E3 2004: The Legend of Zelda

Nintendo drops the bomb and shows the world that it listens to its fans. Full report and screens.

Update: Video coverage added.

Of all the pre-E3 press conferences, no one announcement or video got a bigger crowd response than the follow-up to The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, which was listed as "Wind Waker 2" on all the pre E3 games lists [it didn't get a standing ovation like Ali did though - yet perhaps it should have - Adam]. Most were expecting a direct sequel, cel-shaded graphics and all. What Nintendo showed us dropped plenty of jaws, inspired awe, and left the grand ballroom roaring with applause. That's because Nintendo showed a game some thought they had become too stubborn to make -- a realistic Zelda seemingly epic in every way.

Included in the demo was the fully realized forest Ocarina of Time never provided, a teenage Link looking more fit for adventure than ever before, thunderstorms, an enemy-filled battlefield, a detailed castle in front of a star filled night sky, a variety of highly detailed enemies, and much more. Truly a Zelda fan's wet dream.

In terms of gameplay one of the most interesting innovations is the ability to sword fight while on horseback. This will be especially important with increased enemy numbers on the battlefield and serve to make the real time combat system more complex. Link's horse (which has not been confirmed as Epona) will once again provide much needed speed across vast land expanses.

The puzzle solving elements of the game are about to receive an overhaul as well. "I'd like to see a lot of new ideas implemented, especially in the realm of puzzle-solving," said Shigeru Miyamoto during the E3 2004 Roundtable. It's apparent that this version of Zelda is much more than an Ocarina of Time remake, despite its uncanny similarities. While Nintendo kept tight lipped about the game's timeline and relationship to Ocarina, it's obvious that the game takes place in roughly the same time and place. Welcome back to Hyrule.

Due out in 2005, the next installment in the Zelda franchise is bound to become of the most anticipated games of next year. It seems like Nintendo has compiled a list of every Zelda fan's desire and delivered on it line by line. Could it be the greatest Zelda game yet? Sure. Could it propel Nintendo to the top? Who knows? Are we excited? Yes!

Haven't seen the direct feed of Grown Up Zelda yet? Then you may as wait for ours, because we're ace.

Carl Johnson
Staff Writer, Kikizo.com