While taking a break from a Wii session, I saw earthbounding had a new video…
What we learn:
–Iwata has been dropping hints about AAA title’s releases. He confirmed that Super Mario Galaxy 2 will release this year, and New Zelda Wii will be shown this year at E3. However, he did not mention New Zelda Wii’s release day.
–On the other hand, Nintendo of Europe’s Nintendo Channel reports that New Zelda Wii will come this year–even if the hint dropped was only shown for a split second.
–The video caused quite a bit of controversy, enough to merit an interview with the host to clarify what he had said. In that interview, the host said that if his statements were incorrect, Nintendo would have said something, which did not happen. It turns out that the host did base his claim on Iwata’s announcement last year.
–Since Nintendo didn’t correct the host’s statements, this means either A. New Zelda Wii really will come this year, or B. Nintendo’s Japan branch ignored the claim.
–That said, the odds of New Zelda Wii do not look good when you consider Nintendo’s launch schedule for this year: Mario and Samus are both coming to the US and Japan this year, but Link is not to be seen. The fact that the 2010 date is temporary and it is not on the US half of the schedule further complicates the matter. If New Zelda Wii does come this year, it will likely just be in Japan and not the US.
–In an interview with Famitsu, Aonuma reiterated that New Zelda Wii will be at E3, and also added other info: He wants it playable at E3, the team is working to get it in our hands this year, the game is pretty far along in development and the final version is in sight, and confirmed that Wii Motion Plus will play a big role (including Link’s sword).
–Link’s attacks will not be patterned (eg. he will not use the attack most similar to your movement), but fully recreate your movement and direction in real time. This means combat will likely be an evolved form of the Wii Sports Resort swordfighting minigame, and allow one on one swordplay. The way you fight may also be used as a puzzle at some point in the game, and would make finding weak spots a more complex affair.
–In another interview, Aonuma said that some fan’s theories were correct. Specifically, he confirmed that the Master Sword girl theory is likely correct. There is a chance that the girl is the Queen of the Fairies from Wind Waker, but this is unlikely given this information.
–Supposed New Zelda Wii pictures were leaked a few days ago, but it turns out they were fake.
–The Fab Four for Nintendo’s E3 conference are Mario, Samus, a Vitality Sensor app, and Link, IGN reports. Link’s appearance could be anything from a trailer, to a canned speech from Reggie and co., to possibly a demo.
–Last month, Nintendo boosted R&D by 22% The reason for this boost could be New Zelda Wii or a number of other reasons (New Console, New Zelda Wii, or Vitality Sensor cost are three possible explanations)
–Miyamoto has gone on record as saying New Console is in fact in the works. Supposedly, Ubisoft said that New Console would appear at GDC 2010–so does Ubisoft have a hand in New Console? Ubisoft isn’t the only one to claim this, an anonymous source has as well
–It is not known whether New Console is the Wii’s or the DS’ successor, but we will find out at Nintendo’s media summit this year.
–Nintendo is planning a worldwide summit this month, and in this summit, they will be announcing something huge. Since Mario and Samus have already been announced and confirmed, the huge surprise is either New Zelda Wii, New Console, or some other AAA title. We’ll find out on the 24th, when the summit takes place.
Stay tuned for more info as I find it.
Happy gaming,
SparklingBlue
