News: E310 Media | Zelda Wii to be Orchestrated, Link Comes from the Sky Page 1

E310 Media | Zelda Wii to be Orchestrated, Link Comes from the Sky

16.06.2010

E310 Media | Zelda Wii to be Orchestrated, Link Comes from the Sky on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

The new Zelda Wii game made its triumphant reveal at E3 this week, and along with the trailers and previews comes a few details on the game's setting and inspiration.

Both Miyamoto and series director Eiji Aonuma talked a bit more about Skyward Swords after the conference, revealing that Link will finally not be a resident of the same old village - on the ground at least. This time round our hero comes from the sky, living upon a floating island known as "Skyloft". It's only when he's older that he discovers there's also land below - a land tainted with evil creatures.

For those digusted with the ever-so-slightly giant HUD that eats up most of the screen - fear not - Aonuma revealed that it can be disabled in the final game. Also something that should slip into the retail package is a fully ochestrated score, with Miyamoto suggesting Nintendo couldn't do what it did with Super Mario Galaxy 2 and not do the same with the new Zelda game.

Image for E310 Media | Zelda Wii to be Orchestrated, Link Comes from the Sky

The controls, demonstrated by Zelda creator Miyamoto himself, didn't quite seem as robust and innovative as they may seem. This, according to Nintendo, was due to wireless interferance. With a smaller crowd, it should offer a fluid experience, taking into account the MotionPlus and Wii Sensor Bar together (like in Red Steel 2) for a more flexible control scheme.

Finally, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swords will cast its shadow sometime next year, with both Miyamoto and Aonuma wanting the team to get the game perfect before letting Link loose on the adventuring world once again.

What do you think of [i]The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword? Your adventuring bliss, or not your cup of tea?

Comment on this article

Comments

«s previous12 next »

Trepe 16.06.2010#1

One thing I've hated for years with Zelda games is the intrusive H.U.D. They seem to be taking over more and more of the screen space. I'll be so relieved if I can turn aspects of it off. I just want to look at the world not the controls.

An orchestrated score would really 'make' this game, for me. I think the Zelda games are crying out for an epic orchestrated score.

WP-Final 16.06.2010#2

Don't bring back Ganon/Ganondorf. Give Zelda more personality like in Spirit Tracks and maybe add voice acting to characters that aren't Link. Smilie

Looking good so far. Smilie

Trepe 16.06.2010#3

Ifrit XXII said:
Don't bring back Ganon/Ganondorf. Give Zelda more personality like in Spirit Tracks and maybe add voice acting to characters that aren't Link.
Looking good so far.

Voice acting is another thing I'd like to see too. I don't want Link to talk, but it would be nice if the other characters did. I think lack of 'real' music and talking in the console versions has made Zelda feel a bit dated (in presentation terms) compared to other games.

JoshSL 16.06.2010#4

I'd like to see Voice Acting aswell, but after hearing Kid Icarus' VA I worry that Nintendo don't know how to find good ones...

By the way, right handed Link looks stupid. >=[
PS. I knew it wouldn't be out this year. Looks like I was right. Smilie

( Edited 16.06.2010 10:53 by SuperLink )

Twitter | C3 Writer/Moderator | Backloggery

Canyarion 16.06.2010#5

My initial reaction to the revelation was very negative. They went back to cell-shading (after saying they wanted to compete with MH3 graphics), Link holding up the sword looks retarted, the environments are bland, the moblins look terrible.
The supposedly best aspect, the controls, was horrible. And apparently there was no recalibrate option.

The game has grown on me now.

Marzeee 16.06.2010#6

I felt pretty much the same as Canyarion, when I first saw it. The visuals didn't appeal to me at all and I was disappointed. The whole controls issue made it seem more disappointing as well. From what I've seen on play-test video, it still doesn't look perfect either, so I'm a little concerned.

The visuals have grown on me a bit though.

So glad to hear it will have orchestrated music. It had to be in there after putting it in Galaxy.

( Edited 16.06.2010 11:09 by Marzy )

erv 16.06.2010#7

come on nintendo, you know cell shaded windwaker style is the way to go. Don't do a lame in betweener.

Trepe 16.06.2010#8

I think the graphics look nice, but the environment look very bland. It does look a bit like they couldn't decide between Wind Waker style or Twilight Princess style, so went for the middle ground. Hopefully they'll add a bit more life to the envirenments though.

JoshSL 16.06.2010#9

I can't be the only person who's incredibly tired of Toon Link? Why does everyone want the Wind Waker style again? We've had it more than enough...

I think this partly cartoony partly realistic style is perfect for Zelda.

( Edited 16.06.2010 11:51 by SuperLink )

Twitter | C3 Writer/Moderator | Backloggery

WP-Final 16.06.2010#10

Exactly SL. I love the look of this new game. The environments could do with a bit more work but Link himself looks fantastic.

Trepe 16.06.2010#11

SuperLink said:
I can't be the only person who's incredibly tired of Toon Link? Why does everyone want the Wind Waker style again? We've had it more than enough...
I think this partly cartoony partly realistic style is perfect for Zelda.

I much prefer Zelda to be more realistic than toony. I think Zelda games should be epic stories/journeys with dark themes and emotional involvement. I just don't think a cartoony Zelda game can portay all that as affectively as a game with a more realistic look. I couldn't take Ganon seriously in the Wind Waker. He was much more menacing in Twilight and even in O.O.T.

Darkflame 16.06.2010#12

Voice acting can certainly can work in voiceover narration (Sands of Time), but I dont think that fits Zelda.

Also, I love the water colour style.
I think its really weird people always wanting one style or the other. (only look above, people moaning for both more realistic and more cartoony). Why not something new?

Theres a bazzilion art styles out there and I want to see more experimentation not less.
Hell, what I really want is dynamic art styles. How about different areas have different rendering styles? Even going into surrealism or pointillism? Smilie

I'll be so relieved if I can turn aspects of it off. I just want to look at the world not the controls.

Apparently you can.

And apparently there was no recalibrate option.

It auto-recalibrates when it sees the sensor bar (and probably) when you hold it vertical.

Thats why it didnt work on stage, too many other IR sources in the room. (a later interview explained this).

( Edited 16.06.2010 12:11 by Darkflame )

http://www.fanficmaker.com <-- Tells some truly terrible tales.
Last update; Mice,Plumbers,Animatronics and Airbenders. We also have the socials; Facebook & G+.

JoshSL 16.06.2010#13

Darkflame said:
I really dont understand people wanting voice acting.
Surely you all read faster then speech is read out? Dont you only end up hearing the first two or three words by which time you have already hit "A" and skipped to the next paragraph?

But voice acting helps make a game feel more cinematic and epic. Sometimes if you're watching the on screen events, you don't want to keep diverting your eyes to the text, you want to see and feel the characters.

If you don't like VA in games I'm going to have to conclude that you haven't played many games with good VA (but that's not true is it?). There's no good reason Zelda can't benefit from it.

Honestly Darkflame if you want to rush through the text as quickly as possible without letting any feeling sink in then you're going to miss the most enjoyable plots.

( Edited 16.06.2010 12:13 by SuperLink )

Twitter | C3 Writer/Moderator | Backloggery

PMD 16.06.2010#14

You people are crazy. This looks 10 times better than Twilight Princess. That game was so ugly and bland.

Look at this screenshot. The polycount is low, but the textures are amazing. It looks like a pastel/watercolor painting. I know these are renders, but if the game looks anything like that, then it will be beautiful.

I'm disappointed that they used TP Link since his face still looks pretty ugly. And for voice acting, I highly doubt even the best voice acting would be any good. You always imagine it being better than it actually will be. Zelda is not realistic enough and it would either sound like some anime or ye olde english accents. Judging from Kid Icarus, I'm pretty sure NO one wants that in a Zelda game.

JoshSL 16.06.2010#15

PMD said:
Zelda is not realistic enough and it would either sound like some anime or ye olde english accents. Judging from Kid Icarus, I'm pretty sure NO one wants that in a Zelda game.

Hogwash, poppycock, etc.
Kid Icarus having bad VA doesn't mean Zelda would, there are tons of fantasy games with brilliant voice acting (like Tales of Vesperia for example)

You don't have to go to extremes, you don't have to be anime shonen VA or ye olde fantasy VA, there is a middle ground that works for Zelda. To say it's impossible to get the best VA is BS, and even just regular average/good VA would improve the game for a lot of people, and anyone who doesn't like it can just turn it off. Everyone's happy.

Twitter | C3 Writer/Moderator | Backloggery

mooojc 16.06.2010#16

Orchestral Music? Not surprised. If there wasn't, I'll be very surprised. Voice acting would be good though.

Marzeee 16.06.2010#17

Giant Bomb went to the Roundtable after the conference, with Miyamoto and Aonuma. Apparently Aonuma made a bitter comment about the art style and it sounded as if it was forced through (most likely by Miyamoto)

( Edited 16.06.2010 13:38 by Marzy )

Trepe 16.06.2010#18

The voice acting in Other M sounds alright, and I like Mario's voice (even if it can get annoying when he says woohoo for the sixtieth time). I understand the concerns of having Link talk. But I don't see whats wrong with the rest of the cast talking.

The voice acting in Final fantasy XIII is pretty good too(appart from Venilles voice). I'm much prefering watching them talk than reading text like in older Final Fantasy games.

( Edited 16.06.2010 13:53 by Trepe )

Squidboy 16.06.2010#19

I love the look and style of the game. It's inspired by French impressionist painter, Paul Cezanne, according to Miyamoto.

3DS Code 2578-3122-0744

Cheesing It Up 16.06.2010#20

I can't be the only person who's incredibly tired of Toon Link? Why does everyone want the Wind Waker style again? We've had it more than enough...

Because all the best looking Zelda games have been with Toon link- FACT! Smilie

I am a wee bit disappointed with the style of graphics to be honest, but it could grow on me.

JoshSL 16.06.2010#21

Cheesing it up said:

Because all the best looking Zelda games have been with Toon link- FACT!

No way do PH and ST look as visually impressive as Majora's Mask D:

Twitter | C3 Writer/Moderator | Backloggery

Jim (guest) 16.06.2010#22

Marzy said:
Giant Bomb went to the Roundtable after the conference, with Miyamoto and Aonuma. Apparently Aonuma made a bitter comment about the art style and it sounded as if it was forced through (most likely by Miyamoto)

Ugh no, it was shown to Miyamoto by other people in the development and he liked it according to IGN.
Miyamoto said it would have been done by now if they had of stuck with the original TP graphics maybe thats what there geting confused about but honestly i'd rather wait and have this style than TP again.

EdEN 16.06.2010#23

The demo did feel glitchy but it must have been a combo of too many wireless signals and too many flashes from cameras going of constantly.

Other than that, the game does seem to benefit from WM+. too bad it got delayed.

GreythaGreat 16.06.2010#24

I'm actually pleased with the visuals. I'm really starting to like the art style. Orchestrated score? Win.

"Do a Barrel Roll!"

Darkflame 16.06.2010#25

SuperLink said:
Darkflame said:
I really dont understand people wanting voice acting.
Surely you all read faster then speech is read out? Dont you only end up hearing the first two or three words by which time you have already hit "A" and skipped to the next paragraph?

But voice acting helps make a game feel more cinematic and epic. Sometimes if you're watching the on screen events, you don't want to keep diverting your eyes to the text, you want to see and feel the characters.

If you don't like VA in games I'm going to have to conclude that you haven't played many games with good VA (but that's not true is it?). There's no good reason Zelda can't benefit from it.

I dunno because every time I'm playing a game with voiceacting, I skip 99% of it because I'm reading the text far faster then they are talking.
Its "distracting" to have to wait.
At the moment I'm playing over Fragile and all I ever hear is a few words out of each paragraph. I find that worse then no voiceacting at all.
It does work when theres a cutscene, rather then just in-game character text, but imho, cutscenes should be minimised in games. Id rather *play* the story then watch it.
Voiceacting thus (imho) works best when gameplay works over it. I think far too many games make the mistake of everything stopping to have a conversation. I think in many case's other gameplay could happen at the same time. (obviously this works best when someone is talking to you rather then wii you; GlaDOS from Portal, for example).
But lets assume this Zelda will have a talking companion (which is likely). They could have the conversations between you happen at the same time as your exploring or solving puzzles. Why stop everything for a dialogue box. *That* form of voiceacting could work. Hell, if they want to make it really involving, if the player does need to be stopped for some reason, maybe the companion could tug link to stop. (and if link runs of anyway, you get some other remark etc).
So I can see voiceacting working in some case's where gameplay remains. But when its "hands of" time, I want to read at my own pace.
As for quality voiceacting, I think Sands of Time, Eternal Darkness and Monkey Island all had great voicework.

Honestly Darkflame if you want to rush through the text as quickly as possible without letting any feeling sink in then you're going to miss the most enjoyable plots.
You mean like in books?
There's doughtless lots of high-quality voice-actors, and I really appreciate good voice work in animations.
And also, like I said, it worked superbly in Sands of Time.
But putting your own voice in as you read text is no less engaging and has the added bonus of being more suitable for non-liner mediums such as games.

( Edited 16.06.2010 18:09 by Darkflame )

Edit this post:

[quote][b]SuperLink said:[/b]<br/>[quote][b]Darkflame said:[/b]<br/>I really dont understand people wanting voice acting.
Surely you all read faster then speech is read out? Dont you only end up hearing the first two or three words by which time you have already hit "A" and skipped to the next paragraph?[/quote]
But voice acting helps make a game feel more cinematic and epic. Sometimes if you're watching the on screen events, you don't want to keep diverting your eyes to the text, you want to see and feel the [i]characters[/i].

[quote]
If you don't like VA in games I'm going to have to conclude that you haven't played many games with good VA (but that's not true is it?). There's [i]no good reason[/i] Zelda can't benefit from it.
[/quote]

I dunno because every time I'm playing a game with voiceacting, I skip 99% of it because I'm reading the text far faster then they are talking.
Its "distracting" to have to wait.

At the moment I'm playing over Fragile and all I ever hear is a few words out of each paragraph. I find that worse then no voiceacting at all.

It does work when theres a cutscene, rather then just in-game character text, but imho, cutscenes should be minimised in games. Id rather *play* the story then watch it.
Voiceacting thus (imho) works best when gameplay works over it. I think far too many games make the mistake of everything stopping to have a conversation. I think in many case's other gameplay could happen at the same time. (obviously this works best when someone is talking to you rather then wii you; GlaDOS from Portal, for example).

But lets assume this Zelda will have a talking companion (which is likely). They could have the conversations between you happen at the same time as your exploring or solving puzzles. Why stop everything for a dialogue box.  *That* form of voiceacting could work. Hell, if they want to make it really involving, if the player does need to be stopped for some reason, maybe the companion could tug link to stop. (and if link runs of anyway, you get some other remark etc).

So I can see voiceacting working in some case's where gameplay remains. But when its "hands of" time, I want to read at my own pace.

As for quality voiceacting, I think Sands of Time, Eternal Darkness and Monkey Island all had great voicework.

[quote]
Honestly Darkflame if you want to rush through the text as quickly as possible without letting any feeling sink in then you're going to miss the most enjoyable plots.[/quote]

You mean like in books? :P

There's doughtless lots of high-quality voice-actors, and I really appreciate good voice work in animations.
And also, like I said, it worked superbly in Sands of Time.

But putting your own voice in as you read text is no less engaging and has the added bonus of being more suitable for non-liner mediums such as games.

Save Changes Cancel Full Edit

http://www.fanficmaker.com <-- Tells some truly terrible tales.
Last update; Mice,Plumbers,Animatronics and Airbenders. We also have the socials; Facebook & G+.

«s previous12 next »