The story isn't too surprising; after the E3 showcase, one definitely needs to be scratching their heads as to what exactly the Kyoto-based Big N is conjuring up. Certainly, there were an array of stylish (F-Zero, Star Fox Aramada) and innovative (Pikmin 2, Geist) games upcoming for the Gamecube and GBA, but there were frankly a lack of titles announced by Nintendo's internal groups.
The good news, though, is that Gamecube owners will be getting a second Zelda. Eiji Aonuma, the director of Nintendo's Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, mentioned that a sequel to Wind Waker will be in playable form at the next E3 (Source:
http://www.the-magicbox.com/gaming.htm).
Questions abound -- is this the same engine? I recall Miyamoto confirming a while ago that Nintendo would not utilize the same engine for the next Zelda -- at least not the cel-shaded look. Given the public angst and relatively poor sales of the latest Zelda installment, Nintendo is likely to do a 180 on the next title. And after all, if it is indeed a sequel as Aonuma suggests, then it is very conceivable this game features the adult Link. Recall that in the latest EGM interview with Aonuma, he mentions the graphical nature of the game would need to "change" dependent on which Link Nintendo is showing.
Undeniably, given the Gamecube's position in the market (#2 or #3 -- by a thread both ways), it is pivotal for the Big N to walk away from this generation better prepared and willing to cooperate with casual gamer demands and industry direction. Being innovative and unique is one thing -- to be the "grandfather" of the industry also means the Big N needs to adapt and adjust to the latest shifts in gaming demography. Games like "Geist" and the recent partnership with Kojima display a very nontraditional Nintendo. All very good signs for the next generation.
Steven Kent mentioned in an interview on Gamecube Advanced that Nintendo has failed to take advantage and upstage its competitors as effectively as it could have this generation. I tend to agree with him, but not to the extent that Nintendo is faltering. Considering where and how far the GCN has come, there is no denying this fact: the Nintendo 64 was an abomination. The console suffered from poor software support, a questionable graphics approach, and even more questionable Nintendo support. Correcting all these wrongs, as Kent once put it, will likely take Nintendo a console or two -- depending on whether they want to fix them to begin with.
We've seen great strides this generation. What is unfortunate is not that Gamecube hasn't lived up to all the expectations, but that many have set the bar a bit too high this generation. Third party support is (without a doubt) much improved on this console, and the first party games are coming a lot faster (albeit with an occasional notice of diminished quality--but never anything detrimental). The Gamecube, for what it's worth, will be remembered as a turning point -- either as Nintendo's push to regain success or Nintendo's inability to change with the times. Which way history ultimately writes will fall on Gamecube's successor. The real console war everyone converses about is coming -- and it will be an interesting battle indeed.
The second Zelda installment may very well be the Gamecube's swan song. If nothing else, I am hopeful Nintendo will make it a long and delicate musical piece, one that will trumpet and echo into the forthcoming generation to come...
Topic: It's Official: Sequel to Zelda in Works ... and some of my ranting... (Read 1758 times)
