate – the Tower of Spirits is good. It’s really good, and it’s really challenging by the final two visits. It’s even unforgiving in some ways, but in good ways – none of it involves stealth and all of it involves great co-op puzzle-solving with Zelda and a slew of different types of Phantoms, each with a unique ability that only make the puzzles more fun to solve.

Overall, I think that Spirit Tracks is one of Nintendo’s more adventurous titles, in terms of gameplay. Their interface missteps overlooked (as that’s more of a console-wide issue of the DS being the illegitimate child of an iPhone and a Game Boy) Spirit Tracks offers a much more enjoyable and improved version of what you’ve seen before in titles like The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass.

The Interesting Inclusion of Zelda

Nintendo has marketed Spirit Tracks as a revolutionary type of Zelda game, and it is – in a way. It is the first time that Zelda has accompanied Link, but she plays the rather standard role of “Link’s partner and guide”, which means she’s joining the ranks of Navi, the King of Red Lions, Midna, Ezlo, and Ciela.

When you really look back on it, these characters – with the exception of the King of Red Lions and Midna – have a history of being, well, not the most tolerable. They’re akin to Clippy from Office ’97. They’re supposed to help people out, and they do, only so much as one can tolerate them.

That said, Nintendo has made an increasingly valiant effort to work these partners deep into the story. Oddly enough, the most successful partners I know of are Midna and Issun – and Issun doesn’t even come from a Zelda game. Issun is from Okami, a Zelda-esque title for Wii and PS2, and is an example of a partner who screams personality. Midna is an example of a partner who doesn’t exist just to provide comic relief. Neither of these characters are plunged into their respective stories without serious reason for being there, which makes them not only integral to, but also essential to the experience of the game.

Zelda performs best in the Tower of Spirits, creating an interesting gameplay mode.

In Spirit Tracks, there was no reason to include a fairy – so no need for Ciela. In fact, it seems hard to imagine a way to spearhead an extra character into the game that actually adds something useful to the plot. The best way to go about it was to take a character that exists in practically every Zelda game and make that character Link’s partner – yes, Zelda herself.

To say it’s revolutionary might be a step too far. But it was the right decision. Zelda definitely isn’t going anywhere in the series, and to give her a real face – even if she’s the descendant of the already-vocal Tetra – is actually a welcome breath of fresh air for the series.

For probably the first time in a Zelda game, you really get to know Zelda’s personality. Twilight Princess had one of the most adult and yet one of the most mysterious Zelda characters of all; this is quite the opposite. Whereas you almost never saw Zelda in Twilight Princess, you’re with Zelda all the time now. She’s a brat – but she’s smart. She’s not there to provide you hints so much as drive plot, and that’s a good thing.

Where Zelda comes in handy is the Tower of Spirits, as the inclusion of her ghost opens the door to the co-op gameplay of that building. As I said, it’s a very successful remixing of the core elements of the Temple of the Ocean King. It’s not only welcome – it’s fun and adds something to the Zelda experience that you only got in other innovative Zelda titles like The Minish Cap.

Moreover, Zelda’s inclusion feels right and not out of place at all. And it’s about time that she was off protecting her own kingdom.

Graphics

When I first began Spirit Tracks, I wasn’t thinking too much about graphics. Running with a DS (or really with Nintendo in general), you get used to having low graphical expectations and instead generate an appreciation for good gameplay. With Spirit Tracks, it takes a subtle eye to notice the graphical improvements from its predecessor, Phantom Hourglass. However, once you see them, it becomes immediately clear the spit and polish and effort that went into creative what really is a graphical marvel on a system like this.

Spirit Tracks's graphics are subtly improved from its predecessor.

For example, Spirit Tracks’s graphics engine does something most modern console games still never do at all: anti-aliasing, or edge smoothing. Why do games never do this on consoles? Unlike their PC counterparts, consoles have fixed processing power. Game developers usually opt for graphics that are not anti-aliased to save that processing power and get higher frame rates, which makes for a smoother picture on the screen.

Spirit Tracks selectively anti-aliases elements of the environment that never move. What does that mean? Well, it means that the edges of, say, the train station in Castle Town are perfectly smooth – but the train station is still generated in real time, in 3D. To you, though, you might have thought it was a pre-rendered background. A painting. Something, well, not 3D.

This is where you begin to notice where Spirit Tracks differs from Phantom Hourglass graphically. You start to notice the spit and polish that went into the Phantom Hourglass graphical engine, and it all culminates into an impressive package. Cutscenes are cinematic and the frame rate never drops, except in some rare occasions on the overworld when tanks or pirate ships appear. The smoothness of the game is a testament to more powerful systems that this kind of heavyweight graphical processing can exist without compromising the frame rate of the game.

In short, Nintendo has coupled one of the most graphically intensive rendering styles (cel-shading, which is more intensive than realistic rendering) with one of the most graphically intensive processes – anti-aliasing – and come out with a smooth and beautiful game. It is, in short, a one-of-a-kind experience on a handheld, and other developers should take a hint and start making games this way. Nintendo has just proven that virtually any handheld on the market can handle some form of anti-aliasing; the DS is the least powerful of the bunch, and yet it can handle anti-aliasing in Spirit Tracks, even if selectively.

Music

Spirit Tracks has a wonderful - and expansive - score.

Hoo boy – this one’s a biggy. I hate to keep referencing back to Phantom Hourglass, but I have to restate my feelings on this one: Phantom Hourglass’s score was abysmal. Koji Kondo wasn’t even on the team for this one (if you didn’t know that, now you do – Koji Kondo had no part in the composition of music in Phantom Hourglass).

Of course, Nintendo must have realized their blunder, and put good ol’ Mr. Kondo back on the team for Spirit Tracks. The result is one of the most impressive musical scores any Zelda game has had – ever. Totaling over 140 tracks, it’s a beast, and is likely proof that Nintendo was determined to make Spirit Tracks the game that Phantom Hourglass wanted to so badly to be.

I can’t express how afraid I was that Nintendo would repeat their mistake with Phantom Hourglass and skimp on the score with Spirit Tracks. But they outdid themselves – there’s a new track in practically every room of every building. At some point, you lose yourself in all this music. It’s really great; this should be the standard of musical quality in a handheld Zelda game.

If you look back to only ten years ago, you can see the difference in quality we now expect. Phantom Hourglass’s score was roughly equivalent to the Oracle games’ scores combined, but you don’t often hear complaints about the blips and beeps of the Game Boy age. We now expect fully “orchestrated” scores to go with our handheld console releases.

Do I feel a bit spoiled? I do, but I also think that one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises deserves to have the level of quality that makes its player feel spoiled. Nintendo could have probably ignored the whiners here and let the Spirit Tracks score fall short, but they didn’t – and even made sure that Koji Kondo was back on the force composing music himself.

Conclusion

Despite its interface pitfalls, which are clearly large and glaring and have not all been fixed since Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks has proven itself to be the game that I wished Phantom Hourglass was, and probably what I consider to be the only “worthy” sequel to The Wind Waker. The Wind Waker is my personal favorite Zelda game, which probably only compounded my disappointment with Phantom Hourglass, and heightened my excitement over Spirit Tracks.

An anonymous source I know connected to Nintendo once referred to Spirit Tracks as Nintendo’s “redemption” for the mediocrity that was Phantom Hourglass. It was Nintendo’s best effort to make a title that didn’t forget its core audience – us, here, who unwittingly purchase every Zelda game that passes onto shelves, who demand a challenge and a game with the utmost quality that reflects the game-changing experience Zelda has come to be over the years.

Does Spirit Tracks truly redeem Nintendo for the abandonment of their core audience with Phantom Hourglass? Only you can answer that – but what Spirit Tracks does do is strike a great balance between ludicrous difficulty and playability. Anyone can pick up Spirit Tracks and figure out how to play it – but it’s going to take effort to figure out how to beat it, unlike Phantom Hourglass. Couple that with the sheer level of polish in Spirit Tracks’s graphical and musical departments, and you’ve got what could be called the start of a “redemption.”

Here’s hoping that Nintendo tries to “redeem” itself more often.

The Nintendo DSi XL: A First Look

Jason — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:24:48 +0000

As you may recall, Zelda Universe was the winner of DSi-XL.co.uk’s DSi XL contest! What does that mean? We got a shiny new DSi XL to look at and review! Although we’ve only had it for all of a few minutes, watch the video above for a quick overview of the console and a first opinion of the gigantic screens.

A full review and video review will be coming in the near future, after we’ve had some more time to spend playing with the DSi XL. So stay tuned! And a big thanks to everyone who voted for Zelda Universe in the contest, making this possible.

ChrisCrossMedia’s Complete Zelda Timeline

Hombre — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:53:46 +0000

Chris and Christian of ChrisCrossMedia never got around to finishing their timeline in their last video. In this new video, however, we’ll get to see it in its entirety. Now, as an experienced theorist, I noticed that they got a few facts wrong, but it’s still a good video that’s worth a watch. Enjoy!

Zelda Informer Podcast #2: 2D Vs. 3D Zelda

silver-hero — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:49:05 +0000

ZeldaInformer has released their second podcast, in which they discuss which Zelda games are better from a graphics standpoint and comment on, as most of you are already familiar with, the original 2d style and modern 3d style of the games.

They also discuss many other aspects of the series, such as whether Nintendo should return to making 2d Zelda games. There are a few voices you may recognize, like the Zelda News hosts at the ZUBC, Nathan, and our webmaster at Zelda Universe, Cody, so be sure to take some time and listen to this interesting three-part podcast! An audio version is also available on their site.

So, which do you think is better, 2d or 3d Zelda games? And what are your opinions on whether 2d Zelda games should ever return?

Beating Ocarina of Time Blind

jwalraven — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:01:17 +0000

Jordan Verner of Ontario, Canada has successfully completed Ocarina of Time. Why does this matter? Well, Jordan is blind. With help from friends including Roy Williams, Jordan was able to complete the game with their help (them typing up every move they made) and his computer (reading the instructions back to him).

All together, it took the team 2 years and over one hundred thousand keystrokes to complete their goal. Congrats to them!

Source: kotaku.com

Mid-Week Mailbag: The First

Aniday — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:43:39 +0000

Welcome to the new Mid-Week mailbag. Ever since we started doing video mailbags, James’ inbox has exploded with questions. In order to answer more of your questions, we are going to be doing two video mailbags a week: The regular Sunday posts from James and the brand new Mid-Week videos.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m Aniday. Some of you might be used to hearing my voice instead of seeing my face. I’m usually in the monthly Podcasts here on ZU, but I thought I’d give the mailbag a try. Expect other ZU staffers in future Mid-Week Mailbags, as well.

In this mailbag, I talk about the best Zelda instrument, which game has the best music over all, what would happen if Nintendo made an MMO, and a little more.

With two mailbags a week, why not send even more questions?

Question 1: Best Instrument

Ruffblade027 writes:

What in your opinion is the best instrument used in the games?

Aniday responds:

I’d like to see a new instrument come into play for Zelda Wii, I just hope Nintendo is imaginative and puts a new spin on it.

Question 2: Zelda MMORPG

Acorafication writes:

What would your opinion be one a LoZ RPG? It wouldn’t necessarily have to do with the whole Link-Ganon-Zelda storyline, but would take place in Hyrule, with the races and Lore of the series. You would be able to create your own character, choose their race, their class, whether they were good or evil, ect. What would you think of this? Would you like it? What race would you use? And what kind of character would you play? Good or evil, mage, warrior, archer, or rogue?

Aniday responds:

The thing that all MMO’s have and Zelda does not, however, is an ever expanding, huge backstory.

Question 3: Americans don’t like Tingle

Deku-Baby writes:

Japan really seems to like tingle, there are 3 games just for him, but why over at America people don’t like Tingle the way the Japanese do? Is there a certain reason for this?

Aniday responds:

Question 4: Best Zelda Music

Leon J. Fletcher writes:

What Zelda game do you think has the best music compositions?

Aniday responds:

Majora’s Mask. That game not only has an excellent score, but it used it’s music wonderfully. Take the Three Days for example. On each day the music in Clock Town reflects how much time you have left. Even in the final moments the music becomes somber as if the world has accepted it’s fate and waits that last hour before doom. It’s moments like these that pull you in and make you a part of the game. I have always become panicked in these moments where I am afraid that I may not finish what I had to do in that hour before I could not wait any longer to go back to the First day. Music is a big part of these feelings, and Majora’s Mask mastered that.

Improving Link

Cody — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:41:48 +0000

LoZ.com has recently launched an article series which offers critique on different aspects of the Zelda series. In their first article, they discussed the Triforce, calling it just a plot coupon and suggesting that it could have a much larger role in the series.

Yesterday, they released part 2, in which they discuss Link and come down heavily on his lack of character development, lack of motivation and over-reliance on sidekicks.

What do you think? Does Link need a revamp, or should he stay the way he currently is?

CrissCrossMedia’s Zelda Timeline

Hombre — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:08:42 +0000

Our friends at ChrisCrossMedia have released the second part of their own take on the much-debated Zelda Timeline. Enjoy the video, as it’s worth watching even if you’re not that into theorizing.

If you like what you see in this video, be sure to pay a visit to their YouTube channel. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our own at ZeldaUniverseTV, which we update frequently with new soundtracks, walkthroughs, mailbags and more!

Nintendo Media Summit Roundup

silver-hero — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:42:11 +0000

While Nintendo’s media summit yesterday didn’t give us much information regarding Zelda Wii, it was far from uneventful. This year, two highly anticipated games will be coming stateside soon: Super Mario Galaxy 2 on May 23rd and Metroid: Other M on June 27th. A statement by Nintendo Australia indicates that fans down under can expect the titles to be released one or two months later.

There are also some screenshots that were revealed for Mario Galaxy 2, along with a few screenshots from Metroid: Other M. Nintendo also revealed the release dates for several other games – you can view the complete list here. As the media was granted hands-on experience with both games, you can visit your (other) favorite gaming news sites for detailed impressions and details about each.

Once again, this leaves a huge gap towards the end of the year, which will hopefully let Link steal the spotlight during the holiday season! Nintendo’s media summit has left us without much to discuss regarding Zelda Wii, but summer’s only a few months away- so be prepared for E3 2010 as it hits between June 15 – 17!

You can check out the Media Summit trailer for Super Mario Galaxy 2 after the break.

A Slew of Video Page Updates

Jason — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:43:33 +0000

Whew! After a bunch of work, ZU’s video pages have (mostly) all been updated to reflect the new video layout introduced yesterday with our Phantom Hourglass visual walkthrough. So, I’ll just give you all a rundown of the pages updated, and those that will be updated soon or in the near future.

Updated right now

Videos hub page
The Legend of Zelda visual walkthrough
Phantom Hourglass visual walkthrough
The Wind Waker visual walkthrough (Thanks, chuggaa!)

Cleaned up; will be updated soon

Spirit Tracks videos page
Zelda’s Adventure videos page
Ocarina of Time Visual Walkthrough
TV Show page (Will actually have videos soon!)

Other less video-like plans include the revival of the Comics page to include Hyrularity and working links for the other comics on the page. We’re also fixing up other miscellaneous things around the site, such as images and the tag view page (this one’s been borked for a while), as well as releasing a whole bunch of Spirit Tracks content. You should see that soon as well.

So, to all of you who love our videos and watch them often, thank you! The rest of you had better subscribe to our YouTube channel… before something bad happens to you.

Does Link’s Awakening Have the Greatest Storyline of All Time?

silver-hero — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:45:04 +0000

According to a recent article by Zentendo, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has the best storyline ever created for a video game. Some would say that the game has a pleasant storyline enhanced by a deep ending, while many others might argue the opposite- that the game’s overall storyline was just plain and cliché since it is all based on a dream.

The storylines of the Zelda games are one of the most important factors of the series, with each game having its own unique plot elements. But if you examine the storyline of Link’s Awakening in more detail, you will find just how powerful and unique its plot elements are. The ending of Link’s Awakening leaves you with nothing more than the disappearance of all of Koholint Island, revealing that all of the preceding events were but a dream.

What do you think about this? Is the storyline of Link’s Awakening plain, boring, and unimportant to the game as a whole? Or is there something special and different about this particular story that makes it better than that of all of the other Zelda titles?

DSi XL Coming to US March 28th for $189.99

Jason — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:56:02 +0000

Nintendo announced today at its media summit that the DSi XL console will be coming to the United States on March 28th, 2010, and will retain for $189.99- just a penny shy of $190. That’s quite a bit more than a DSi, and quite a lot more than a DS Lite. For those of you forgetful in Europe, the DSi XL will be arriving overseas on March 5th – presumably for a similar price.

We’ll be reviewing the DSi XL shortly – our unit, courtesy of DSi-XL.co.uk, should be here by the end of the week, so expect to know whether the 93% bigger screens are worth the big price.

Full video promo from Nintendo after the break.

How about you guys? Are you planning to get a DSi XL – or do you think it’s not for you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Phantom Hourglass Visual Walkthrough Page Updated

Jason — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:52:47 +0000

As I said in a recent post, visual walkthroughs and video pages are getting an overhaul here on ZU thanks to our new YouTube channel, ZeldaUniverseTV. We’re making with the fancy javascripts to give you all a nicer, cleaner layout for watching tons of videos – this is just the first step.

You can view the Phantom Hourglass visual walkthrough here. Click on any of the thumbnails and the video will pop up and begin playing in a neat little window.

We’ll be porting this type of layout to Chuggaaconroy’s recently finished Wind Waker walkthrough, as well as to all of our videos pages. We hope that everyone thinks that this layout for videos is much nicer than the last format, because we sure do!