How Dungeons are Made in The Legend of Zelda

Just how is a dungeon in The Legend of Zelda conceived? Series producer Eiji Aonuma shares how. 

One of the more memorable features of Legend of Zelda games, particularly the more recent 3D installments, has to be the intricately designed dungeons to conquer. Puzzles, enemies, collectibles mark the recipe for solid adventuring, but just how does Nintendo come up with the dungeon structure?

Talking to Kotaku this week, Aonuma recalls having to think about the initial gameplay concept first, which helps form the dungeon's theme. "For example, are we trying to build a dungeon around puzzle type gameplay, or is action more of a focus?"

After that's all jotted down, the team then ponder how players may use a particular item to interact with the environment. 

However, he feels that "it's important to challenge the orthodoxy of the Zelda series as we're creating new games." 

Do you think Nintendo need to change their approach to dungeons in The Legend of Zelda?