There has been quite a bit to talk about these past few weeks regarding Zelda’s E3 appearance. However, in my recent perpetual bantering, I have neglected to mention any information on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS remake.

 

It has been more than ten years since the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been released. It is a game that has proved to be timeless, seeing countless rereleases on modern game systems, while retaining its classic edge. But the question has been asked by many if Nintendo would (or should) ever consider a remake. Little did we assume we would find our answer at this year’s E3 when a remake was quietly announced. Shown briefly at a round table event with both Miyamoto and Aonuma present, it was originally maintained that the demo shown was simply to demonstrate the 3D capabilities of the companies new handheld, the Nintendo 3DS. It has sense been confirmed, however, that the game is under development, and that we can expect to see it as early as next year.  

Little beyond what was literally shown is known, but with the simple application of common sense, as well as a few telling quotes from Myamoto and Aonuma, we can piece together some basic ideas as to how the game might be. Most noticeably, it appears that Nintendo is laying the control-by-touchscreen to rest, and making the jump to a control stick (a new feature of the 3DS). Where the touchscreen will be used is in enhancing the fluidity of gameplay through innovating such aspects as the item screen. Aonuma has made specific references to this through the Iron boots and the Water Temple; “One of the things I think was problematic or maybe troublesome for you when you were playing through the Water Temple was the fact that you had to take the iron boots off, put them back on, take them off, put them back on ... what I'd like to do is lay this evil shame I have to rest by implementing the touch screen in such a way that it makes it very natural and smooth and easy to put those iron boots on and take them off." Though a seemingly simple switch, an easier accessible item screen could add much quicker and friendlier gaming experience that was simple impossible a decade ago. The 3DS’s improved graphics card is also a reason for excitement. Nintendo will be able to enhance the the models, landscapes, and textures of the game, as can be seen in some of the few screenshots released. But Perhaps the most compeling new feature will be the game’s 3D aspect. Ocarina of time was the first game in the series to see the jump to 3D graphics. And now, it will be the fist to present itself in 3D display. Obviously, the ways in which Zelda could benefit from this inclusion are many. “3D allows Hyrule to have some depth and appear differently, "unique in its own way", a more immersive feeling” says Miyamoto, who clearly supports the change, “There'll be some new ways in implementing 3D into the gameplay and add fresh, new elements to the classic.”

The topic of Zelda on the 3DS is an exciting one, not just for OoT, but for future Zelda titles as well. A new gaming experience is right around the corner, it is now only a matter of time.

Summary

• Title in production for the Nintendo 3DS with a release possibly as early as next year.

• Game will have completely restored and enhanced graphics.

• Player control will no longer be linked to the touch screen, and will most likely be mapped to the handheld’s new control stick.

• Touchscreen will seek to innovate conventional controls through functions such as item selection.

• Game will have capability of running in full 3D.

	Dakare - July 24, 2010 I don't think "restored" is the right word. Maybe "revamped" would be a better choice?
	Stealthylight - July 24, 2010 haha, i suppose

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