Link's Hideaway

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons to Launch on 3DS eShop for $4.99 Each

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:44:16 -0400

In a Nintendo Direct presentation earlier, Nintendo announced that The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons will launch on May 30th for the Nintendo 3DS eShop for just $4.99 each for the first three weeks. After this promotional period ends, both games will increase to $5.99 each. Read the full press release, which includes other Nintendo related news, after the break.

Legend of Zelda Items Via 3D Printer

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:00:35 -0400

What you see above is nearly every item from the original Legend of Zelda printed using the modern technology known as a 3D printer. The blog Hyrule Foundry - the creator of the items pictured above - is selling the pieces in different sets for those interested. You can find full details and more after the break.

Fan Story: Ember Part 3 by Starr

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:41:00 -0400

Today we bring you Part 3 of Ember written by guest author Starr. Check it our via the link above and an excerpt is included after the break.

Fan Art: Link by Andras

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:42:57 -0400

Staff member Andras, author of Shadows of Kakariko and Deal with the King of Evil, has decided to submit some fan art for us to show off to everyone and that is what you see above - Link by Andras.

The Legend of Zelda Part 7 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Sat, 04 May 2013 23:49:47 -0400

Part 7 of the Legend of Zelda video series Two Idiots are Better than One has been released. This part - as always - features both Chris and Ryan from staff playing through Legend of Zelda.

Shadows of Kakariko

Thu, 02 May 2013 23:36:23 -0400

It was a much more stern time in the history of Hyrule; a time when a younger form of the kingdom regarded offenders of the law as refuse to be cast aside. Not a century after the formation of Hyrule, the Shiekah - the guardians of the royal family - were to be given permissions in the realm of punishment and imprisonment. They would be granted authority to deal with criminals under the spoken (and highly open for speculation) constitution of Hylian law. In these Hyrulian dark ages, those who would violate the laws of the land were handled abruptly and harshly, as the Shiekah were, at the time, an entitled and highly powerful extension of the Royal family's sword.

Dark and Light Worlds Return in A Link to the Past 2 Says Aonuma

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:19:08 -0400

In a CNET interview, Eiji Aonuma confirmed that both the Dark and Light Worlds from A Link to the Past would return for the sequel that was announced recently. More information can be found after the jump.

Fan Story: Ember Part 2 by Starr

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:50:50 -0400

Today we bring you Part 2 of Ember written by guest author Starr. Check it our via the link above and an excerpt is included after the break.

A Link to the Past Sequel Announced

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:25:05 -0400

Update: Screenshot and Full Press Release below.

This is some amazing news! Announced only moments ago (more so "confirmed"), a sequel to A Link to the Past will be released this Holiday season in North America! It will feature a new storyline and new dungeons that incorporate the features of the 3DS. Read more after the jump!

The Legend of Zelda Part 6 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:36:26 -0400

Part 6 of the Legend of Zelda video series Two Idiots are Better than One has been released. This part - as always - features both Chris and Ryan from staff playing through Legend of Zelda.

Fan Story: The Legend of Terra - Chapter 5

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:50:38 -0400

Chapter 5 of the Legend of Terra has been posted. The story takes place after the events in Majora's Mask and is authored by Mr. Watch. Check out an excerpt from Part 5 after the break.

Fan Story: Ember by Starr

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:21:05 -0400

Today we bring you a new fan story submitted to us by a reader name Starr. The story is entitled Ember and we have part 1 for you to read today. Check out an excerpt after the break.

Conventional Changes in Zelda

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:22:09 -0400

Did Aonuma just say the Zelda team were rethinking the traditional conventions in the Zelda formula? Yep. Well, this article is done, have a nice day... And I've been told I need to write a longer article than that, so let's try to talk about those changes. Aonuma said they were going to rethink the ideas of Zelda always being single player, and also change the linear dungeon design. So what could this mean for the Zelda franchise? Does this mean the next game will be a Zelda 1 crossover with Four Swords? Probably not, although it would be an interesting concept. Basically, over the next few paragraphs, what will be discussed is how I think these changes could be implemented and what might result from them. Be sure to leave a comment about what you think about the changes!

Fan Art: Project Dolphin by E-Man

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:11:20 -0400

One of our readers by the name of E-Man created the art above to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of The Wind Waker and is entitled Project Dolphin. The feature was originally created for Zelda Eternity's Wind Waker month; however, the artist wanted to gain a little more exposure for his work.

The Legend of Zelda Part 5 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:19:10 -0400

Part 5 of the Legend of Zelda video series Two Idiots are Better than One has been released. This part - as always - features both Chris and Ryan from staff playing through Legend of Zelda.

Fan Story: The Story of Ganondorf Part 10

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 13:55:36 -0400

LH exclusive fan work - The Story of Ganondorf - has been updated with Part 10, which picks up where Part 9 ended. The story is written by staff member Wolf and takes the reader through the life of Ganondorf. Check out an excerpt from Part 10 after the break.

Fan Story: The Legend of Terra - Chapter 4

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:02:05 -0400

A fan of the Legend of Terra? Well, you are in luck because today we bring you Chapter 4. Check out an excerpt below:

Hyrule Castle

Alec rolled over in the soft castle bed, his brown hair laid spread about the pillow from his head digging itself into its feathery softness. Rays of summer sunlight traveled through the open balcony doors colliding with the bed in which the ranch boy lay. The light reflected off the pearly white sheets of the Hylian bed, filling the stone castle room with a bright ambience. Alec made no sound; he simply lay tucked tightly under the warm blankets.

The sound of the large wooden door closing caused Alec's eyes to snap open. Yawning, the young man sat himself up in the large soft bed. He stretched the morning stiffness out of his limbs by reaching his arms and legs out from his body. Looking around the room the ranch boy at first seemed surprised on where he was. He sat in a large wooden framed bed with a feathery soft mattress and white sheets. Light shown through the open balcony doors, and a cool morning breeze flowed gently into the room, the blue curtains moved like waves in the wind. The scents that traveled on the air of the Hylian countryside filled Alec's nose awakening him even more.

Getting up out of the comfortable bed Alec stretched his arms above his head. Looking over his body he noticed that all the wounds he had received the previous night had disappeared, each was completely gone from his body. The headache from the massive blow to the skull was gone entirely. Surprised and rubbing his head he attempted to remember what had happen last night when he returned to the castle.

From what he could piece together form his scattered thoughts and memories he knew that he was taken to Hyrule Castle for treatment of his wounds. He remembered being separated from Link and Princess Terra and taken to the room where he stood now. They made him drink an odd tasting red liquid, and after that...nothing...just blackness...

Full Chapter 4 here

The Legend of Zelda Part 4 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:03:56 -0400

Today we bring you Part 4 of our video series for Legend of Zelda entitled Two idiots are Better than One featuring staff members Ryan and Chris. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons Releasing Before Summer on 3DS eShop

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:15:28 -0400

You may remember our article about Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons heading to the 3DS eShop and how we did not have any real information about release outside of Japan. Well, Eiji Aonuma posted on the Zelda Miiverse community stating:

Our plan is to release these two games in other territories some time before summer!

It's the End of the World as You Know it

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:39:46 -0400

One of the biggest challenges for me playing Majora's Mask was the desire to make a lasting impact on the citizens of Terminia. As you constantly integrate yourself into even the smallest details of their lives, you can't help but feel a personal relationship from every single person you meet. As the game fleshes out and detracts you from your main quest of stopping the moon, the literal weight of the world grows in relation to just how little time you have left. The beautiful thing about Majora's Mask is that it forces you to make choices... choices that ultimately mean nothing.

Zelda II Medley by On Being Human - MAGfest 11

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 17:42:02 -0400

The Zelda II Medley above is performed by the group On Being Human during MAGfest 11. The group routinely performs covers of video game music. You can check them out on YouTube here.

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons Coming to Virtual Console

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:36:08 -0400

During today's Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons would be coming to the Virtual Console in Japan for 600 Yen each (around $6.50) on February 27 and later as a bundled deal for 1000 Yen (around $10.50); however, on the Zelda Miiverse board, Eiji Aonuma confirmed that both will see release in the other Virtual Console territories. See his full message after the break.

Fan Story: He Took Her Away By LinkxZelda

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:19:13 -0400

We have recovered a long lost fan poem called He Took Her Away that was written by past staff member LinkxZelda. The poem was originally posted several years ago but had been lost to the obscurity that is the internet; however, you can now read it in it's original glory again. Check out an excerpt after the break.

Fan Story: The Story of Ganondorf Part 9

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:44:05 -0400

LH exclusive fan work - The Story of Ganondorf - has been updated with Part 9. The story is written by staff member Wolf and takes the reader through the life of Ganondorf. Check out an excerpt from Part 9 after the break.

Zelda Miiverse Community Opens Today

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:24:17 -0400

During a Nintendo Direct earlier today, a Zelda Miiverse Community was announced and has gone live for all those with interest in discussing the series as a whole amongst fellow Miiverse friends. The full release can be found after the break and contains more then just the Zelda Miiverse Community announcement.

Renewing the Old and Redoing the New

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:55:34 -0400

Over time, a lot of games lose their target audience and the developers either stop making the games, or they just shelve their ideas for a while. There are a lot of different series and franchises that have withstood countless years of being on the market, but there have been others that have dwindled over the years, with some seeing short but definite comebacks. However, one of the dominating franchises that has never dwindled is The Legend of Zelda. This franchise has been around for over 25 years and is one of the most well known franchises in video-game history. Nintendo has been really careful to make sure that this series didn't dwindle, so read on to explore a few points as to why I think Zelda has been able to make a lasting impression. Also, it would be superb if you could comment as to why you think the series has been able to stay so current for so long.

The Wind Waker HD Screenshots

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:27:01 -0400

Nintendo revealed The Wind Waker HD for Wii U during a Nintendo Direct earlier. On top of the reveal - we also got 9 high resolution screenshots from the game. You can see them below.

The Wind Waker HD Heading to Wii U

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:26:05 -0400

Just moments ago during the latest Nintendo Direct, Eiji Aonuma revealed an HD remake for Wind Waker coming to the Nintendo Wii U. According to the video - the game is coming out in the fall.

Theophany Launches Disk 1 of Time's End - A Majora's Mask Album

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 02:35:36 -0400

Many of you may have recently visited the site http://www.terriblefate.com/ only to find a countdown to the end of Mayan calendar - otherwise known as the End of the World. Well, the countdown is finished but the world is still here, Link saved the day, and best of all - Theophany has launched disk 1 to their album Time's End. Check out after the break for a few more details.

Zelda Live Stream For Charity - The Marathon Man

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:00:31 -0400

The good people behind The Marathon Man are holding a Live Stream on December 27th through December 31st to raise funds for the Autism Research Institute. The stream will focus on several Zelda games such as Skyward Sword. Check after the break for more details from them.

The Legend of Zelda Part 3 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:34:46 -0400

Today we bring you Part 3 of our video series for Legend of Zelda entitled Two idiots are Better than One featuring staff members Ryan and Chris. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Original Article Writers Needed

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:04:52 -0400

Us at Link's Hideaway are always looking for talented people to join our team and help us expand our audience as well as provide some of the best articles on the Zelda franchise on the web. We are currently seeking people who are able to analyze our favorite series in ways no-other is able. As an original article writer you will be responsible for writing articles in an editorial capacity and staying on-top of the latest trends in order to provide relevant information to our readers. Check after the jump for more information.

Future Plans for the 3DS Zelda Release Date

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0400

In a recent interview with Satoru Iwata, IGN got to ask the tough questions about the Wii U's reception, among other topics. Here is a quote from Iwata,

We will announce the launch schedules for new 3D Zelda and Mario games in the future, but this is not the right opportunity for me to indicate when we will make such announcements.

One Way Trip To Paradise

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 08:00:00 -0400

Don't you wish you lived in Hyrule? Of course you did! Is that even a question? Of course it isn't! Silly businesses aside, would you risk it all to start again? To live in the ancient world of Hyrule? You get one choice and one choice only. That is the Hyrule of Ocarina of Time, well before the flood. At least, let us hope so. The means of getting there are, well, untested. Journey aside, you get to take one lucky person with you. A total of 500 people are going, and the land of Hyrule is large and lacking polygonal walls. More after the jump!

How Has Each Zelda Game Held Up Over the Years

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:30:18 -0400

The Legend of Zelda is a long running series. 26 years to be exact, and it's definitely changed a lot since the very first release back on the NES. If we were to look at how the different games have been regarded by critics, there wouldn't be any noticeable trend, because Nintendo has always done their best to take what worked well, and implement it with some new stuff to make it fell like a newer experience, while still holding true to the core mechanics. After the break, we'll explore how each game has held up against critics, and more importantly, the test of time.

New Skyward Sword Link Figma

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:00:00 -0400

Max Factory has a new figma in stock, and it's none other than Link! The new figma is brilliantly colores, and features multiple gestures and poses. Do you collect the Zelda figmas that appear? If you do, you can snag this one from Amazon Japan for a mere 3800 yen

Not your type of collecting? Feel free to browse more photos here!

ZI Interview with Jeron Moore

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:00:00 -0400

Zelda Informer recently had an interview with the creator of the Symphony of the Godesses, Jeron Moore, about Zelda and the concert itself. Check out a snippet after the break!

Limited Copies of Hyrule Historia Collectors Edition

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:35:00 -0400

If you haven't picked up your copy of Hyrule Historia yet, for some strange reason, you may want to wait! It seems that there will be limited edition copies! Read the full story after the jump!

New Hyrule Historia English Cover and Trailer

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:06:56 -0400

What you see above is the new trailer for the English release of Hyrule Historia published by Dark Horse. A new cover for the English version has been release as well and can be seen after the break.

The Legend of Digital Zelda

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:59:29 -0400

YouTuber Final Cut King has released the video above entitled The Legend of Digital Zelda. The description of the video says:

The Legend of Zelda comes to the digital world in this short film. Link battles various enemies and travels through a digital world as he tried to find his lost love....the princess Zelda!

So what do you think of the video? Do you enjoy these kind of things? Let us know in the comment section.

Recurring Relationships of the Zelda Franchise

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:35:19 -0400

Possible Spoilers: Before I just dive right into what relationships actually are recurring, and other stuff about the relationships, let's discuss what relationships there are and how they've been created or evolved over the years. Obviously, we'd go back to the same format as the Link's Looks article, and start from the first game and continue from there, but not spending as much time on each game and probably not getting to every game, just a brief sentence or two or so on the game of interest. I'll try to make it as exciting as possible for those who aren't into romances that much...but not that kind of excitement. This isn't 50 Shades of Gray, after all, but read on anyway.

New Fan Story: Lost King by Ryan Hammett

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:11:46 -0400

Staff member Ryan Hammett has released Part 1 of Lost King, which is a fan story. Check out the excerpt below.

Many decades have passed, and Hyrule is well. Ganon had not appeared since he was defeated, and the lands were prosperous. Everything was as the Hero of Time had hoped, but trouble within the hierarchy was about to end it all...

Forest Sonata � Legend of the Skull Kids

Torn was sprinting for the entrance to Kokiri Forest as the castle guards were trailing behind him. The entrance to the forest was blocked off due to the thought of the impending wars (or so any outsiders thought), and Torn jumped the bridge to enter the Lost Woods. Torn stopped running and heard no sounds of the soldiers approaching. Torn thought to himself how he would escape the Lost Woods, as no one had ever escaped after the Hero of Time vanished. Torn had left his enchanted fairy ocarina in the well at Kakariko Village, and without it had no way to escape the Lost Woods. Torn began to walk deeper into the Lost Woods, with every turn leading to a new path.

Like the excerpt? Well, click here for the full part 1.

Legend of Zelda Part 2 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:29:31 -0400

Chris and Ryan are at it again in Part 2 of their Legend of Zelda video series. They take on Dungeon 2 in this episode and it has the usual commentary from both of them. Check it out below.

Music: Its Meaningful Marvels in Zelda

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:52:52 -0400

Zelda, the game is full of life, love, and story. Everything is drawn beautifully and majestically. There's only one thing that could help this game be any better - music. Music is definitely the single most important part of a Zelda game. Don't believe me? Then read this article to find out, and if you do believe me, well then read this article for fun!

New Fan Story: Memoirs of Hyrule By Fidel

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:08:18 -0400

We have a brand new fan story for you to enjoy today named Memoirs of Hyrule. The story was submitted by author Fidel Rangel. Here is their description:

It's pretty much random letters from different characters based off of all the Zelda games I played and doesn't stray too far away from storyline except for some perks I've added to try to piece a lot the series together.

You can check out Memoirs of Hyrule here or read an excerpt after the break.

Twilight Symphony, Giga-Update!

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 11:05:00 -0400

Update: ~~290 copies remain!~~ SOLD OUT! Digital release is upon us.

If you haven't heard the news, Zelda Reorchestrated finally opened their site for Twilight Symphony on the first of November! Along with the site opening, they uploaded a 45 minute preview of the album. That's not even close to half of the album (which is composed of 51 brilliant tracks), but check it out after the jump!

Legend of Zelda Part 1 - Two Idiots are Better than One

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:54:40 -0400

Staff members, Chris and Ryan, have begun a new video series called "Two Idiots are Better than One" and the first game in their catalog is the Legend of Zelda. They play through the First Dungeon of LoZ in this episode. Take a peek below for the video and let them know what you think in the comments.

Link's Looks and Other Artistic Anomalies

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:33:06 -0400

(Please note that this article contains some jokes that may be considered offensive depending on how well tuned your sense of humor is.)

Now as The Legend of Zelda has been around for over 25 years, Link has gotten a few makeovers along with Zelda and the rest of Hyrule. With new looks, you have new opinions, and different sales numbers. As we go across the time-line of Zelda games, let's take a look at how the art style has changed as well as how the look of Link himself has changed. Full article after the break...

Skyward Swords music is not as Skyward as we had hoped

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:35:54 -0400

When you listen to some tunes from the old Zelda games, you hear a distinct and loveable tune. You find yourself humming along to the songs later on, and then whistling them. Some of the most memorable parts of the game come from the music alone. The End Credits themes are always fantastic and memorable, and the over-world themes are always full of life, and buzzing with excitement. However, not all of this is true in Skyward Sword. The over-world theme from Skyward Sword sounded like it should have been some kind of opening to a Star Trek movie, or some other movie about space. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice tune, it's just not fit to be the grand over-world theme. Just take the Stalfos min-boss theme. It sounds like a waltz more than a boss theme. It clearly doesn't fit being a battle song. This was true with a lot of other songs as well, just not the fact that they sounded like waltzes.

Full article after the break...

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is Heading to Australia in 2013!

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:19:10 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses has been primarily a North American event throughout the majority of the tour; however, this is about to change. Symphony of the Goddesses is heading to Australia in 2013 with two shows slated for the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Friday February 1st and Saturday the 2nd. Ticket's start at roughly AU $42 and go up to around AU $102 depending on the seat location. Check out Ticketmaster's site to check for yourself.

Termina Field Orchestration - Bongo Bongo Day

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:10:20 -0400

Majora's Mask is one of the games that takes such dedication, that it always earns a place in the heart of anyone who plays through to the end. You don't play through it because you want to finish it, or you're bored; you play it because the game is breathtaking. After the break is a fascinating mix of the Termina Field theme.

Legend of Zelda Medley on STL Ocarina - Lena Leclaire

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:09:29 -0400

Lena Leclaire has recently released a video of her Legend of Zelda Medley performed on a STL Ocarina. The video features various songs from Ocarina of Time 3D and perhaps some others. Check it out below.

North America: Skyward Sword Bundle in Stock at Wal-Mart?

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 17:54:43 -0400

I was recently at my local Wal-Mart and to my suprise - the Skyward Sword Bundle was in stock. Does this mean you have another chance to secure this wonderful bundle for the original price instead of the overly inflated $100+ one on Amazon? Perhaps - just get out to your local Wal-Mart and you may be in luck.

NoA: Ocarina of Time 3D Hits eShop October 18th for $39.99

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:38:20 -0400

Ocarina of Time 3D hits the Nintendo eShop on October 18th for $39.99 according to a recent press release from Nintendo of America. This is the full retail price, which many may not like to pay. Let us know in the comments. Hit the jump to see the full release.

Contest: Create the best Fan Works to Win Hearts of Iron III Collection

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:22:22 -0400

Today we announce a contest for a chance to win Hearts of Iron III Collection. We have been given 5 Steam codes from Paradox Interactive in order to giveaway to several lucky winners. All you need to do is create a piece of fan works and have us pick your piece. Fan works can be art, music, poem, or anything else creative. Just submit it to us by October 19th, 2012 by e-mailing it to us at contest@linkshideaway.com. *Note* Submission deadline will be pushed back if needed at a later date. Check after the break for the release trailer for Hearts of Iron III Collection.

Link Vs. Peter Pan in Real Life - Ultimate Fan Fights Ep. 3

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:31:40 -0400

The fine folks over at IGN recently e-mailed us their latest episode in their Ultimate Fan Fights series which pits Link against Peter Pan. You can watch the match after the break.

New Abridged Version of Ocarina of Time Manga

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:39:10 -0400

Recently we discovered a new abridged version of the Ocarina of Time manga on the Nintendo of Taiwan website that was created to celebrate the release of Ocarina of Time for the first time in those territories of the world. While the manga is written in what we believe to be Mandarin Chinese, the artwork is fascinating. The original PDF of the Ocarina of Time managa is here but brace yourself for a rather large file.

Fractured Soul Review

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:54:30 -0400

Fractured Soul is a game where you have the power to jump between alternate realities and shoot robots. Sounds pretty generic, right? That's exactly what it should be! This game takes place on a space station, half of which is full of water, high winds, and scorching heat in one reality, and enough floating platforms to shake a stick at all around. It's a simple side scrolling shooter, where your goal is to get to the end of the level as fast as you can while collecting the optional bonus emblems, called "secrets". These "secrets" are used to unlock the extra 10 bonus levels with added difficulty and layouts to contribute to the main games 30 levels. The main game itself contains 5 different areas, each with its own twist on physics and dynamics.

Fan Story: The Story of Ganondorf (Revised) By Wolf

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:46:46 -0400

Our exclusive fan work - The Story of Ganondorf - has received revisions from part 1 up to part 8. The revisions include a new plot that consists of new parts as well as other parts being removed. Updates to the story will come in the very near future so check back often. Catch an excerpt after the break.

EXCLUSIVE: Fractured Soul Developer Interviewed

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 22:41:13 -0400

Fractured Soul recently released on the Nintendo 3DS eShop and we managed to snag an interview with the games developer - Endgame Studios. While we do not usually post about non-Zelda topics here on Link's Hideaway, we have recently decided to delve into this realm due to the recent lack of Zelda news. For those unaware of what Fractured Soul consists of - take a peak at the official trailer below.

Does it have you interested? Do you want to know where the screen swapping concept came from? Well just take a peak at our developer Q & A after the break.

Legend of Zelda painting time-lapse by Shanna May

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:48:58 -0400

A fantastic Legend of Zelda inspired painting has surfaced from the artist Shanna May, who can be seen above. She has created a time-lapse video for the painting that can be viewed after the break.

Legend of Zelda Percussion Ensemble - Bongo Bongo Day

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:28:40 -0400

This is the kind of stuff I imagined Bongo Bongo day would be about.

Played by a group from Dieverbrug (A town in the Dutch province of Drenthe), they do a custom medley of all sorts of Zelda songs. Can't believe it doesn't have more views.

Song of Healing on Guitar - Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:31:45 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask plays host to a plethora of quality music tracks with the Song of Healing being one of them. The video above is a good rendition of this song. Enjoy!

New Tour Dates for "The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses"

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:16:43 -0400

Nintendo has released several more dates for the Symphony of the Goddesses. Click read more for the full PR e-mail.

Pre-order Hyrule Historia for 40% Off

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:38:30 -0400

Amazon is currently offering the recently announced Hyrule Historia for only $20.99, which is a 40% discount! Head over here to grab a pre-order.

Dark World by Blake Robinson - Bongo Bongo Day

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:00:00 -0400

Blake Robinson uses many samples and high-quality synthetic instruments to bring life to all sorts of music. He has a number of Zelda themes, all of which are fantastic. This Dark World theme is an excellent teaser as to his expertise, listen and hear for yourself.

Starting off epic and loud, there's a seamless transition to his middle section, with is filled with sweet harmonies and some epic percussion that would hold its own on any stage. My only complaint is that it's too short, but just by listening to some more of his music I felt very satisfied and impressed.

Hyrule Historia To Be Released In English

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400

UPDATE 8/17/2012: Pre-order for 40% off!

Earlier today some eager Zelda fans awoke to find that Dark Horse Books will be publishing The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia for North America. It ships January 29, 2013 at the insanely low price (compared to current import prices) $34.99 ($38.99 Canada). Read more for the excerpt!

Zelda II Q4 Release

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0400

Nintendo recently released in an email that Zelda II: The Adventure of Link will be released for the 3DS this coming fall in the eShop. Currently the only other Zelda games in the eShop available to all users are The Legend of Zelda and Link's Awakening DX.

Nintendo Castle Metroid Marathon

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:32:29 -0400

The folks over at Nintendo Castle are doing a Metroid themed marathon for Child's Play to raise, at the very least, $100 by August 15. This goal can easily be achieved, and we would like anyone who goes there to donate to this charity! For the list of games that are scheduled to be played and the time it begins, read more!

Fistful of Rupees - The Zelda Western Mini Series Launches

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:14:25 -0400

Fistful of Rupees recently launched on TGS. As you can see in part 1 above, the series is a Zelda Western mash-up. Parts 2 and 3 can be viewed after the break.

Twilight Symphony - Behind The Scenes

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:04:33 -0400

Zelda Reorchestrated has released some amazing new details on the current state of Twilight Symphony, check out this video they posted on their YouTube channel that shows some amazing footage of the choir recording.

There is more after the jump!

Olympic Gymnast from Mexico Uses Zelda Medley

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:21:24 -0400

Olympic gymnast, Garcia Rodriguez, performed to a familiar tune during her performance for the Woman's Qualification, Subdivision 1 and 2 events. Check out the original medley after the jump!

Fistful of Rupees Trailer - Zelda / Western Mash-Up - NOW LIVE!

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:40:41 -0400

A new live action Zelda-inspired project named "Fistful of Rupees" has come to tuition by the people of TGS and Maker Studios. They have sent us a trailer which can be viewed after the break.

"FISTFUL OF RUPEES" will be released in its entirety as a Three-Part Web Mini-Series on Tuesday, August 7th. It is to be the first of the new "Mash-Up" format from TGS, which combines our favorite video games with a distinct film genre for a unique and epic re-imagining.

Exclusive: Ebuch Interviewed on Twilight Symphony and Symphony of the Goddesses

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:13:13 -0400

We have recently interviewed Eric Buchholz from ZREO about Twilight Princess Symphony and their involvement with Symphony of the Goddesses during our latest weekly podcast recording. We have typed out the more interesting bits and pieces for you after the break.

Hyrule Historia: Skyward Sword Concept Art

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:42:51 -0400

GlitterBerri has release several new pages from Hyrule Historia that include Skyward Sword Concept Art. Check out more art after the break.

3DS Buzz: Win A 3DS XL Via Gaming Quiz

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:05:32 -0400

Update - 7/20/2012: The quiz is now less then 24 hours away. It starts at roughly 12:00 PDT and 3:00 EDT on July 21, 2012.

The people over at 3DS Buzz are holding a video game quiz and the person with the highest score will get a free 3DS XL. The quiz begins on July 21st, 2012.

There will be 30 questions about the world's most loved video games from the 1970s up until 2012. We aren't focusing on just Nintendo games either, we'll be giving every dedicated gamer the opportunity to show off their knowledge.

Link's Day Off

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:04:35 -0400

Our favorite silent protagonist has no problem finding dangerous tasks to complete in the ever in peril kingdom of Hyrule, but what does Link do when he's not saving Princess Zelda, or dueling with Ganondorf? Find out after the break.

Death Battle: Link VS Cloud

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:23:24 -0400

Screw Attack has released a new Death Battle pitting Link against Cloud Strife from the Final Fantasy series. They have removed any magical powers, revivals, and all other disadvantages. Check out the video after the break to find out who wins.

NES Zelda Theme - Bongo Bongo Day

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:40:00 -0400

I found this piece after much searching, and fell in love. It's very simplistic, and plays with dynamics a lot.

I'd love to hear the entire soundtrack from the original Legend of Zelda redone like this, I feel like though it's a different style from the 8 bit NES music it would fit perfectly with the old game play. What do you think?

Majora's Mask Opera Creator Interviewed by Radio Hyrule

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:17:08 -0400

Our friends over at Radio Hyrule have interviewed Miguel Bulteau, the creator of the Majora's Mask opera, and brings to surface several interesting facts from the game such as "hidden" melodies in certain songs that originally come from the Majora theme. Check out quotes from the interview below.

Club Nintendo's 2012 Platinum and Gold Prizes

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:31:08 -0400

Club Nintendo's 2012 Platinum status members will have the option between two rewards this year. The first being a 3 poster set featuring various franchises including Zelda. There is a Skyward Sword themed poster out of the three. The second Platinum reward is a set of Mario themed playing cards.

Gold status will net you a calendar that should feature artwork from various franchises. People who obtained either status will also have the option to refuse the other rewards in exchange for a digital download of Super Mario Kart or Majora's Mask on the Wii Virtual console, Metroid II: Return of Samus from the 3DS VC and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! from DSiWare (only redeemable on a 3DS). You can only pick one game from the list above.

New Majora's Mask 100% Speedrun World Record - 6:06:26

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:39:31 -0400

Update: The final part has been added to the list below.

ZeldaFreakGlitcha has recently broken the Majora's Mask 100% speedrun time. The new record is 6:06:26 (6 hours 6 mins 26 secs). You can watch the speedrun in full after the break.

Part 1

Symphony of the Goddesses: Simply Magical!

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:40:12 -0400

Symphony of the Goddesses is a concert series based on the Legend of Zelda games. Being beautifully arranged classic Zelda tunes brought into an orchestrated environment created a unique experience for all that gathered at the Greek Theatre on June 7th, 2012 during the week of E3 2012 as well as likely every other venue the series has been brought. What made Symphony of the Goddesses just so magical? Well, let me tell you my experience...

Best Nintendo Land Attractions of E3 2012

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:00:00 -0400

Many will remember when Nintendo Land was first introduced at the Nintendo E3 2012 Press Conference and how dissatisfied they felt at first; however, with hands-on with all 5 Nintendo Land E3 2012 attractions that distaste has irrevocably changed into major interest in the title. Nintendo Land will feature 12 attractions or mini-games in total upon release for the Nintendo Wii U later this year but which ones were the best of show at E3 2012?

Luigi's Ghost Mansion Impressions - Nintendo Land

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:33:32 -0400

Being based on Luigi's Mansion � Luigi's Ghost Mansion for Nintendo Land was quite an enjoyable experience. �Players engaged in one of two ways � with the Wii Remote Plus in order to play as the ones trying to find the ghost or with the Wii U GamePad in order to play as the ghost trying to capture the others.

Animal Crossing: Sweet Day Impressions - Nintendo Land

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:01:15 -0400

Nintendo Land featured various attractions at E3 2012 this year with Animal Crossing: Sweet Day being one of the more group oriented demos alongside Luigi's Ghost Mansion.� Sweet Day features up to four candy-loving animals � controlled using Wii Remotes � trying to steal 50 pieces of candy from a candy orchard being protected by two guards � controlled using the Wii U GamePad.

Episode 16 - Link's Hideaway Podcast

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:39:15 -0400

Episode 16 of the Link's Hideaway podcast has been released and you can listen to it via the video above. This will be the last podcast made available on YouTube and all subsequent podcasts will be available via iTunes store or you can even use our podcast RSS feed. A new format will come to our YouTube page sometime in the future.

Donkey Kong's Crash Course Impressions - Nintendo Land

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:44:49 -0400

Donkey Kong's Crash Course from Nintendo Land was featured on the E3 2012 floor. The game is only one of many attractions for Nintendo Land on the Nintendo Wii U platform. The basic premise of the game requires the player to navigate a maze-like structure in order to get to the bottom of each stage.

Takamaru's Ninja Castle Impressions - Nintendo Land

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:59:26 -0400

The Takamaru's Ninja Castle attraction in Nintendo Land for the Nintendo Wii U was shown on the E3 2012 show floor. The attraction features characters from an early Famicom game available only in Japan called Nazo no Murasame-jō and allows the player to use the Wii U GamePad as a launcher for ninja stars in order to take out various hoards of enemy ninja's but does it impress?

The Great Fairy Fountain Percussion Ensemble - Bongo Bongo Day

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:17:41 -0400

As Bongo Bongo day is about heavily percussive pieces, we'll be seeing a lot of mallet instruments. This week is a short Latin-style groove, with The Ocarina of Time Great Fairy Fountain theme on top with marimbas and vibraphones.

Notice the arpeggiated chords throughout the piece... What did you all think of the conga pattern and trilled marimba patterns? What other styles have you heard the Great Fairy theme played in? What instruments do you think would sound cool with it?

Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest Impressions - Nintendo Land

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:34:46 -0400

One of many Nintendo Land attractions � Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest was demoed at E3 2012 in the Nintendo booth and first introduced during the Nintendo E3 2012 Press Conference. For starters, the demo featured three players - two using Wii remotes with the third using the Wii U GamePad. While many of the Nintendo Land attractions will support 5 players, Battle Quest only supports 4 players.

Miyamoto: Get to the Point of Fun More Quickly

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:34:49 -0400

Recently, Shigeru Miyamato was questioned about the long tutorial times in the Zelda series as well as some Mario titles. His reply:

This is actually a topic that has been a big discussion internally for us lately. I think there a couple of things going on. One is that, often times we're creating games where you're doing a lot of different actions. Zelda is an example of one of those. And, particularly with these types of games, you have to first learn the action and then you have to master the action and then you have to have more actions added in and master those. Then, when you have a lot of actions you can do all at once is when the game really becomes fun. And with a game like Zelda, on top of that, you have the story elements that also take additional time to tell.

So one of the things we're talking about internally is how can we get people to that point of fun more quickly, and 'How do we balance the need to teach them how to do something with the need for them to be able to master it and feel they can do it well?'�and also tell the story�and 'What is that overall balance and how we approach it?' That's one of the key things we're talking about with Zelda right now. It used to be that actions [in older games] were very simple and you could do them very quickly and easily. Now we're making games that have so many more actions that you have to learn how to do them.

I think back and actually was discussing Super Mario World with Tezuka-san and how that was a game where, for the first time, you would run along and hit blocks and these text messages would pop up and they would have a little bit of tutorial information in them. That worked very well for that game and we thought that was a great idea, and then, gradually, that type of tutorial sort of became rather commonplace and now we're starting to have these games where it is taking longer and longer to sort of get to that core fun. So that's precisely what we've been having discussions about.

Having a Zelda game without a lengthy tutorial sounds like an amazing idea - I always loved figuring things out on my own. What about you?

Pikmin 3: A new Approach to core Gameplay

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:18:34 -0400

Pikmin 3 was one of the more anticipated games for Nintendo's E3 2012 showing. This franchise has not had a new entry, excluding Wii ports, since the GameCube era. Fans may remember all the good times sitting in front of their TV sets playing the first in the series � at least I can, listening to music and playing the original Pikmin game for hours on end.

Zelda 3DS: A Link to the Past VS Majora's Mask

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:52:22 -0400

Coming from an IGN interview, Miyamoto has stated they are choosing between A Link to the Past or Majora's Mask for use in a Zelda 3DS project.

We haven't quite decided yet, whether we're going to do A Link to the Past, because there's also the possibility of doing a remake of Majora's Mask. This is something we've certainly been talking about and doing a little bit of experimenting with, to figure out which way we're going to go.

While a remake of either would be fascinating, a sequel to A Link to the Past would make a lot of people happy. Shigeru Miyamoto went on to discus how the 3DS could be used in combination with the Wii U:

We have so many goals right now. We're always looking at expanding our audience and giving people the opportunity to get their hands on 3DS and see what kind of fun gaming experiences they can have. And now, we're also tasked with pushing the Wii U. So we have lots of good opportunities in terms of thinking about which Zelda game is going to be best for which purpose.

So which would you choose: A Link to the Past Remake, Majora's Mask Remake, or A Link to the Past Sequel?

Retro Not Working On Zelda

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:55:29 -0400

In a recent IGN interview, Shigeru Miyamoto was questioned about if Nintendo would "actually allow Retro to work directly and fully on a Zelda game" and he replied with:

In terms of them working on a Zelda, it's not out of the question, certainly, for them to work on an entire Zelda game amongst themselves. Traditionally I think that the Zelda team has always had a close contact with anyone who's working on a Zelda game. If you were going to have that happen in the US at Retro, that would be kind of difficult for them to be able to coordinate. Certainly they're too busy for that sort of thing right now. It would probably require me to be involved to a great extent as well, so I would have to get over quite a bit too. I'd probably have to live in Texas... [laughs]

So while Retro could potentially work on a Zelda title - they are not currently involved with one.

Wii U Panorama View Impressions

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:03:54 -0400

Where do I begin � Panorama View for Nintendo Wii U is a fascinating innovation that will bring many new game play elements to game's. Just a quick overview about what Wii U's Panorama View actually does � it allows the player to use the Wii U GamePad screen like a camera into the game. The player can then move the GamePad in all directions and the screen will display content as if they are really in the game � so if you turn around, the GamePad screen will show you what is behind you in real time.

New Super Mario Bros. U Impressions

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:29:25 -0400

New Super Mario Bros. U was one of the main games that Nintendo showed off at E3 2012. They had several different demo modes that showed off two new game play features: Tiny Balloon Yoshi and Flying Squirrel Mario. The first, which can be viewed in the video below, allows the player to shake the Wii remote to cause Yoshi to inflate lifting the player into the air instead of potentially falling to a sudden death.

LH on YouTube - E3 demo videos

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 17:43:00 -0400

Link's Hideaway has provided several pieces covering Nintendo's at E3 2012 and we have several more in-depth articles planned including impressions and video footage. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to be updated quicker about our E3 footage. Video's will be uploaded to the YouTube channel likely a day or two in advance of the main site's article covering the demo.

We have several more videos of Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest not including the boss fight above coming over the next several days including our full hands-on impressions and an in-depth guide on how the mini-game works. So be sure to stay tuned to Link's Hideaway over the coming days and weeks for all your Nintendo E3 2012 news.

Intermezzo Sneak Peek (feat. Hero's Theme) from Twilight Symphony Choir Recordin

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 22:49:41 -0400

The guys over at ZREO have release a sneak peek of Intermezzo feat Hero's Theme from the choir recording for their Twilight Princess Symphony album. Check out their preview in the video above.

Choral Shouts and Booth Chatter from Twilight Symphony Choir Recording Session

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 22:48:13 -0400

The guys over at ZREO have release a sneak peek of the Choral Shouts and Booth Chatter from the choir recording for their Twilight Princess Symphony album. Check out their preview in the video above.

Midna's Theme Sneak Peek from Twilight Symphony Choir Session

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 22:46:23 -0400

The guys over at ZREO have release a sneak peek of the Midna's Theme choir recording for their Twilight Princess Symphony album. Check out their preview in the video above.

Overture Sneak Peek from Twilight Symphony Choir Session

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:43:40 -0400

The guys over at ZREO have release a sneak peek of the Overture choir recording for their Twilight Princess Symphony album. Check out their preview in the video above.

Best of E3 2012 via Live Streams

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:00:00 -0400

E3 2012, where do we begin? Some of the biggest titles this year aren't even for a Nintendo console. I'll save those for the end of this article though, in case you like some of the pure adrenaline filled games that were announced at Ubisoft and Sony's press conference. My last article was very blah, and it was due to the rush I had to get it out. Stop reading now if you don't care for opinions that aren't your own, I'm not sure how else to do it! I'll bold the titles of the games for you.

Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest E3 2012 Boss Battle - Nintendo Land

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 11:22:23 -0400

Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest boss battle from Nintendo Land E3 2012 preview. The footage above shows the boss fight in full. This is not our final video or hand-on impression for Battle Quest so look forward to those over the next days.

Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest E3 2012 Footage

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:12:25 -0400

Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest was shown on the E3 2012 and we have some exclusive footage for you to see in the video above or on the YouTube page. This is only a small snippet of footage we have captured. We will be releasing more within a few days to go along with our hands-on impressions. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and our Twitter account for up to the minute coverage of E3 2012.

Summary of Games Announced at Nintendo's E3 Conference

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:00:00 -0400

Nintendo began with Pikmin 3 being announced for the WiiU which will use the GamePad as well as the Wiimote and Nunchuck. New Super Mario Bros.U looks just as good, with speed runs and up to 5 players can join in thanks to the GamePad! A special edition of Batman as well as Tekken, Alien, Ninja Gaiden, and Mass Effect were announced for the WiiU.

Nintendo Direct - Pre-E3 WiiU Presentation

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 16:48:26 -0400

Update: The live feed has ended but can be viewed in it's entirety below.

You can watch the Nintendo Direct presentation concerning the WiiU hardware above starting ~~in about 10 minutes -~~June 3rd at 3PM PT / 6PM ET.

Full Nintendo E3 Coverage - LH @ E3 2012

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 12:28:42 -0400

Link's Hideaway will be covering all Nintendo E3 announcements that are first party. There are several different presentations that will be spread over the week. We have the Pre-E3 Nintendo Direct concerning the WiiU hardware today, June 3rd at 3PM PT / 6PM ET. We will be providing live updates throughout.

Next will be Nintendo's official press conference on June 5th at 9AM PT / 12PM ET. We will be providing live updates via our Facebook page and on our Twitter account from the conference floor. Pictures, video, or other media will be provided throughout pending availability.

Nintendo E3 Press Conference live stream

Later in the day will be a WiiU developer roundtable that will be held on June 5th at 6PM PT / 9PM ET. This one will be behind closed doors but we will provide coverage to the best of our abilities if anything interesting comes from the meeting.

Last but not least comes a software showcase on Wednesday, June 6th at 6PM PT / 9PM ET. Once again, we will be providing coverage of this event as information becomes available to us. Be sure to follow us on Facebook or on Twitter for live updates, photos, video, and more.

Episode 14: I Love you Chris! - Link's Hideaway Podcast

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:22:29 -0400

Check out our newest podcast above and let us know what you think below.

Legend of Zelda Theme by BijmanPL - Arrangement Wednesdays

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:04:36 -0400

Arrangement Wednesdays is here with something that may or may not surprise you...

Yep, it's that kind of day around Link's Hideaway. Even I don't understand that last sentence, it's okay. Maybe this next one will cheer you up? Annotations may or may not help. May or may not is the phrase of the day, so I depart here with this mess.

Link and Navi - Fan Art

Mon, 28 May 2012 13:42:46 -0400

We have some Link and Navi fan art for you to check out today. You can see it above. Let us know what you think in the comments.

ZREO Live Presentation via Vokle

Sun, 27 May 2012 14:56:48 -0400

Update: This is no longer live, but you can watch the show in its entirety below.

~~ZREO has begun streaming their live Q&A session! Watch below or join here~~

Episode 13: Missing-no - Link's Hideaway Podcast

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:03:24 -0400

We are sorry, but this week's episode of the Link's Hideaway Podcast has been lost due to a Dropbox error. All we have are link's which Austin will gladly post below. Again, we are sorry for this loss. It was definitely a great chat with Austin, myself, and Chris. Join us next week! We will be double sure! ~Ryan "Larke"

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Grand Dreams (A Hero's Legacy) by Evan Pattison - Arrangement Wednesdays

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 -0400

Arrangement Wednesdays brings you a remix of the Ending theme fromA Link to the Past by Evan Pattison. This song gives you that breath taking feeling that something epic has just ended, doesn't it? Obviously OCRemix has sub-par videos, so the music must really stand out! The ambiance hidden in this music adds to that breath taking feel, so check it out!

As all OCR songs go, feel free to download the song by going to this link!. Anyone familiar with the movie this song references?

Twilight Princess Stallord - Fan Art

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:06:07 -0400

Instead of Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal, we have some fan art of Stallord from Twilight Princess for you to enjoy. Take a look at it above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Episode 12 - Link's Hideaway Podcast

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:34:47 -0400

Episode 12 of the Link's Hideaway Podcast has been released. You can view it above and take into consideration that a few vulgar words may appear. This podcast features a few guests from other sites.

3DS Game Card Case Back In Stock

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:41:39 -0400

The 3DS Game Card Case that features the Zelda cover above is now back in stock over at the North American Club Nintendo. The case costs 250 coins and features many different covers other then the Zelda one above.

Gerudo Valley Marimba Theme by Mart0zz - Bongo Bongo Day

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Bongo Bongo Day! Bongo Bongo Day is presented by Goron__Elder and shows off songs featuring percussion in some way. Bongo Bongo Day posts once a month (the 16th of every month) and will replace Weekly Dose of Metal and Arrangement Wednesday's if it falls on one of those days. Podcasts are not affected, so be sure to look for these posts on early Friday mornings if that is Bongo Bongo Day.

Today we present Gerudo Valley from Ocarina of Time 3D by Mart0zz and company.

This marimba theme is an excellent example of how beautiful percussion instruments are, and how though often used as a backdrop for other music, they can be wonderful solo instruments themselves. The part at 2:15 is just absolutely amazing. Let us know what you think of our first Bongo Bongo Day in the comments below!

Ordon Village Theme by Jim Cook - Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:56:05 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents Ordon Village from Twilight Princess performed by Jim Cook.

Jim Cook is a fantastic guitar player and has made many other Zelda metal songs. What do you think about this rendition?

Episode 11 - Link's Hideaway Podcast

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:40:50 -0400

Episode 11 of the Link's Hideaway Podcast has been released. We talk about a lot of random Zelda topics as well as other general topics as well.

Ocarina of Time Walkthrough - Content Update

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:42:22 -0400

Staff member MultiLeafe has been working on an Ocarina of Time Walkthrough that will guide players through the entire game. It only has 5 parts currently in text-form but the rest will be up eventually. If you are in need of help from the beginning of Ocarina of Time up to Dodongo's Cavern, then check out our work-in-progess walkthrough.

iNintendo: Zelda Needs to go Retro

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:42:32 -0400

Our affiliate iNintendo has written an article talking about how the Zelda franchise needs to be handed over to Retro Studios. Check out an excerpt below.

If there's one studio that can milk hardware for all its worth, it's Texas-based developer Retro Studios, the geniuses behind the Metroid Prime trilogy and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The original Metroid Prime is easily one of the best looking games on GameCube, and it still holds up pretty well today. Metroid Prime's world is so deep and so detailed � it's a thing of beauty. With the power of Wii U � and I don't mean overwhelming power because, again, the hardware will likely be out of date in a few years � Retro Studios will be able to construct a huge and highly detailed game world. It would be Hyrule like we've never seen it before.

So we beg to ask - do you believe that Retro Studios would be able to provide a quality Zelda experience?

Outset Island Theme by David Crandall - Arrangement Wednesdays

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:51:05 -0400

Arrangement Wednesdays proudly presents Outset Island Theme from Wind Waker by David Crandall. Like last week we have a song that is near ZREO quality, albeit this song seems to have a much different feel. Check it out below!

This song sounds wonderful, one of the better Outset orchestrations I've heard in a while, any suggestions on a song for next week? I'm thinking of making monthly themes, so any ideas there? May is Wind Waker! Unless no one agrees, but who doesn't love the Wind Waker soundtrack?

Dodongo/Volvagia Theme by ArtificialFear - Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:08:09 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents Dodongo/Volvagia Theme by ArtificialFear from Ocarina of Time 3D. Check out the video below.

So what do you think? I felt it was a wonderful rendition of the theme and would have been awesome in the game.

Episode 10: Noah - Link's Hideaway Podcast

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:56:20 -0400

Note from Ryan "Larke" ~ Due to the explicit content in this episode, we were forced to heavily edit the podcast. Most podcast's nowadays are deemed "explicit" and top the charts in iTunes (thus explicit content can be a professional show in today's age), and because Navi gets very annoying, we are releasing a "raw" version of this episode. To receive the episode, subscribe to our iTunes page here or email us at podcast[at]linkshideaway[dot]com for the full MP3. Thanks for your support!

Vote on our podcast name poll!

Song of Healing by violinmerchant - Arrangement Wednesdays

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:53:58 -0400

Arrangement Wednesdays is proud to bring you an "epic" (so the video states) Song of Healing from Majora's Mask by violinmerchant. This rendition is quite lengthy, playing past 6 full minutes of a glorious orchestral sound.

I would not go so far as to say it is an epic, but it is a must listen!

Horse Race Theme by Jim Cook - Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:48:08 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents the Horse Race theme from Ocarina of Time 3D performed by Jim Cook. Check out the video below.

So what did you think? Do you like Zelda Metal? What do you want us to feature next time?

Death in the Legend of Zelda

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:52:09 -0400

Death is an event that every person will eventually have in common - an inescapable fate that we must all succumb to. We, as gamers, might possibly understand death in a different way from other people. We play video games where beings are being shot, sliced, burned, etc. Literally all of the above. It may not be as present in our lives as, say, a soldier, but it is definitely present in our obvious hobby, be it merely a fantasy. Different kinds of games express death in different ways. You play a cliche war game and gain a headshot, BAM, no big deal. Just more points. You play an emotional RPG, and sometimes both you and your character go through a sequence of grief after what they've just done. There are mature expressions of death and, not necessarily the opposite, nonchalant expressions of death. I'd say that The Legend of Zelda definitely falls into the former.

In my opinion, The Legend of Zelda has always had a mature take on death, be it a young depressed man heeding no warnings and entering a forbidden forest, or a wooden butler holding his petrified son while game credits roll. Younger kids playing a Zelda game will almost definitely be introduced to death in some way. Take my own personal experience: 6 years old and playing my very first Zelda game, A Link to the Past. Throughout the game, walk by the young man playing a flute countless times, occasionally stopping to listen for a few minutes; as Zelda music tends to enthrall you. Longing to make contact, knowing that this boy has SOMETHING to do with the game. Why does he keep disappearing when I run to meet him as the animals run away? Fast forward to obtaining his flute for him, only to play him one last song before his existence fades into nothingness and his body into wood. I remember sitting for a second, thinking about what had happened. It was sad. I knew what death was, but the way it happened was very emotional and new to me. Wishing that there was something I could have done for him, I carried on with my adventure.

I'm sure many of the readers had a similar experience with death in The Legend of Zelda. The way death is presented in no way glorifies it, like video games are accused of nowadays. It offers a perspective on death that enables a player to appreciate what is happening and the concept itself. It makes you care. Presented to you is a character. One you have essentially no ties with, save their current situation, and yet somehow within that short period of time you are emotionally impacted by what they are going through. Take Grog, for example, the depressed antisocial punk with a love of cuccoos seen hidden amongst the darkness in Ocarina of Time. By the time his life comes to an end, you've probably familiarized yourself with him. "People are disgusting." Presented initially as a jerk, you come to realize he's merely a sad soul (or angsty). He asks you to do a simple task, but when you return, all that awaits you is a young Kokiri girl expressing that he had turned into a Stalfos. For some reason, the instant I read that, it sent a jolt through me. "Wow, that's really messed up."

While many of the Zelda games offer perspectives on death, none do more so than Majora's Mask, often considered the darkest of all Zelda games. There is death left and right in that game, and each time is more emotional than the last. The sea-side musician expressing his final words to you through song; The great Goron Hero Darmani, a lost soul longing only to save the day one last time. A young girl whose father has been transformed into a Gibdo, a mindless undead mummy. The latter being arguably not exactly "death," but I find that it fits. Almost every person you meet in Majora's Mask is truly suffering in some way, whether it be based on death or merely situational debts. It is not the simple situation involving death that makes Zelda express it so perfectly. Topically, "lost spirit of dead soldier" isn't very emotional. It is the presentation that makes the experience so deeply moving, and we all know that Zelda is a god amongst games when it comes to presentation.

The death of one particular character within the Zelda universe holds equal impact for all of us...The death of Ganondorf. Everyone wants to see Ganondorf bow-out after a glorious battle; the ultimate evil and the essence of all that is wrong. The feeling you get knowing you have ended this great threat is comparable to no other. Avoiding a giant paragraph expressing all of the ways Ganondorf has met his demise, I'll simply use my pick of Ganondorf's most fitting end as an example. This takes place in Twilight Princess.

The battle has finally come to an end, as you have struck the final blow against the world's ultimate evil. Holding strong, he doesn't falter even a little. Drawing his final breath, the tall godlike man doesn't so much as drop to his knees. Against the twilight, Ganondorf's silhouette is seen standing on the top of the hill, his cape continuing to flap against the wind. In death, he is still standing his ground in all of his magnificence - a fitting final performance for the evil king of thieves.

My underlying idea is this: like most things in Zelda, the presentation of a concept as dark as death is nearly perfect. When a character has lost their lives, it sticks with you. No game has more appropriately approached the topic of death. As a game that children and adults alike play, it crosses no boundaries and maturely depicts such a concept in a manner so that everyone can be equally affected, regardless of who they are, in an emotional way. Zelda is in no way a "children's game," as I've heard it being accused of, but it is also not a game that younger kids can't handle. Zelda is for everyone, and I feel like it helped me, when I was younger, understand death more. It taught me that death isn't something that should stop you in your tracks, unable to continue. Your goals are still there, and the memories of those lost will stay with you. If you've done all that you can for someone in their time of need that is all that matters.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 9: Winters Rant

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:26:18 -0400

Episode 9 of our podcast has been released. You can view it above. I may be missing some details from this description and I apologize. Enjoy the podcast everyone.

EDIT: Here are a few of the mentioned links! ~Larke

NinSheetMusic

LegendZelda.net "My Pink Hair"

Cucco Shield!

View at your own risk, we spent some time on it.

Our Facebook Page!

Molgera Battle by ShadowtheAntiHero - Arrangement Wednesdays

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:21:23 -0400

Arrangement Wednesdays presents Molgera Battle from Wind Waker by ShadowtheAntiHero. This orchestral song is arguably the best version I've heard yet! It rivals that of the infamous ZREO Team. Check out this masterpiece below.

Is this song amazing or what? Wind Waker arguably has the best soundtrack out there, so what is your favorite Wind Waker boss music?

The Legend Of Zelda Metal Covers by Davish G. Alvarez

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:17:07 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents Legend of Zelda Metal Covers by Davish G. Alvarez. The videos presents several covers with the originals shown first and Alvarez's next.

Here you found several metal mixes. Which was your favorite and why?

Majora's Mask Now A Movement!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:25:37 -0400

UPDATE: Majora's Mask did in fact debut at Vancouver, so what game are you looking forward to hearing?

It's official! Majora's Mask is a movement in the Symphony of the Goddesses concert! It was first played at the concert in Phoneix, Arizona, and was highly anticipated at the Vancouver, BC concert. Many fans were awaiting this movement and it was definitely a welcome surprise, makes me want to go even more! Anyone going to see it again just for the Majora's Mask movement? Anyone enjoying the concerts so far?

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 8: Nova Alamak

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:56:04 -0400

We have released Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 8: Nova Alamak, which can be viewed above. In this episode we speak with Nova Alamak from The Spinning Stream about the history of his site and various other topics. You will find several e-mail addresses below if you would like to contact the Spinning Stream staff.

shofrachan@gmail.com for Shofra and site suggestions
nova.alamak@gmail.com for general site

The Legend of Zelda Storyline - Anything but Bland

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:42:48 -0400

A few weeks or so ago, I was lucky enough to chance upon a very well-written article on the Legend of Zelda. The article included, essentially, the great things about Zelda, and the things in Zelda that aren't that big of a deal. I highly disagreed with one of the article points: the Legend of Zelda has an okay story, not a great one. This really didn't sit well with me. I'm a bit of an obsessive person, so when something like that really irks me, I can't get it out of my head. So, I concluded that the most logical course of action for my mental health would be to write a counter-article to that one point, along with any other Zelda story naysayers out there.

Can you feel the magic?

The general consensus of arguments against the Zelda storyline are: clich� "save the princess" plot and the complex timeline. I'll begin with the former. First off, let's get something out of the way. Since when are there enough Zelda games where you save a princess to generalize it as such? Granted, you do save Zelda as a plot definer in the original few, but that hasn't been the plot staple for years. For example:

Majora's Mask: Use the power of masks and time to stop the moon from smashing into the land of Termina.
Link's Awakening: Collect the sacred instruments so as to awaken the sleeping Wind Fish from its slumber.
Wind Waker: Sail the seas and control the wind so as to bring peace to 2 worlds, above and below the ocean.
Twilight Princess: Stop a recently-corrupt world of darkness from overtaking your own alongside a companion from said world.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. Granted, the princess may be in danger in some instances, but that is not the underlying idea behind the story. There is so much more to it that completely dwarfs those instances. Now that is out of the way, shall we move on?

How many videogames, books, movies, anime, etc. can you think of with a generally predictable underlying plot -- most of them? Now, I'm not talking about the story as a whole; I'm talking about the plot. The plot of something can usually be expressed in less than a paragraph. Zelda's plot tends to be as follows: a boy garbed in green, along with a trusty companion, sets off on an adventure to save his land from evil (also, he might meet a princess once or twice). On paper, it seems generally...done before; but let me ask you this. Would you read the plot on the back of a book and rate its story by that? No, you wouldn't. The story of something is far more than the simplified plot. What does this boy in green do in order to achieve his goal? What are the settings where all of the events take place? What hardships must he overcome? Who does he meet? What conversations does our hero overhear or take part in? THAT is what defines the story of a piece of entertainment. Not the general idea written on the back of the box.

That in mind, can you honestly say that the Zelda series holds generic story structure? Not if you've played them, that's for sure. The characters you meet throughout the game, from the malevolent oppressor Ganondorf, to the insignificant townsfolk, each unforgettable, all add to the story of the game. Link meets them in his quest for a reason, however insignificant. They are each unique in their own way, and impact you as the recipient of a story. The simple side-quests, as well, offer more depth into the idea that is Zelda. They present the kind of person that Link is; going out of his way to help all who need him, regardless of how trivial their personal debts may seem. It's not always "defeat the giant." Sometimes a woman just needs someone to find her chickens...Or, cuckoos, if you will.

Ganon! Everybody run...

The multiple races of beings in the Zelda series, from the mountain-dwelling Gorons to the sea faring Zoras, always bring a new race to learn about, each with their own customs and way of living. Of course, it's all subject to a person's preferences, but one cannot deny the complexity and depth of the inhabitants of the Zelda world.

Consider Ganondorf, who I mentioned earlier -- the general antagonist of the Zelda series. He is the perfect "bad guy." Sure, there are plenty of memorable evil lords from countless movies, books, and games, but Ganondorf was the first one that I personally, as a person, had a slight fear and respect of. He is a diamond in the rough of countless extremely corny evil characters going on pointless monologues, predictable actions and simply being overhyped. His ever-present existence in the land of Hyrule is a true testament to ultimate evil. A force that can never truly be annihilated; which leads me on to my next point.

The timeline -- I would go into a detailed breakdown of the timeline and why each part is significant, but if you're on a Zelda website, and have read this far into an article like this, then I'm sure you at least have some kind of an idea of how and why everything happens in the timeline; or at least some idea. That's not the point. Since when has something complex been such a sin? There's substance and depth in a story that isn't instantly obvious. Are we so lazy that we can't take a moment to decipher and simply try to understand something, rather than have it spelled out for us? The ultimate evil that forever casts a shadow over the land of Hyrule, the constant need for a tunic-clad time-traveling hero, the presence of the goddesses and the multiple dimensions crafted from their golden hands; these are all variables in an equation that has become the beautifully orchestrated world of The Legend of Zelda that we know and love.

Such a random video -- why?

If it was anything less than this, Zelda would not be as mesmerizing. It wouldn't move fans to tears when everything comes together. You are emotionally involved when experiencing The Legend of Zelda, and that's something not a lot of games can do. Years after each one, they will never leave your mind. You carry Zelda as a badge, forever willing to take up arms to help Hyrule any time it needs you; not because it's an addictive game, but because it is an engaging game with an engaging story. I know an article like this is all based on opinions, but at least take the time to consider my logic. I feel wholeheartedly sorry for anyone unable to experience the story of The Legend of Zelda the way I (and I know many of you as well) do.

Ballad of the Goddess by Advait Nemlekar - Arrangement Wednesdays

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0400

Arrangement Wednesdays presents a beautiful rendition of the Ballad of the Goddess from Skyward Sword by Advait Nemlekar. This song has limited instruments, but it somehow rivals the orchestration with its soothing melody. With wonderful vocals, glimmering piano, and a good old acoustic guitar, it's a must listen. Check it out below!

This song was available for download, but it has sadly reached its limit. I've heard Google knows a site which allows you to download this song. It is free media.

Legend of Zelda: Majoras Mask Replica

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:25:17 -0400

Update: The price has been lowered to $250 USD.

A recent Etsy listing shows the Majora's Mask replica you see in the picture above. The price is set at $300 USD. Here is the description from the listing:

This listing is for a wearable, hand-painted Majora's Mask Replica! This mask has been cast in fiberglass resin, filled with a polyurethane foam and painted with acrylics. To protect the paint, several layers of acrylic lacquer were applied. The mask looks great displayed on the wall or worn at conventions to show that you're a true Zelda fan!

Deal with the King of Evil

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:02:39 -0400

Such a shining paragon of hope and order is Hyrule. You'd find many beings from many races who would gladly claim their steadfast adhesion to such ideals, and one would think no further into the matter, and it would be safe to assume that such an untouchable bastion of good could harbor no ill thoughts. The town marketplace could easily be referred to as the hub of true true, jovial Hyrulian good nature; what harm could possibly befall a place so utopian and secure?

On the contrary, however, anybody who enters any degree of existential quandary while charged with the task of defending such an untouchable place as Hyrule Castle could become wary of the nearly oxymoronic occupation which said person might hold. One might start to long for some salt to the boring "boiled potato" lifestyle presented by this career, and the aspect of any amount of conflict or discord might become oddly intriguing, and if allowed, unchecked, to dwell on thoughts such as these, ideals might form in one's mind, and favoring a more bleak world ever becomes more possible. Turmoil, chaos, possibly even terror would all seem just a small degree more attractive. Terror. That becomes most interesting indeed, anything that could send a more sane man reeling in the bowls of a red nightmare; perhaps something more than natural, past natural, perhaps even having become ethereal.

Imagine, if you will, that the scenario explained above describes you. Take your mind into the words written for you to process, and apply them to your innermost imaginative workings and make the feelings your own. Boredom and a constant questioning of all you've come to know begin to nag at you incessantly and once "dark clouds" start to gather, and a "cold wind" blows in from the southern lands, you are in no way dissuaded from your interest in this odd change of events. You are, in essence, seeing your desires realized before your eyes.

As a man on a black horse and his personal guard are allowed on royal decree to ride through the marketplace, past your pathetic storage room of a post, you see his intent in his eyes, and you know that perhaps there is hope that your dull and meaningless life may in fact soon gather an amount of interest great enough to distract you. In his dealings with the king, you see him and his woman warriors more often and in greater number until one day, with fire and rain the city falls in an ambush that all but completely wipes your race from the map.

You are able to escape, and after some months the castle is torn asunder and a new, higher, sharper tower is erected, and you know that if you are to truly follow your desires, you need look no further than this new fortress. After a harrowing and truly terrifying witnessing of the annexation of Kakariko Village, you muster the courage to approach this great and terrible new King, and you pledge yourself to him, and like a rich man who pities the beggar, he offers you a duty; one that, after explaining your ideals to your new lord, would indeed keep your bleak interests entertained, and his soldiers safe from attack that may or may not have a matched defense. You are essentially conscripted as the soul member of a task force dedicated to the control of Poes, who greatly terrify your new allies. Before, however, he allows you to go about your business, he places a curse on you. He robs you of your mortal soul, thus granting you necromancy for leverage with your new undead enemies, and in doing so disfigures you past human tolerance, forcing you to conceal yourself beneath a shroud.

With a new purpose in life, you take it upon yourself to track and enslave Poes throughout Hyrule, but at no small cost. The task is a bleak one, and in no small part is nothing short of horrendously physically demanding. Poor diet and a lack of medical attention leaves you to age at the furious mercy of nature, and in a few short years, your body is nigh broken. Perhaps doing your job, and possibly staying alive, may in fact become quite the challenge.

Soon you feel that you may abandon hope, and that maybe your life was as empty as you once thought, but such imaginings are trounced with the arrival of a strong young warrior who, without notice enters your chamber asking about the lost princess. After some trivial conversation, you find that perhaps this young one may be of use. In your years of searching and investigating, you have amassed a hoard of wealth that you may or may not have been entitled to in the first place and your decision is finalized. You realize that given an agreement of payment, that you could enlist the help of this young man, and that he would indeed be able to keep your collection of rogue souls well fed, and in turn keep the King happy and thus preserve your own life.

This made clear, a new day has dawned for you, or more accurately, a new day is now possible. Your ability to keep and imprison the dead won't be spoiled, and you can finally be at peace in your new world, a world with troubles, and you hope against hope...that it can only get worse.

Gerudo Valley by THEoneNILS - Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:27:00 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents a rather newly recorded video by THEoneNILS of the Gerudo Valley theme from Ocarina of Time 3D. You may remember we posted Zelda Metal Medley by THEoneNILS several weeks back. Well, if you liked that medley -- then check out his Gerudo Valley below.

So what did you think? Personally, I preferred his medley but only because there were some sound quality issues with his Gerudo Valley theme.

LegendZelda.net: Zelda and Pink Hair For Breast Cancer Awareness

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:00:57 -0400

Our affiliate LegendZelda.net is holding a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the goal of $100 in mind. The last we checked -- they were already close to the goal but why stop at just $100? If you have a few dollars to spare or even $1, head over to LegendZelda.net and help out this worthy cause. The fundraiser does not stop here though, check below for more information about what you can win by donating.

If we manage to reach our goal of 100 a couple of things will happen. First off, I will dye my hair pink to represent and symbolize the pink ribbons that are associated with the cause. I will then post this picture on the site here and across all my social media platforms. Next, one random donatee will get themselves one of the Legend of Zelda Club Nintendo Poster sets for free.

Zelda: The Musical by Mitchell Moffit

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:29:16 -0400

The video above contains a little strong language.

Zelda: The Musical, which is embedded above, was created by YouTuber Mitchell Moffit. The video features scenes and scenarios from Ocarina of Time 3D. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 7: Wind Waker Remix

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:11:12 -0400

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 7: Wind Waker Remix has been release and can be listened to via the video above. We talk about some The Wind Waker music pieces from OCRemix during part of the podcast. Link's are provided below.

Rime of the Wanderin' Seafarer http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02100/
Her Smile in Every Summer http://ocremix.org/remix/OCR02412/

A Link to the Past Sequel: Are You Ready For It?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:13:06 -0400

Earlier we posted a quote from Shigeru Miyamoto concerning a sequel to Zelda: A Link to the Past, which would be one of my most sought after games of all time; however, no concrete confirmation of the game has been given. This is not the first time Miyamoto has commented on an A Link to the Past remake or sequel so this leads us to believe that one may be announced in the near future.

I think the answer would be the same if we're talking about just porting, but I think I'd be even more interested in creating something new maybe based on, or starting from, A Link to the Past. I think it's important to bring some really new software.

A Link to the Past was released way back in the early 1990s and was a smash hit. A sequel was never announced, which has become somewhat customary for the Legend of Zelda franchise � that is until Miyamoto just mentioned he would like to work on one. This is no announcement; however, but simply his most inward thoughts coming to the surface during an interview.

A Link to the Past thrived with an amazing story, gameplay mechanics, and new features that previous games had never been graced with � so a sequel would have to push the boundaries of the franchise in new ways that have never before seen the light of day, just like A Link to the Past did when it debuted. We have no information about this unannounced game or what console it could potentially be created for but either the 3DS or WiiU platforms would bring a plethora of new hardware elements that would inherently show via the game.

Nintendo 3DS Version

A 3DS version of the sequel would be able to utilize the 3D aspects of the console in ways which have never been done before � such as Super Mario 3D Land did when it launched. 3D, in my opinion, can create some stunning environments due to the added depth of the view; however, 3D would only take second priority over some of the other features of the console such as the power, dual screen capability, and online infrastructure amongst some other things.

The power of the Nintendo 3DS would allow Nintendo to create more sophisticated programming. What does this mean in laymen terms? Simple � more sophisticated programming equals more gameplay mechanics, more advance AI, and more terrifying obstacles and enemies. What about a non-linear storyline that is seemingly changed depending on what the player does in-game? Think about how evolutionary that would be for the Legend of Zelda franchise.

The dual screens of the 3DS is nothing new to the videogame realm or to the Zelda realm for that matter as can be seen in both Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks; however, those games never really fleshed out all the possibilities of the dual screen setup. Combine 3D with the dual screens and there become many new possibilities through the use of flying items such as the Beetle from Skyward Sword or the Gale Boomerang from Twilight Princess.

Now on to online infrastructure � the Nintendo 3DS has received several updates and changes to its online capabilities through software updates since it launched a little over a year ago. We have seen the introduction of the eShop, new friends list features, and some other additions � but you may be wondering how a Zelda game could take full advantage of this feature. Well, Nintendo could introduce new downloadable content for the game to create new side-quests or a slightly different story scenario. This could open up the A Link to the Past sequel to a whole new style of gaming � one where the game seemingly evolves as time progresses like the real world does. New items can be introduced to the players, new dungeons can appear � the possibilities will only be limited to the space of the players SD cards.

Nintendo WiiU Version

The Nintendo 3DS would be an excellent platform for an A Link to the Past sequel but what could become an even better platform would be the Nintendo WiiU due to the hardware being more powerful amongst other obvious reasons such as the tablet controller. The WiiU has not been given a release date other than the broad range of 2012; however, many rumors have surfaced pointing towards a November release. While some of the game elements of the Nintendo 3DS version would hold true if a WiiU version surfaced � there are several more features that the WiiU could bring to the game through the use of the 360-degree camera, the tablet controller, and other controller combinations.

A rumor surfaced some months back about a 360-degree camera feature for the WiiU. Footage of the feature confirmed its existence � but what exactly is the 360-degree camera? Well, simply put � the camera would be shown on the tablet controller just like you television; however, when you move the tablet around or even face backwards away from the television � the view on the tablet controller will move as if you are in the game in-person. This feature would allow for the player to quickly check for surprise attacks from behind as well as fighting several enemies at a time. The player could quickly spin around to check behind them and just as quickly resume progressing forwards.

On to the tablet controller � which was the main piece of hardware shown off for the WiiU during E3 2011; the tablet controller opens up a lot of possibilities for a Zelda game. One that has been shown off before is moving the HUD, item screens, ect to the tablets screen to allow for an open view for the action of the game; however, this appears to not be the best use of the tablets screen in my opinion.� One option for a tablets screen would be allowing the player to search the ground for objects such as looking for certain rocks or other items � but a more elaborate and interesting variation on that idea would surface if the player was riding in a boat similar to the one seen in The Wind Waker.

The player would be able to use the tablet controller to look over the side of the boat in order to locate an object they are looking for � or maybe even control an underwater item of some sort � and after locating the object, the player simply puts the tablet (if it is not already) on the floor so not to lose sight of what they are aiming to obtain. The player would then use the Wii-mote and nunchuck similar to a fishing pole and cast out a line and catch the object. They would then simply reel in the line. This would be a very interesting concept that could surely be elaborated upon and could add lots of enjoyment to a future Zelda title.

Conclusion

While no concrete evidence has surfaced regarding the existence of an A Link to the Past sequel, one can imagine such a game to push the boundaries of the Legend of Zelda franchise in ways that the original did way back when it launched on the Super Nintendo. A sequel created for either the Nintendo 3DS or WiiU would both have a lot of unique and innovative possibilities that would make for a masterpiece of a game. What we would like to know is -- are you interested in a sequel, and if so, would you rather see it on the 3DS or the WiiU?

Miyamoto on A Link to the Past Sequel

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:12:58 -0400

In a recent interview with Edge, Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto commented on an A Link to the Past sequel. Check out the quotes below for the whole scoop:

"I think the answer would be the same if we're talking about just porting, but I think I'd be even more interested in creating something new maybe based on, or starting from, A Link To The Past. I think it's important to bring some really new software.

"To be very honest and open, it really depends on the directors that have time at the moment as well. Some directors, I can give them the title and I know they will do something great with it.

Other directors I'm not so 100 per cent confident [in], so they're the ones I'd rather take a more remake approach to the title. It really depends on that as well."

Arrangement Wednesdays: Sacred Grove Beta Arrangement by ebuch

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:04:25 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday presents a special arrangement from Eric Buchholz (ebuch/buchholzeric) from Twilight Princess. This song was created in a short period of time and is not exactly finished according to Eric. Here is the description for the video.

This is an old track I made a long time ago as a mini-contest some of my friends had a while back. We had TWO HOURS to ARRANGE and MIX a song from start to finish, and we were only given the source material right before starting. This is what I came up with! It's a mix between ALttP's Mysterious Woods theme and TP's Sacred Grove.

I caught this little treasure on Twitter and for a song in "beta" it is quite good. Does it need work or is it amazing as is? Let us know in the comments below!

Zelda Informer Interview With Eric Buchholz

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:14:47 -0400

Zelda Informer recently had an interview with the one and only Eric Buchholz of Zelda Reorchestrated (ZREO) and Radio Hyrule about Symphony of the Goddesses, Twilight Symphony, and the ZREO Team in general. Here's a quick excerpt:

ZI: Recently, you (along with other members of the extended ZREO team) have actually helped Nintendo out with the Symphony of the Goddesses concert series. Can you tell us what you did and what it was like?

EB: It's been incredible! We're still working in a supportive capacity with the guys responsible for creating the show itself, Jeron Moore and Chad Seiter. The opportunity they've given us has allowed us the unusual privilege of digging deep into almost all aspects of the production, helping with anything from transcriptions and score editing, to merchandise sales and even some of the video sequencing (you can imagine how tickled I was to help Jeron edit the visuals for the Wind Waker movement).

To read the full interview visit Zelda Informer here,! I'm sure everyone can respect that Eric and the ZREO Team have a lot on their to-do list, so let's just wait and see what they have in store for us! You can follow Eric on Twitter here! Are you excited for Twilight Symphony?

Hyrule Historia Localization: No Information Yet

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:49:39 -0400

A lot of you will remember when we posted the Official Zelda Timeline from Hyrule Historia a few months back and were wondering about a North American localization. Well, we have word that Nintendo of America has "no information about this book" and have "no announcements regarding its release in the Americas," so does this mean that a localization will not happen? Of course not...but why would Nintendo of America have no information about the book?

Gerudo Valley by sbeast64 - Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:42:07 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal present the Gerudo Valley theme from Ocarina of Time 3D performed by sbeast64.The performers puts his own spin on the song, which really made the remix stand out. It has been embedded below for your convenience.

So what did you think? Sbeast64 really made a classic Zelda song more unique and enjoyable -- do you agree?

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 6: iNintendo

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:02:45 -0400

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 6: iNintendo has been released. You can view it view the video above or click the link at the start of the article. This week we brought on special guests Carl and Joey from iNintendo and talk about some of the history behind iNintendo amongst many other topics.

Arrangement Wednesdays: Nothing Set In Stone by Second Chance

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday presents Nothing Set In Stone which is a remix of Stone Tower Temple from Majora's Mask by Second Chance. If you listen to Radio Hyrule often, you will hear this song many many times. It's a fan favorite and one of the most intricate songs to date. Do you have a favorite remix that plays on Radio Hyrule? Let us know!

That Proud Moment When...

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:31:48 -0400

Many times I found myself neck deep in a situation I could easily identify as being 'really really stumped� in any Zelda title. I'm pretty sure this feeling is mutual between most Zelda fans; you're lying if you disagree. I know that it's particularly difficult or intimidating to people who don't know good games from bad games, or the close cousin to such gamers: kids. Take a second, if you will, and try to remember your single most rage-quit inducing Zelda moment. I guarantee you that you thought about the Water Temple from Ocarina of Time for a split second, if not going with it outright. Well I have information that may astonish you, or restore just a small glimmer of hope for humanity in your eyes.

The time is Christmas, and my younger brother had just obtained a shiny new 3DS along with a copy of the legendary Ocarina of Time 3D. Now, I know my brother pretty well, and it's not much of a stretch to say he isn't much of a gamer. He plays it sparingly and in reality, I become green with jealous rage on the rare occasion that I see him with his face buried in it. He hasn't gotten very far in any Zelda title, but I think that's just because he suffers from 'neglectful gamer syndrome�, like me, but his is more tragic. Anyway, you can imagine how a delicious new system like the 3DS would start to look mighty tasty to hungry onlookers; well this is where the story gets very inspiring.

Another brother of mine, younger than the last, had been introduced to Zelda a few years earlier, and needless to say, he was stunned by it. He hadn't gotten very far in any of the installations, but he wasn't bad at it either. The only games he'd beaten were Diablo II and games like Spyro and other kid stuff. Well, this boy mustered the courage to ask for a file on Ocarina of Time 3D, and luckily for him, his request was approved and he got to work immediately.

Whenever I'd see him playing it, it reminded me of a cross between the days when I'd sit like an old southern man on a porch and play Pokemon for hours, and the days when I'd gawk up at my TV and slice at chickens with a three pronged controller. I guess you could say I was just extremely proud. Eventually I became curious and approached him. I'd watch him play, after a day or two, astonished to see that this ten-year-old was already exploring Zora's Domain. He'd ask for help here and there, but like a true mentor, I'd tell him only this: 'Nope. Figure it out yourself, you'll feel even more bad-a** when you finally get it.�

After a few days, the calls for assistance would come less and less, until, eventually, they stopped. Not more than two weeks later did this kid come up to me and demand that I watch him play. He was in Ganon's Castle...inside the main pillar, walking up those ominous red carpeted stairs in that dark spiral upward to that final battle that we all look back on. My ten-year-old brother...a so called 'fad gamer� had just beaten Ocarina of Time on his own, with absolutely zero assistance. I think we should all take a moment of silence to salute this brave young boy, because let's face it, there's at least one Zelda title that took us more than two weeks, and chances are, Ocarina of Time was one of them.

Twinrova Theme by ArtificialFear - Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:04:50 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents the Twinrova Theme from Ocarina of Time performed by ArtificialFear. The theme has been redone and was a joy to listen to, so check it out in the embedded video below.

ArtificialFear has several other Zelda metal covers, so if you enjoyed this one -- go check out the others!

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 5: Doctor Austin

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:43:56 -0400

Episode 5: Doctor Austin of the Link's Hideaway Podcast has been released. Check it out via the link above or the embedded video above. We welcome a few staff members to the staff and talk about a lot of random Zelda topics. We also introduce our A Link to the Past Walkthrough, which is very much a work-in-progress currently. Check out the podcast and let us know what you think.

Hilarious Skyward Sword Let's Play

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:13:59 -0400

We do not usually post about Let's Play videos; however, the one embedded above was so funny that I had to put it up for everyone to see. It was created by a guy of the name Tobuscus. Check it out above and let us know what you think.

Choir Performs Gerudo Valley

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:02:47 -0400

A video game choir dubbed the song of Gerudo Valley from Ocarina of Time. Don't you wish every choir could sing a song like this? Take a listen and let us know what you think!

Arrangement Wednesdays: Boss Battle by ZREO Team

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:59:45 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday presents Boss Battle from A Link to the Past by Zelda Reorchestrated. This is personally one of my favorite tracks from ZREO and has a nice arrangement from the original song. Fast paced, nicely arranged, great take, on this one of a kind reorchestration. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Twilight Princess Symphony anyone?

Skyward Sword Price Drop

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:44:24 -0400

Everyone knows Skyward Sword first came out November 20th of last year, and a little more than four months later we have a price drop! Skyward Sword is now only $30 at Toy's R Us and many fans are surprised by this amazing news. Not too many games get a price drop after being on the shelves for four months, but I highly suggest you find a Toy's R Us near you as soon as possible if you have not gotten this amazing game yet. Even if you do own it, buy another one! I would, but I rarely collect more than one Zelda game.

Surprised? Happy? Could care less? Let us know in the comments below!

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Zelda Metal Medley by THEoneNILS

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:38:57 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents a Zelda Metal Medley performed by THEoneNILS. The mix features many great riffs from classics such as A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time 3D. Check out the video below.

What do you think of this mix? Did you like it? Was it too distorted? Let us know all your opinions in the comments.

Ocarina of Time During the Good Times

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:44:24 -0400

There's a pivotal time in everybody's life where they happen to encounter something so game-changing and thrillingly new, that it seems to literally change one's life for the better. We all know this feeling, or so I would assume! It could be said that these events would tend to take place a little later in life, but for me, it happened a little earlier. That completely unrivaled moment we've come to love; to cherish, to look back on and one day pass on to our children...that moment...when you first experienced the magic of the Legend of Zelda.

Can you feel the magic?

Any kid who'd been a fan of Nintendo their whole life could tell you that Mario, Pokemon, Kirby, and (at least for me) Super Godzilla offered hours of fun, laughs, broken controllers, or a way to enter another world altogether, however, no first gaming experience is more highly lauded than when a person first assumes the role of the Hero of Time.� You're both surprised, and enlightened.

Being nine years old and having nothing to play but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Goldeneye could probably get old, am I right? It did for me. I beat the two games, and was forced to play Gold version repeatedly, adding to an agonizing boredom that could only be sated by that old standby: playing outside. Well, luckily for me, my Mom had some pretty interesting friends who lived across the street.

We are all kids at heart!

They were basically kids at heart, and were the rockabilly type, which was big in San Francisco during the late 90s and early 00s (relevance pending). That said; they were in possession of the stuff that mattered. Video games. When I went over there for the first time, I was introduced to Brandon, my Mother's friend's husband, who just so happened to be playing Ocarina of Time. I was instantly hypnotized as anybody could guess.

I plopped down on the couch next to him, ignoring my trademark shyness, and began to fire away with the questions. 'What's this? WOAH! What's that? This game is huge!!!� You know, typical excited kid stuff. I remember watching him fight Bongo Bongo. That was what sold me completely. After a few more visits and some discussions about which system I had and what games I had with it, a trade was agreed upon, and there...standing before everybody...was a changed boy, NEI...a changed man!

WOAH! I'm Sold!

I took that game home and conquered it. I conquered it as a king conquers a foreign land! After the day I defeated Ganon and bid Navi a very reluctant farewell, I was forever in the service of the Goddesses, and my Zelda fandom had forever been cemented. All was well, and all was just.

It's enough to know that I'm newly appointed staff on a respectable Zelda site, but my excitement is easily matched by the feeling I felt on that fateful day. You aren't reading an article, you're reading a tribute. I love Zelda like a parent. It's probably the best babysitter of all time, even for adults like me. So if you know somebody who hasn't played the game, make it your duty to be the one to change their life forever.

Link's Hideaway Podcast: Now in iTunes Store!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:01:05 -0400

If you have not already, please check out Episode 4 of the Link's Hideaway Podcast below and enjoy! I'm proud to announce that after a few weeks of difficulty we have finally gotten our podcast into the iTunes Store! Din would be so proud if she was here right now. So please go check it out, subscribe, like, rate, comment, enjoy the Zelda goodness in portable MP3 form! You can still view the podcast online on our YouTube Channel every Friday. iTunes "should" update every Thursday night, so if you want to listen to our podcast as early as possible subscribe in iTunes! If you need any help or have questions email us at podcast[at]linkshideaway[dot]com.

Not a fan of iTunes? You can still subscribe via our special RSS feed which is promptly below this text! You can also manually subscribe in iTunes by using the link below (for the advanced users).

Link's Hideaway Podcast RSS Feed

So now that that is settled, we STILL need a podcast name. Anything Zelda will do, just leave a quick comment below with any name you think would be great for our podcast! We could also use more staff members as well to help out with the site. We need: Content Writers, Original Article Writers, Programmers, and a plethora of other positions. Email Autydi (webmaster[at]linkshideaway[dot]com) for more information or to apply.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 4: I Don't Know University

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:04:59 -0400

Episode 4: I Don't Know University of the Link's Hideaway podcast has been released. We talk about what we want in Zelda 3DS and Zelda WiiU. You can listen to it via the video embedded above. Please beware that part of the recording was cut out to keep from leaking any of our affiliates information or behind-the-scene plans. Austin's headset tries to join in as the third guest every so often so please bear with any random noises.

LegendZelda.net: STL Ocarina Giveaway

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:21:58 -0400

Our affiliate LegendZelda.net has teamed up with STL Ocarina to have a free ocarina giveaway. The ocarina you see above is the one being given away. In order to enter for the drawing, simply click here and follow the simple instructions. The deadline to enter is the last day of March.

Arrangement Wednesdays: Fi's Theme by docjazz4

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:42:20 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday has an acoustic song for you all today. Fi's Theme from Skyward Sword by docjazz4 has a sweet melodic tone to it. There are a handful of melodies hidden in this song, can you guess them all? Let us know your thoughts of this weeks acoustic song in the comments below!

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Zelda Medley by DeansGuitarTV

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:22:22 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents DeansGuitarTV's Zelda Medley. It features several songs from various games such as: Ocarina of Time 3D, A Link to the Past, and Legend of Zelda. Check out the video below.

Did you enjoy it? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tune in next Monday for the next Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 3

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:08:41 -0400

Welcome to episode 3 of the Link's Hideaway podcast. We talk about A Link to the Past as well as several other random topics. Check it out via the video embedded above.

Arrangement Wednesdays: Link's Awakening Title Theme by rainydayman

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:32:41 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday has a slight touch of Rock for Pi Day. Title Theme from Link's Awakening is by rainydayman and has no description. A good song doesn't need a description, right? Right. I like the strings that acompany the song. They add a nice feel to the song. Let us know your thoughts of this weeks remix in the comments below!

Nintendo Castle 3.0 Has Arrived

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:12:48 -0400

Our affiliate Nintendo Castle has recently launched version 3.0 of their website. They have completely redone the layout and reworked the content. They have thrown out several third party franchises to focus more on the core Nintendo franchises. Go on by and let them know what you think about their new site.

Zelda Symphony Team Interview

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:27:19 -0400

The Vancouver Observer recently posted their interview with the Zelda Symphony Team. Jeron Moore and Chad Seiter had the pleasure to answer some much wanted questions that many fans wanted to know the answer to. Here is a small excerpt below.

What types of technologies have been used to develop this tour?

Chad Seiter: Well, first off, I have to thank good old manpower! I have a wonderful team -- my wife and orchestrator, Susie Seiter, Wayne Strange, Eric Buchholz, and Tim Stoney. They sat there tirelessly and figured out all the music by ear for me as I was doing the arranging.

They also transferred it into the computer so I could make a synthesized digital mock-up of the orchestra to show to original Zelda composer and Nintendo Sound Director Koji Kondo for his direct approval. It was wonderful working with him, and he would scan sheet music and PDF it to me to make sure I had all the melodies 100% accurate.

There is MUCH more to this interview, as well as more Zelda series based questions. You might also point out a few of the names mentioned in this interview. Eric Buchholz, Wayne Strange, and Tim Stoney of the Twilight Symphony team have been behind the scenes hard at work on Symphony of the Goddesses as well.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Hyrule Castle by JonnyDeath

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:10:06 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents the Hyrule Castle theme from Zelda: A Link to the Past performed by JonnyDeath whose metal Dark World theme was featured a few weeks back. Check out the Hyrule Castle theme below.

JonnyDeath is a great musician who produces many good metal tracks other then the ones we feature. Head by his site jonnydeath.com to check them out.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 2: Hunter Plays Battlefield

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:44:37 -0400

Welcome to Episode 2 of Link's Hideaway podcast. You can listen to it via the video embedded above. We answer a viewer question this week as well as talk about Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. We have fellow staff member Kyle joining us this time. Are you wondering about the title of the episode -- Hunter Plays Battlefield? Well, you will just have to listen to find out!

Link's Hideaway and Mphoria Brings You Deals

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:25:08 -0400

UPDATE: ~~It appears the storefront is experiencing technical difficulties and we are working to resolve them as soon as possible.~~ The store appears to be available again.

Link's Hideaway has recently teamed up with Mphoria to bring you the latest deals on Zelda merchandise as well as other items such as: games, electronics, mobile accessories, and more. The storefront can be accessed here on the site or under the Zelda / MISC Store tab on our Facebook page. If you are looking for Zelda: Skyward Sword, Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, or other great deals, just head over to the new Link's Hideaway Storefront and check out the latest deals such as Ocarina of Time 3D for only $29.99!

Zelda Reorchestrated March Update

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:24:07 -0400

ZREO has recently put up their March and final update until the project is finished! This means Twilight Princess Symphony (TPS) is going to be released sometime this year! I've been told by members of ZREO that this is a strong possibility. Keep an eye out on their site for any new updates!

We now have ten instrumental and vocal soloists using their talents to bring life into our arrangements. We said in our Kickstarter announcement the album would have "upwards of 40 tracks". Make that upwards of 50 tracks. The Kickstarter page said 2 � hours of music, which we later said was upped to 3 hours. Well, now we're proud to say we've upped that to 3 � hours of arranged music from Twilight Princess.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

Arrangement Wednesdays: Gate of Time Remix by thesupercode

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:29:34 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday has a simple remix of Gate of Time from Skyward Sword by thesupercode. As simple as it may seem, it adds that deep feeling for which the song seems to be wanting. I think it would have been a little better if they reorchestrated the whole song instead of just adding the bass and drums, but this will do! Let us know what you think of this weeks arrangement in the comments below!

Content Update: A Link to the Past Boss Guide - Videos

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:32:39 -0400

We have recently added several boss videos to our A Link to the Past Boss guide. They include: Ball & Chain Trooper, Armos Knights, Lanmolas, and Moldorm. We plan to bring you the rest of the boss fights in time but in case your stuck on one of those -- go check out our videos on how to defeat them and we have text strategies for all of the bosses.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Gerudo Valley by Serraphas3

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:23:35 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents the Gerudo Valley theme from Ocarina of Time 3D performed by Serraphas3. This version is more upbeat in my opinion then the original due to the fast paced drumming. The sound effects are a nice touch as well. Even with a slightly low sound quality; overall, Serraphas3 did an excellent job. Please enjoy listening via the embedded video below.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 1: Austin's Headset

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:33:11 -0400

What you see above is Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 1: Austin's Headset. This is the second run of our podcast and we hope you enjoy it. The name comes from a noise I (Austin) made a couple times throughout the podcast by spinning the clip for my headset. I had no clue it was so loud. Well, check out the podcast above and let us know what you think about it in the comments.

North America: Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set Back

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:55:50 -0400

Club Nintendo has recently brought back the sold out and delayed Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary poster set for 400 coins. If you were not able to snatch it up before it sold out last time then you better hurry and go order it now before it sells out once more. We have no information on how limited this run will be or if there will be more runs after this one.

Arrangement Wednesdays: Song of Time by OminousVoice

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:17:47 -0400

Arrangement Wednesday brings you an arrangement of the Song of Storms from Ocarina of Time 3D by OminousVoice. It is a beautiul song, and feels to me to be very ambient at times. I often forgot I was listening to it (which was good because I was looking for background music). Let us know what you think of this weeks arrangement in the comments below!

Fan Story: The Legend of Terra - Chapter 3

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:12:44 -0400

We have Chapter 3 of Legend of Terra for you to enjoy today. This story is written by Mr Watch. Check out an excerpt of Chapter 3 below:

Kokiri Forest, a few minutes before nightfall.

Terra let out deep breath as she finished the last notes of The Song of Healing. The Kokiri children began to clap wildly, and cheer for the Hylian princess, who humbly smiled and bowed for the audience of children. The kids started to dance around attempting to sing The Song of Healing just as Terra did; sadly most of them were off pitch or not even singing the correct song.

Saria smiled up at the Hylian girl who sat above her. "That's really a beautiful song." Saria chirped "Did your father say exactly where he learned it?"

"Sadly no, I would've liked to meet the person who created it; it's by far my favorite piece or music to sing. It just...Makes me feel...Well...It makes me feel whole. It's like a new life swells up inside me whenever I sing it." Terra replied gleefully look down to the Green haired Kokiri girl with a wide grin.

"That's great!" Saria replied. "But hey, I think your dad wants us to get a move on; I think we may have stayed just a bit too long." She pointed up to the sky which was already going dark orange, showing signs of the fast approaching night.

Terra looked up at the sky; the sun was already beginning to set, and sighed. "I guess...Come on, let's go Saria." She got up, followed closely by her forest companion, the Kokiri Saria.

Did you enjoy the excerpt? Now, check out the full Chapter 3 here.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Dark World Theme by TheJonnyDeath

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:53:25 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents the Dark World theme from Zelda: A Link to the Past performed by TheJonnyDeath. This artist has created his own website dedicated to his music and other works located at jonnydeath.com. His Dark World theme can be seen in the video embedded below.

TheJonnyDeath has several other Zelda metal mixes that we are sure to cover in future Weekly Doses of Zelda Metal so be sure to check back every Monday to see what we have dug up for you to enjoy!

Link's Hideaway Podcast Episode 0 with Austin and Ryan

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:38:04 -0400

Welcome to the first ever Link's Hideaway podcast, which is embedded above for your convenience. The podcast features myself, Austin (Autydi), and Ryan (Larke12). It is roughly 40 minutes long. Please take a listen to it and give us all your feedback and suggestions in the comments. Enjoy!

Zelda: Skyward Sword - Epic Trailer

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:23:16 -0400

Nintendo of Europe has released the Epic Trailer for Skyward Sword as seen above. It may contain spoilers for those who have yet to play or beat the game.

Arrangement Wednesdays: Skyward Sword Theme by Blake Robinson

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:21:16 -0400

This week for Arrangement Wednesday, we present the Skyward Sword Theme by Blake Robinson. Robinson has some amazing reorchestrations and I highly suggest you check them all out. Listen to his version of the theme below.

I find this piece to be an excellent piece of craftsmanship, considering he recreated it from scratch. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Lately I have been told of Blake Robinson's work with Sonic orchestrations, and seeing as I started SCORCH (Sonic Completely Orchestrated), hopefully I can get him to collaborate with me and my fellow collaborators. (Just a quick plug.)

Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - New Tour Dates Revealed

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:09:45 -0400

Nintendo has announced more tour dates for the Symphony of the Goddesses. Check them out below.

Los Angeles, CA - June 6 (E3)
Houston, TX - July 7
San Diego, CA - July 12 (Comic-Con)
Philadelphia, PA - July 25
Vienna, VA - July 26
Minneapolis, MN - September 22

So are you pleased with the new dates? The other Symphony of the Goddesses Dates are here.

Last Chance: Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:25:28 -0400

Have not downloaded your free Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition from the eShop or DSi Shop? Well, you better hurry up as today is the last day for the free download. After today, the game will either be taken down forever or become a paid download -- which information has yet to be released. So have you still not downloaded Four Swords Anniversary Edition?

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Deku Palace by Jim Cook

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:19:07 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents Deku Palace by Jim Cook. The song is from Zelda: Majora's Mask and Cook plays it very nicely. Check it out below.

So did you like it? Do you dislike this style of music? Let us know in the comments.

Link's Hideaway Podcast Announcement

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:24:33 -0400

Hey! Listen! We have a podcast! At least we think we have a podcast, anyone can have a conversation. Anyhow, Link's Hideaway's FIRST podcast! Every Friday we will post a new episode which will also be available on iTunes (we hope), but first we need your opinion! What will we call this podcast? Please leave us a comment either here, or on Facebook, or Tweet to us @LinksHideaway about a podcast name and ideas. Email me at larke12(at)linkshideaway(dot)com as well! Check the site next Friday for our "Trial Episode" with the most recent Zelda news and random chit-chat (very random).

PS~ We are still looking for new staff. We need content writers, news posters, original article writers, and many more! Please email Autydi at webmaster(at)linkshideaway(dot)com to apply or to get more info.

Nintendo Castle Mario Marathon

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:14:52 -0400

Nintendo Castle will be hosting a live stream 7:00 PM on Friday full of Mario goodness! Tune in and celebrate the sites one year anniversary! Details are below.

The stream will begin at approximately 7:00 PM on Friday, eastern time. Pocodudeface will be streaming through the night until Saturday morning, where I, Fused, will take over and stream until late Saturday night. Emhave will then end the stream when he finishes his respective game.

Here are the games we will DEFINITELY be playing (In chronological order):

Super Paper Mario - Pocodudeface (Friday night) New Super Mario Bros Wii - Iamthefusedshadows (All of Saturday) Super Mario Sunshine - Emhave (Sunday night and morning)

In addition to these, if we do not fill our respective time slots we have two extra games planned (Once again, in chronological order):

Super Mario Galaxy - Pocodudeface Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Iamthefusedshadows Super Mario 64 - Emhave

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS! During the stream, we will also be playing Mario Kart Wii with each other, and with you, the wonderful wonderful person who will watch us play video games for several days straight for your amusement.

Be sure to be there with your favorite Mario character and vehicle!

Arrangement Wednesdays: Bolero of Fire by Bak.R

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:23:03 -0400

This week for Arrangement Wednesday we have a nice re-arrangement of Bolero of Fire from Ocarina of Time 3D by Bak.R. I feel as if if it starts off a bit slow, but it has a nice take on this infamous melody. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

LegendZelda.net: Three Things We Want in Zelda Wii U

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:08:53 -0400

Our affiliate and friend over a LegendZelda.net have created an article covering three things we want in Zelda Wii U. Check out a short excerpt of the article below:

The Wii U is of course Nintendo�s first HD console which brings out tons of visual possibilities. One of my biggest complaints with Skyward Sword is how dated the game looked. Graphics normally play a minute role in my reviews, but with Skyward Sword I could not help but feel that the Wii did not give the game what it truly deserved. In Skyward Sword edges were rough, scenery from afar blurry, and textures were all over the place. For a game in which Nintendo touted graphics as being a major role in the game-play, it was sort of a letdown.
However, with a HD console Zelda can finally get the visuals it deserves. At CES of this year, the Zelda tech demo made another appearance. This time however the presenter had much more control over what was happening as it was more than just a prerecorded video. Using the Wii U controller he was able to change the scenery from night to day, change angles, and switch the view from television to tablet. During the demo every aspect of the environment stood out in some way. The lighting and attention to detail was by far one of the most impressive bits I have ever seen on any console.

So what do you think? Let us know what you want in Zelda Wii U in the comments and be sure to check out the full LegendZelda.net article here.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Song of Storms by Thundertoaster

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:02:42 -0400

The Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents the Song of Storms from Ocarina of Time 3D redone as Metal and performed by Thundertoaster. The song features some great riffs. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Wondering Where Your Zelda 25th Poster Set Is?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:29:18 -0400

Are you wondering just where your Club Nintendo Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set is? Has it been lost in the mail? The answer is that there was a delay in the shipment. Read full details from Club Nintendo below.

Unfortunately, our shipment of posters was delayed. We expect to begin shipping back ordered posters the 3rd week of February. Thank you for your patience.

Arrangement Wednesdays: Dark World Theme by Br0k3nG0dd3zz

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:56:01 -0400

This weeks Arrangement Wednesday is beautiful rendition of the Dark World theme from A Link to the Past by Br0k3nG0dd3zz. Two Dark World themes in one week! I found this song on Sunday, so what an ironic happening. Let us know what you think about this song in the comments below! Sorry about the late post!

Nintendo Power Past Promo - Zelda: Oracles Shirt

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:16:22 -0400

Update: We now have confirmation that the shirt is from a Nintendo Power promotion from years ago. Thank you to everyone who commented. ~~This very shirt is on auction over at eBay for $100 or best offer.~~

Original Story

Recently a viewer of Link's Hideaway sent me an e-mail regarding the shirt you see above. They obtained it unopened from a yard sell. They are looking for any information that can find about the shirt and have come up empty handed so far. It is not the same shirt from the Limited Edition box set of the Oracle games. Check out more pictures of the shirt below and please comment if you know any information about it.

So has anyone ever seen this shirt before? Do you know the origins of the shirt? Let us know in the comments below.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Dark World Theme by LennartAlsing

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:07:00 -0400

Today on Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal, we bring you the Dark World theme from A Link to the Past performed by LennartAlsing. Please take a listen to the video above and let us know what you think in the comments.

ZREO Team at the Symphony of the Goddess Premiere

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:49:55 -0400

Last month Zelda Reorchestrated visited Dallas, Texas for the Symphony of the Goddess world premiere. The above is a video containing highlights from the event. Is the Symphony coming to a city near you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Club Nintendo: 3DS Game Case Zelda Cover - North America

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:39:03 -0400

What you see above is a picture of the Zelda cover for the new Club Nintendo reward, a 3DS game case that can hold up to 18 DS or 3DS game cartridges. You can acquire the case for a mere 250 Coins. The case comes with several different covers. Check out some larger shots of the inside and outside of the Zelda cover below.

So what do you think about the new Club Nintendo reward? What about the Zelda cover?

Arrangement Wednesdays: Lake Hylia by Craig Amromin

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:12:48 -0400

Today's song is an orchestral arrangement of Lake Hylia from Twilight Princess. This song is short and sweet, a great song to end the day. Do you want to see some slightly more remixed songs on arrangement days? Let us know in the comments below!

Songbird Ocarina With Docjazz4

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:13 -0400

Learn how to play your Songbird Ocarina with Docjazz4 today at 4PM PST or 7PM EST. Check back to watch the stream above.

Fan Made Zelda Zine On Sale Now

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:51:25 -0400

A fan made Zelda Zine is now available for sell over at GameCity for �3.00. Here's the description from their site:

Volume 1 of 3: Wisdom

32 pages of fan-submitted art, design, illustration, and literature. Featuring contributions by Rexbox, Zac Gorman, Mad�leine Flores, Mar� Odomo, Mathew Kumar, and many more.

So who is interested in this? Let us know in the comments.

Club Nintendo Sending Out Replacement Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Poster

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:01:36 -0400

An error on the Skyward Sword poster from the Club Nintendo Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set has been informed to Nintendo. They are going to send out replacements. Check out their response below.

Dear Club Nintendo Member,

As you may have noticed, 1 of the posters in the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set that we sent to you contained a minor flaw. On The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword poster, there is a design flaw on the outline of the loft wing, to the right of the sword.

We apologize for the mistake and will be shipping a replacement poster to you the first week of February. You can expect to receive a confirmation email when the package is shipped.

Again, we apologize for this error and we hope that you enjoy your new poster.

Thanks again for your membership and loyalty.

Sincerely,

Club Nintendo

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Legend of Zelda Theme By VideoGameGuitarist7

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:13:39 -0400

This time on Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal, we bring you the Legend of Zelda theme song by VideoGameGuitarist7. As always, the song is performed in the style of metal and was a blast listening to, so check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Side Mission Interview: Legend of Zelda Concert Series

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:49:34 -0400

Side Mission has recently released an interview concerning the Legend of Zelda Concert Series. They interviewed one of the concert's producers, Jeron Moore. Check out an excerpt below.

Some people have expressed displeasure with the video portion of the concerts. Have you made any changes to the video component for the 2012 tour dates?

JM: We've continued to develop and tighten the video portion of the show. I'm really passionate about the visual component and how, combined with the music, the entire experience stirs the emotions. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, but I am keeping a watchful eye on criticism.

There were a lot of songs covered in the concert, but there were noticeable omissions like anything from Link's Awakening. Will the upcoming 2012 tour cover a wider range of songs?

JM: Absolutely. Expect to hear music from Majora's Mask, Link's Awakening and more as the show continues to evolve. It's been designed to offer something new to repeat patrons... for instance, we'll be in Vancouver on March 14th. The next time we're in town, there will be marked differences in the program, so if you liked the show the first time, you won't want to miss out on coming again. It's important for us to keep fans engaged and surprised. I'm constantly browsing the forums, too � so keep shouting out your favorites. We're listening!

Will there be a CD of the concerts on sale anytime in the future?

JM: This is something we'd like to do, but no definite plans have been made. We are absolutely aware of the demand.

Arrangement Wednesdays ~ Spirit Tracks Title Theme by ZREO

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:24:39 -0400

Welcome to the first week of Arrangement Wednesdays! These days will consist of orchestral themed songs from The Legend of Zelda. This is similar to Metal Mondays, but with a less attractive name (and a different genre). Today is one of my favorite tracks from Spirit Tracks by Zelda Reorchestrated, Title Theme. Enjoy!

Chicken Armor

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:03:15 -0400

Oh, NO! Link has found some Chicken Armor! Ganondorf better run away!

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Gerudo Desert By Jimmeh02

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:04:48 -0400

This person has been featured several times on Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal and as always -- he provides a great rendition for all of our favorite Zelda music. This time we got the Gerudo Desert theme from Twilight Princess. Check it out above.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Faron Woods Silent Realm Speed Run

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:48:36 -0400

Finally! Our YouTube upload worked flawlessly and we bring you our Skyward Sword Faron Woods Silent Realm speed run that was actually planned for yesterday. We outran the Guardians and were able to complete the Silent Realm in a mere 2 minutes and 39 seconds! Can you do better? Prove it!

Create a video of your fastest time and upload it to YouTube. Then share it with us in the comments below or send them in to news@linkshideaway.com and we will update everybody about your feat! So which Silent Realm do you want us to speed run through next time?

Ocarina of Time Shooting Gallery Theme

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:56:14 -0400

Today we planned on bringing you a video of a speed run for the Skyward Sword Faron Woods Silent Realm but an error occurred during the upload to YouTube. We plan to bring that to you tomorrow pending the upload works correctly this time. Until then, check out the Shooting Gallery Theme from Ocarina of Time played on the Ocarina and backed by several other instruments.

North America: Club Nintendo Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set Sold Out

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:15:32 -0400

The Club Nintendo Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set has recently sold out. Nintendo had the following to say:

Thank you for your interest but this limited edition reward has been sold out. If you placed an order and it is on back order, we expect to fulfill your order by late January.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Skyward Sword Theme by metalreda01

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:35:01 -0400

We are a few days late this week but here is the Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal with the Skyward Sword theme song performed by metalreda01. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Nintendo Castle: Zelda 3D Dungeon Tournament

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:30:10 -0400

The guys over at Nintendo Castle are hosting a contest to see which 3D Zelda Dungeon will be voted the best. Here are the details from their site.

Hey guys! Rare to see a post other than the Content Update around here, eh? Well, I've got a surprise for you guys. This morning, I decided to start a tournament: The best of the 32 3D Zelda dungeons. (Not counting dungeons without bosses or final dungeons.) I originally had this on a Freewebs site, but Poco gave me an offer to have Nintendo Castle host it. So, as of now, there are 32 dungeons in the running. Click read more to get to the polls. You have until this Wednesday to vote, and then the 16 winners will move on to Round Two. To link to every poll would be insane, so here's a page with all the matches in Round One. Just click on each link to go to a new poll. Happy voting!

Stone Tower Temple - Kalimba and Guitar

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:12:16 -0400

You may remember when we posted Stone Tower Temple on Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal and we have another version (not metal) for you to enjoy today. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Dorkly Bits: Link Finds Ganon's Weakness

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:21:38 -0400

Club Nintendo: Majora's Mask Download

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:39:23 -0400

Club Nintendo has update with 4 new game downloads that can be purchased with coins. Majora's Mask is on the list alongside Dr Mario Online Rx, Kirby's Dreamland, and Dr. Mario Express. You will need a Wii in order to redeem your Majora's Mask download, which is 150 coins.

Zelda: On The Set (Animation)

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:18:12 -0400

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Zelda Metal Medley by sbeast64

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:27:54 -0400

The Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal presents sbeast64's Zelda Metal Medley. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Awesome Skyward Sword Fanart

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:54:44 -0400

Click Image to Enlarge

deviantART user L-DAWB has created a splendid piece of Zelda: Skyward Sword artwork, which can be seen above. It is a fantastic piece of work and I am sure everyone will agree. Let us know in the comments.

Robin and Zelda Williams's reaction to the Smosh Zelda video

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:34:08 -0400

Some time back, SMOSH released a Legend of Zelda rap video that gained much success. Check out Robin and Zelda Williams's reaction to said video in the interview above.

The Nerd Gamers' Zelda Marathon for Child's Play

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:17:49 -0400

We're a group of gamers who run game marathons to raise money for charity. We are going to be streaming a 48 Hour Zelda Marathon starting January 6th at 12PM, and we'll be raising money for Child's Play. These donations will be going straight to the charity's Paypal. We are going to be playing all of the 3D Zelda games, and will be providing consistent (and hopefully entertaining) commentary throughout.

Symphony of the Goddesses Tour Dates

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:13 -0400

Zelda Symphonies Symphony of the Goddesses tour dates have been announced. Check them out below.

Date	City	State	Venue	Tickets
Jan 10, 2012 7:30 PM	Dallas	TX	Meyerson Symphony Center	Sold Out
Mar 14, 2012 8:00 PM	Vancouver	BC	Orpheum	Buy Now
Mar 26, 2012 7:30 PM	Seattle	WA	Benaroya	Buy Now
Mar 28, 2012 8:00 PM	San Francisco	CA	Davies	Buy Now
Apr 07, 2012 8:00 PM	Denver	CO	Boettcher Hall	Buy Now
Apr 20, 2012 8:00 PM	Phoenix	AZ	Orpheum	Buy Now
Apr 21, 2012 8:00 PM	Phoenix	AZ	Orpheum	Buy Now
May 12, 2012 8:00 PM	Atlanta	GA	Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre	Buy Now
May 31, 2012 8:00 PM	Montreal	QB	Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier	Buy Now
Jun 22, 2012 8:00 PM	Austin	TX	Long Center for the Performing Arts	Buy Now
Jul 14, 2012 8:00 PM	Orlando	FL	Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre	Buy Now
Sep 29, 2012 8:00 PM	Toronto	ON	Sony Centre (on sale 3/31)

Toon Link 3D Model

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:31:50 -0400

Make You Own Zelda Flipnote - NoA Staff Flipnotes

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:40:50 -0400

What you see above are several NoA staff Zelda flipnotes. They are pretty good so give them a glance over.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Zelda Meets Metal By 331Erock

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:12:43 -0400

It is now time for the Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal and we have someone never before featured this time. It's a YouTuber by the name of 331Erock and he provides a fantastic rendition of Zelda music. Check it out above and be sure to let us know what you think!

Zelda Figurine's

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:28:51 -0400

Hobby Fan is releasing the Zelda figurine's you see in the image above. They are currently priced at $34.99 and are available for pre-order. According to Hobby Fan, they will arrive June 29, 2012. So what do you think about the figurine's?

Fan Story: The Legend of Terra - Chapter 2

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:25:49 -0400

We have Chapter 2 of the Legend of Terra for you to enjoy today. The story is written by Mr. Watch and is a great read. Check out an excerpt of Chapter 2 below.

Hyrule Field

The sun was high in the blue sky as Terra made her way along the beaten and dusty dirt path that led to the Kokiri Forest. She could feel the warmth of the glowing orb above her touching the dark cloak. The entire field around her appeared to be in full bloom. Flowers and other plants were bursting with reds, yellows, purples, too many other colors for Terra to count.

She walked on the path for some time eventually arriving to the edge of the great forest. Traveling on the earthen path on the edge of the tree line Terra stopped for a moment to observe and take in her beautiful surroundings. Turning to look behind her, she saw on the horizon the great grey stone outer walls of Hyrule Castle, her home, the place she grew up, and really the only place she really knew. And when she looked forward in front of her was the vast Kokiri Forest, home of the forest children and the Great Deku Tree, the forest protective spirit.

Staring on into the field she saw the great plain the Hylian people called Hyrule Field. It was an enormous grassy expanse, lush and green and full of life. Terra could see the grass sway back and forth, pushed by the gentle breeze at rolled across the plain, almost like waves of an ocean. The breeze carried with it a familiar smell, one of summer flowers, fresh air, and vigorous life. The scent could be smelled all the way across Hyrule, and it was something Terra enjoyed, especially in the summer when the smell was at its peak.

Liked that excerpt? Then check out the full Chapter 2 here.

[UPDATE] The 2nd Annual Nintendo Castle New Years Stream

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:02:43 -0400

[UPDATE] The stream has been postponed until sometime in January.

Original Story

The guys over at Nintendo Castle are holding their second annual New Years stream. Check below for full details.

The stream will be starting at 12:00 EST on the 30th of December, and will be ending whenever we complete all of the games, which we have planned for the 2nd of January. We will playing between three and five Mario games to celebrate the end of 2011, including...

New Super Mario Bros Wii - Iamthefusedshadows
Super Mario Sunshine - Emhave
Super Mario Galaxy - Pocodudeface

Our plan is to finish these games at around the 2nd, but just in case these three games do not fill our time slot, we have two back-up games planned.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Iamthefusedshadows
Paper Mario - Pocodudeface

So make sure to come on down and join us for laughs and fun times all around! (The site will be updated with the stream page at the time of the stream)

The Marathon Man: Zelda Live Stream

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:47:11 -0400

The Marathon Man is hosting a live stream of Zelda games, which is under way as we speak. Here are some brief details from an e-mail from them.

My name is Will O'Brien, and I am planning to host a 96-hour Zelda marathon this December from the 27th to the 31st for the Humane Society of the United States. I was hoping that your site would be willing to endorse us by making a post about it when the event becomes closer. In return, of course, I would link back to link's hideaway. My website has already been launched, it is marathonman.net; I hope you'll check us out and decide to help us.

The Legend of Zelda's 12 Days of Christmas!

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:08:14 -0400

ChrisCrossMedia has created a video for the Legend of Zelda's 12 Days of Christmas. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Fan Art: Fi Comic Strip

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:43:49 -0400

We stumbled upon the image you see above the other day and thought it was perfect for our site. It is a comic strip about Fi and Link. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Fan Art: Agahnim VS Link

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:59:34 -0400

Click on the image to enlarge

Today we have a picture that staff members Ruto and Larke have been working on for some time. We have come to call it Agahnim VS Link. It is a picture of various characters from A Link to the Past such as Agahnim and the Seven Maidens. Check out the image above, have a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and please be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

Hyrule Historia: Zelda Timeline Page

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:27:38 -0400

Look at what we found! It's the official page from Hyrule Historia that details the Zelda Timeline. While it is in Japanese, we can tell from the screens which game goes where on the timeline. It appears that the version of the timeline floating around recently is the correct one; however, until an English version of Hyrule Historia (which potentially could never take shape) comes out, we can not be 100% sure of the recent translations but they appear to be very accurate.

Legend of Zelda : Skyward Sword Theme Cover (Advait Nemlekar)

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:55:27 -0400

A YouTuber has created a wonderful rendition of the Skyward Sword theme song. He used several different instruments throughout to create a splendid performance. Check out the video above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Club Nintendo Zelda 25th Poster Set Video

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:00:45 -0400

You may remember when we post about the Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set on Club Nintendo. Well, we have a video showcasing them embedded above. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

Zelda Timeline Translated

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:04:32 -0400

GlitterBerri, a site that translates all types of documents, has released the image above from their translation of Hyrule Historia. The image provides us with much more information then we reported earlier and should clear up some of your pending questions. Click on the image to enlarge it and let us know what you think in the comments.

Zelda Timeline Revealed - More Details

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:15:10 -0400

As reported earlier, the Zelda timeline appears to have been published in Hyrule Historia. You will find some more details of the timeline below which should clear up some confusion.

Ancient Tales: Skyward Sword → The Minish Cap → Four Swords → Ocarina of Time
Classic Tales: A Link to the Past → Oracles → Link's Awakening → The Legend of Zelda → The Adventure of Link
Child Tales: Majora's Mask → Twilight Princess → Four Swords Adventures
Adult Tales: The Wind Waker → Phantom Hourglass → Spirit Tracks

Classic timeline further explained...

Branch 1: Link is defeated by Ganon in OoT.
Branch 2: Link comes back from the future in OoT and tells Zelda what's going to happen, she sends him away.
Branch 3: There is no longer a hero in the future of OoT since Link was sent back.

After Link dies in Ocarina of Time, Ganon obtains the entire Triforce. The Seven Sages seal away Ganon and the whole Triforce as a last resort, but villains with their eyes on the Triforce make for the Sacred Realm, which eventually turns into the Dark World and is filled with evil power. The Seven Sages then try to seal away the Sacred Realm itself, but end up fighting with monsters. This is the Imprisoning War of A Link to the Past.

Eiji Aonuma's Favorite Skyward Sword Dungeon

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:28:52 -0400

Eiji Aonuma has decided that Lanayru Mining Facility is his favorite dungeon in Skyward Sword because of the use of Timeshift Stones.

There is a part where you use an item called the Timeshift Stone that enables you to switch between the past and present. I think that this is something that can only be done in games and I believe it utilises the interactive quality of games brilliantly.

In other news -- check out the supposed Zelda timeline here.

Hyrule Historia: Zelda Timeline Revealed [RUMOR]

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:19:57 -0400

Hyrule Historia revealed the Zelda timeline after many years of waiting. This book is published by Nintendo themselves. This is marked as rumor for now because the book is in Japanese and the following order is said to come from the book. Confirmation will be made once an official translation of the book comes state-side or to another English region such as Europe. The supposed timeline is below:

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Power, Wisdom, Courage by Powerglove

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:12:44 -0400

This week on Weekly Does of Zelda Metal, we have Power, Wisdom, Courage by Powerglove. You may remember when we posted Power, Wisdom, Courage by Powerglove over a year ago, but in case you missed that article, we have it for your enjoyment today. It features a tune or two from Ocarina of Time 3D but mainly focuses on A Link to the Past. It is a great song and I highly suggest you take a listen to it if your a fan of Metal by clicking play on the video above or at the source link. Check it out and be sure to let us know what you think or what you want us to feature next week on the Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal.

The Speed Gamers Marathon For Charity [UPDATE]

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:01:36 -0400

The Speed Gamers are currently holding a Zelda marathon and are taking donations for Rocking H Ranch, which supports several charities. They are performing pranks every so often to the player when they reach a certain amount of donations. Check out the live feed above and click here for more details.

NoE: See some more great entries in our Make Your Own Zelda Flipnote contest

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:09:25 -0400

Nintendo of Europe (NoE) has recently released some more entries from their Zelda Flipnote contest. Those can be seen here. Check out the full PR below for more details.

The Make Your Own Zelda Flipnote contest was held from August 8th to September 9th, 2011, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series. In this worldwide contest we asked Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL owners to choose one of three soundtracks and create their own Flipnotes to go with the music, featuring characters, locations and themes from the Legend of Zelda series.

All of the winners have been chosen and can be viewed right now via Flipnote Hatena on Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL, on the Zelda 25th Anniversary website, in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and even on Nintendo Channel on Wii too!

On top of all these wonderful winners, we'd also like to showcase some of the great Flipnotes that we think really deserve honourable mentions � ones that didn't quite grab the top spot, but impressed the judging panel nonetheless � as well as some very special Flipnotes made by well-known Japanese artists Kiyokazu Arai and Isami Nakagawa! If you'd like to see this new collection of Zelda-themed Flipnotes, then make your way to Flipnote Hatena on your Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL straight away!

For more information about the software used to create these Flipnotes, head on over to our page for Flipnote Studio for Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL.

Great Fairy's Fountain Theme - Special 3DS Recording

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:24:04 -0400

This is a special recording of the Great Fairy's Theme from the Zelda 25th Anniversary Orchestral CD that was included in the first round of Skyward Sword copies. The recording above is special because if viewed on the Nintendo 3DS, it is displayed in full 3D.

Fan-Made Link Statue

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:57:33 -0400

Some people have created a great looking Link statue similar to the First4Figure ones. Check out the video above for some footage of how it was made and what it looks like. The final product can be seen below and please note that these are not for sell.

North America - GBA 3DS Ambassador Games Live

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:13:01 -0400

All of the GBA 3DS Ambassador Games are now live in North America as well as Australia and most likely many other regions so do not forget to go download those if you are an Ambassador. In order to download the games you must follow these steps:

Open eShop
Go to Settings / Other
Tap 'Your Downloads'
Scroll through the list and you should see the games and be able to download them.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is one of our most sought after games on the list and we will be providing some type of content or guides for it in the near the future. Until then, enjoy your gift for being an early Nintendo 3DS adopter!

Australia: 3DS Ambassador GBA Games Now Live

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:21:16 -0400

Reports are coming in that the GBA Ambassador games are live in Australia. This is much earlier then the official date but this same thing happened with the NES Ambassador games. In order to download the games you must follow these steps:

Open eShop
Go to Settings / Other
Tap 'Your Downloads' or maybe 'Account Activity'
Scroll through the list and you should see the games and be able to download them.

The games are not live in North America yet but we will be sure to keep you updated whenever they are available so stay tuned.

3DS Ambassador Games Revealed - Minish Cap Confirmed

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:35:30 -0400

The full list of GBA games for the 3DS Ambassador's has been released. Zelda: The Minish Cap has been confirmed. The full list of titles included are:

F-Zero for Game Boy Advance (aka, Maximum Velocity)
Super Mario Advance 3
Zelda: The Minish Cap
Fire Emblem Seima no Kouseki
Kirby & the Amazing Mirror
Mario Kart Advance
Mario vs Donkey Kong
Metroid Fusion
Wario Land Advance
Made in Wario

The games are set to be available on the eShop exclusively to 3DS Ambassadors this Friday. If they go live before that date, we will be sure to let you know.

North America: Club Nintendo Zelda 25th Anniversary Poster Set

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:23:26 -0400

Club Nintendo is now back with a brand new interface along with several new prizes including the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary poster set above. They are available for only 400 coins. All you have to do to get them is be a Club Nintendo member and have acquired 400 coins. Another nice addition to the rewards program is the addition of 'Featured Games.'

These are select games that will be made available for a certain period of time for purchase using your Coins. Every so often the list will get updated with a new set of games. So what do you think about this news? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to Link's Hideaway for any future Zelda additions to Club Nintendo.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Midna's Lament by Jim Cook

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:10:59 -0400

We have another Jim Cook mix for you to listen to this week. It is Midna's Lament off of his Zelda Metal Vol. II album. The song is from Twilight Princess and really puts the player in the mood during the part of the game which it appears. Just like Jim Cook's Kaepora Gaebora theme, this one is very nicely done. Check it out above and let us know what you think in the comments.

Shigeru Miyamoto Speaks About Possible Zelda Collaboration With Retro

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:46:45 -0400

In a recent Wired interview, Shigeru Miyamoto stated that the Zelda franchise would be a possible choice for a collaboration with Retro Studios.

Shigeru Miyamoto: As you know, we have already collaborated with Retro for the Metroid Prime series in the past. And I think when we talk about any other franchise, Zelda might be a possible franchise for that collaboration.

TriForce Details All of This Years Zelda Merchandise

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:34:00 -0400

TriForce has created a video detailing all of the Legend of Zelda merchandise that came out this year. Check it out above!

Fan Story: The Legend of Terra - Chapter 1

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:03:33 -0400

We have chapter 1 of The Legend of Terra for you all to enjoy and check out today. Check out an excerpt from Chapter 1 below:

Terra's eyes snapped open. Her room was already full of light flowing in from one of the open windows of her chamber in the castle. She knew what today was, the first day of summer. Leaping out of her bed she quickly drew back the balcony curtains to her room, letting the golden afternoon light fill her once shadowed chamber. The warm and bright rays reflected off the mirrors and the royal purple tapestries that adorned her room in Hyrule Castle, creating a comforting ambience which Terra enjoyed.

Check out the full Legend of Terra Chapter 1 here and remember to check back for more parts soon!

Announcing The Zelda Marathon 3 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:14:05 -0400

Penguins in the Desert will be hosting its third annual Zelda Marathon soon. They are trying to reach the goal of $4,000.00 in donations to give to the Big Brothers Big Sisters in order to aid in mentorship programs. The marathon is set to start on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 7 PM ET. They will be holding auctions for various Zelda themed prizes including the chair featured above. They will be holding a raffle for a Wii, Skyward Sword, and New Super Mario Bros Wii.

You can check out their full press release below and you can view the full list of prizes / auction here.

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 10, 2011 -
The Penguins in The Desert Productions team will be holding "The Zelda Marathon 3" to support Big Brothers Big Sisters St.Catharines - Thorold & District. The event is a third party fundraising effort that is being put together to aid in mentorship programs, future fundraising efforts and making successful matches for children.

The event will begin Friday, Dec. 16th at 7 p.m. ET at www.penguinsmarathons.com. The Penguins Productions team will be playing 8 Zelda games for 24 hours a day. The marathon will not conclude until all 8 games have been completed.

They will be playing : The Legend of Zelda, The Adventure of Link , A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and Skyward Sword.

Headlining their amazing prizes is a BRAND NEW Nintendo Wii with Skyward Sword and New Super Mario Bros. Details on how to win that prize can be found on their website at: http://penguinsmarathons.com/Media.html

The team is raising the bar high, and aiming for a $4,000.00 goal. Donations can be made at the time of the event �via a "Chipin" widget on their website. For more information contact Penguins in The Desert Productions at penguinsproductions@gmail.com.

The team has created 4 miniature promo videos to get word on on The Zelda Marathon 3. One is listed below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkMFkrwE2NE

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - Third Dungeon

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:25:04 -0400

Here is Part 6 of our A Link to the Past video walkthrough. It picks up directly where Part 5 ended and takes the player through the Third Dungeon. Please keep in mind that this is not a full walkthrough -- as in, not every heart piece and other collectible will be acquired. This is simply to help those who have problems beating the main story of the game.

Fan Story: The Legend of Terra

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:23:17 -0400

We have a new fan story for you all to enjoy to check out today. It is written by Mr. Watch and is called The Legend of Terra. Check out an excerpt from the Prologue below:

Terra has been here before. She knew that she was having a nightmare. It was the same hellish nightmare that she has been having for years, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't wake up from her slumber. What she saw was always a blur, almost indiscernible.

What stood before her was the grand hall of Hyrule Castle. But it wasn't the hall she's come to know. It was in ruin, the great stone columns that once held up the giant painted ceilings were fallen over, the colorful banners that once adorned the walls were burned, tattered, and ripped, and holes in the ceiling from where the columns once stood let in hazy red-orange rays of light.

We only have the prologue today but many parts will be posted for the story. Check out the full Legend of Terra Prologue here.

Shigeru Miyamoto Not Stepping Down

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:43:47 -0400

[UPDATE 2] The following is Nintendo's official statement about Shigeru Miyamoto's earlier retirement headlines:

"Video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto's role at Nintendo is not changing. He will continue to be a driving force in Nintendo's development efforts. In discussing his priorities at Nintendo in a media interview, Mr. Miyamoto explained how he is encouraging the younger developers at the company to take more initiative and responsibility for developing software. He attempted to convey his priorities moving forward, inclusive of overseeing all video game development and ensuring the quality of all products. Mr. Miyamoto also discussed his desire to pursue fresh ideas and experiences of the kind that sparked his initial interest in video games."

So there we have it from Nintendo themselves, Shigeru Miyamoto is not stepping down from his current position.

[UPDATE] A Nintendo of Japan spokeswoman told Reuters:

"This is absolutely not true. There seems to have been a misunderstanding. [Miyamoto] has said all along that he wants to train the younger generation. He has no intention of stepping down. Please do not be concerned."

It now appears that Shigeru Miyamoto is not retiring from his current position at Nintendo but will be reducing his roles in certain titles some in order to train a younger generation of developers and designers.

Original Story

This just in from Wired, Shigeru Miyamoto is retiring from his current position at Nintendo and looking to take charge of a smaller development team instead of the large ones such as those for Zelda and Mario. Check out the quotes below.

"Inside our office, I've been recently declaring, 'I'm going to retire, I'm going to retire,'" Miyamoto said through his interpreter. "I'm not saying that I'm going to retire from game development altogether. What I mean by retiring is, retiring from my current position."

"What I really want to do is be in the forefront of game development once again myself," Miyamoto said. "Probably working on a smaller project with even younger developers. Or I might be interested in making something that I can make myself, by myself. Something really small."

Link to the Future

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:51:23 -0400

While this is not new, it is certainly entertaining. What we have here is a short fan film that mixes the Legend of Zelda with Back to the Future. Check it out above.

G4tv: Skyward Sword vs Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:13:54 -0400

Skyward Sword has recently moved on to the Final Match in G4tv's Videogame Deathmatch beating out Skyrim in the last round. It is now up against Assassin's Creed: Revelations. Go show Zelda some love and vote here.

Content Update: Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals Guide and Quests

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:31:14 -0400

Having played through the game much more and using our Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals Guide to check for accuracy, we have made several updates for some of the Random Skyloft Gratitude Crystal Locations and they are much clearer and accurate now. We have also updated many of our Side Quest guides including:

While some of these guides only received minor updates, quite a few received major updates detailing quest requirements and new methods of completion. So go by and check them out if you need help with any of these quests.

The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Celebration - Sara Paxton

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:19:38 -0400

Skyward Sword Heart Piece Guide [UPDATE]

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:06:06 -0400

[UPDATE] Our guide now covers which Goddess Cubes go with which Skyward Sword Heart Piece that need one.

Are you in need of some heart pieces for the newly released Skyward Sword? Well, just drop on by our Skyward Sword Heart Piece Guide for all the information you need. The guide is complete with screenshots, maps, and most everything else needed. Check it out and have a happy day collecting heart pieces!

G4tv: Skyward Sword vs Skyrim

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:32:13 -0400

Skyward Sword is up against Skyrim in round 4 of G4tv's Videogame Deathmatch. At the time this article was written, Skyward Sword was winning by a slim margin of only 51% to Skyrim's 49%. Why not widen that margin and go vote here?

Nintendo Castle Podcast Episode 1

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:37:36 -0400

The people over at Nintendo Castle have released the first ever episode of their podcast. It features several discussions as well as a Review of Skyward Sword in which they go into about a 15 minute discussion over the game. If you are interested in these types of programs, then go on by and check out Nintendo Castle's Podcast.

Zelda: Skyward Sword Rap

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:30:00 -0400

YouTuber, TheElEmEhShow, has released a short rap about the Zelda franchise -- but specifically about Skyward Sword. I have embedded the clean version above but you can check out the explicit version below. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - Getting to the Third Dungeon

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:56:02 -0400

Part 5 of our A Link to the Past video walkthrough picks up where Part 4 of the walkthrough ended. This part will take the player to the Third Dungeon.

Content Update: Skyward Sword Goddess Cubes Guide Updates

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:55:07 -0400

Are you looking to activate every Goddess Cube in Skyward Sword? If you said yes, then just head on by our Goddess Cubes guide for screenshots and maps for locating every Goddess Cube. This guide is being constantly updated and currently includes a map showing the location of every cube with many including the chest location and reward as well.

G4tv: Skyward Sword vs Batman: Arkham City

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:45:04 -0400

Skyward Sword is up against Batman: Arkham City in the third round of the G4tv Videogame Deathmatch. At the time this was written, Skyward Sword was losing to Batman at 47% to 53%. Lets push Skyward Sword over the edge and help it win the third round. Vote here or at the source link.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Stone Tower Temple By Mat Graham

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:57:07 -0400

On this week's Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal, we bring you another rendition by the same artist as last weeks Metal Skyward Sword Theme entitled Stone Tower Temple. The video consists of Majora's Mask Cutscenes. Like always, the music is in the style of metal. We have a special update this week on the Skyward Sword Theme from last week. Mat Graham has graciously released a version of his mix played backwards. Check it out below.

Ruto's Fan Art

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:34:02 -0400

We have some new fan art from staff member Ruto. They are Vaati from The Minish Cap, Zelda, and Zelda+Loftwing. Ruto wanted to add some depth to the Skyward Sword image and added a texture to it. I decided to mess with it and got a little carried away. My rendition of Ruto's Skyward Sword image is the final image below.

iNintendo Podcast Episode 11

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:16:19 -0400

Our friends over at iNintendo have recently released episode 11 of their podcast. Guess what? I joined in to talk about all things Skyward Sword as well as my experiences with getting my very own Zelda 3DS bundle. Some of the other items on the list were Crysis 2, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, and Civilization V amongst several others. Take a listen to it above or at the source link and let us know what you think in the comments.

The Zelda Room

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:24:18 -0400

Nintendo has created a Zelda room out in Redwood City, California. The video has been embedded above for your convenience. The room is complete with Zelda murals and even a fairy or two flying around. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

Similarities between Skyward Sword and Majora's Mask

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:24:18 -0400

Our friend Carl B from iNintendo has written an article about the Similarities between Skyward Sword and Majora's Mask. Check out an excerpt below.

As a whole, the side quests in Skyward Sword are deeper than the ones in Majora's Mask � most of the quests for the Bombers in Majora's Mask consist of Link simply talking to a character (I'm looking at you, Guru-Guru). Nothing in Skyward Sword is as deep and emotional as the Anju & Kafei quest, however. While the rewards for side quests in Skyward Sword are well worth the trouble, they're still pretty shallow and can be completed almost right away, doing away with the need for a notebook or journal to track the quests.

So go check out the full article here.

The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Celebration - Texas Battle

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:24:18 -0400

Actor Texas Battle talks about his past experiences with the Legend of Zelda. Check out the video above.

New Skyward Sword NA Commercial - Falling Swords Extended

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:24:18 -0400

A week or two back we posted the Skyward Sword Falling Swords commercial, well we have the extended version for your enjoyment today. Check it out above.

IGN Unboxes the Zelda 3DS

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:18:47 -0400

IGN has got their hands on the Limited Edition Zelda 3DS and provided a video unboxing of the bundle for the US. Check it out in the video above.

Skyward Sword Reviews Trailer

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:33:36 -0400

Nintendo has released a Skyward Sword reviews trailer. Check it out above. In related news, check out our Skyward Sword review here.

25YEARLEGEND: New Zelda OC Remix Album!

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:43:41 -0400

Overclocked Remix recently released an 18 track album for the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda! The music is well composed and sounds fantastic! I highly recommend you give it a listen and enjoy the music.

Download Here!

The Recording of The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Special Orchestra CD #3

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:33:18 -0400

A couple days ago we post Part 2 of the recording of the Zelda 25th Anniversary CD, well part 3 has now been released and you can see it above. It features the recording of the Great Fairy theme song. Check it out above!

Skyward Sword -- First Impressions

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:19:38 -0400

Hello everyone, before my short little article about my first impressions (as small as they may be) I hope you are all enjoying your copy of Skyward Sword. I sure am, the only issue is finding out how to play all 100 hours before Christmas. I'm very busy with everything that I have to do right now, including (but not limited to) Link's Hideaway. I've been doing so much work behind the scenes! It's very hard to do it all in a timely manner, and I'm thankful that Autydi is allowing me to use all of the time I have available for Link's Hideaway, as sparse as it may be. You will like what we reveal in the upcoming months! Anyhow, onto my first impressions!

I love pictures and all, but I'm not at all far enough to show any diversity of images in this post. I just now made it to the entrance of the Skyview Temple. I'm attempting to use my time wisely, and I'm far behind anyone else who has gotten the game. The basic graphics and controls look nice, and I love the interface option that allows you to hide the controls. For now, I'm using the "Light" Interface which prompts certain buttons when available and always shows the D-Pad and -/+ buttons.

I spent a good two hours roaming Skyloft and enjoying the beautiful art styles as well as the character voices used in the game. Zelda's voice along with the harp playing made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I loved it. This leads me to the music. Like a few previous Zelda titles, I was not immediately engulfed in music I could listen to for hours. Skyloft's theme slowly but shortly dragged me in and I soon loved it. I spent a good two hours venturing thorough Skyloft and the Bazaar. If you haven't already noticed, the music playing in the Bazaar changes near each small shop. I found this to be increasingly amusing and it helps bring out the characteristics of each shop owner.

One thing I keep finding myself thinking about is Fi. This reminds me of how Skyward Sword and The Minish Cap are allegedly the earliest games in the series (as stated via Nintendo, not a timeline theory) and contain advanced technology beyond any of the games that are said to follow. Earlier I met Gorok the Goron who explained how (possible spoilers if you have not met the Kikwi yet) the Goddess created the sky lands and they grew to be far more advanced. I'm only so far in the game, so we all have to wait and see how this plays out.

In summary (so far) Skyward Sword is looking to span well over 50 hours for me, and is not for the simple minded. I'm not far past simple minded, but I'm also playing with as little hints as possible. This game has an incredibly steep learning curve and I find myself missing some great action opportunities (I always forget how to use the "Final Blow"). Other than learning something new, Skyward Sword has too many great things going for it to be anything less than bliss for me. The sad part is, I'm only scratching the surface of what I feel is the entire game.

I don't particularly care for pro's and con's, but here are some if you like them.

Pro's: Great music and design, I could play this game over and over if there wasn't so much to do.

Con's: I could care less for the flying controls, and the 1:1 sword swing ratio has some issues. Those issues are me, since I'm entirely used to Twilight Princess and the simple little slashes. I'm slowly learning and that means the cons listed here won't last long.

Thanks for reading! I plan to post more if you all like what I have to say. Comment or let us know on Facebook!

G4tv: Skyward Sword vs Uncharted 3

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:31:45 -0400

G4tv has put Skyward Sword up against Uncharted three in their annual Videogame Deathmatch. Right now Skyward Sword is winning but why not go by and cast your vote for it just to push it over the top? Check out the match-up at the source link or here to cast your vote. Please note that voting on this round ends in less then 24 hours.

TSG: Zelda Marathon

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:24:49 -0400

The Speed Gamers will be holding a Zelda marathon on December 16, 2011. Check out their press release below.

On Friday, December 16, a group of gamers in Arlington, Texas will present their twenty-fifth marathon since their inception in early 2008. Since then, the group has raised over $280,000 for various charities and causes. Some of these charities and causes include Japan Relief, Gulf Restoration, Susan G. Komen, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. These charities help support those in need and help fund research towards cures for various debilitating diseases. The marathon will cover the wildly popular The Legend of Zelda series, which is coincidentally celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. The marathon will benefit the Paw for Reflection Ranch (http://www.pawsforreflectionranch.org), Tara Sawyer Foundation (http://www.tarasawyer.org), and Trent's Retreat Nonprofit Foundation(http://www.trentsretreat.org). All donations will go to directly to Rocking H Ranch (http://www.rockingh.net), which specifically contributes to these charities. Rocking H Ranch will then split up the donations equally between each charity.

TheSpeedGamers Zelda Marathon is a multi-day charity drive that is broadcasted live online. The marathon will last 72 hours and the goal is to try and complete the series before the marathon ends. The group encourages donations through great gameplay, commentary, and contests. TheSpeedGamers have been known for their summer marathons, which have lasted upwards of a stunning 168 hours and featured many huge internet personalities such as Youtube's famous Let's Player, ChuggaaConroy. During the event, viewers can chat directly with the team via IRC chat, or social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

Watch the event live on the web at http://www.thespeedgamers.com beginning December 16th at 6 PM CST.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Skyward Sword Theme

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:52:41 -0400

This week on Weekly Does of Zelda Metal, we have the Skyward Sword theme song in honor of the games recent release. It is performed by Mat Graham and is a beautiful rendition that does the original justice all in the style of metal. So take a listen and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

Skyward Sword Boss Guide

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:46:19 -0400

Do you need help with a Skyward Sword Boss? Well, just check out our Zelda: Skyward Sword Boss Guide for videos on how each boss is defeated. Any missing videos will be added shortly so stay tuned!

Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals Guide

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:40:35 -0400

Are you tired off searching hopelessly for Zelda: Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals? Well, you are in luck because we have an in-depth Zelda: Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals Guide complete with screenshots and everything. It will take you directly to every Gratitude Crystal in the game, so go on by and check it out!

Skyward Sword Help

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:06:57 -0400

Zelda: Skyward Sword has been released throughout Europe today and we have many updates to help those with the game. Please check out our Gratitude Crystals Guide, Fun Fun Island Guide, Haunted Restroom Guide, Pumpkin Harvest Guide, Item Check Girl Guide,Empty Bottle Guide, and Gear Guide if you are stuck on any part of these quests or gear acquisitions. Most of the guides are complete yet some may still need more information. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be constantly updating our Skyward Sword section with new information and guides.

Eiji Aonuma and Koji Kondo Say Thank You

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:22:12 -0400

Eiji Aonuma and Koji Kondo thank all fans of the Legend of Zelda series in the video above. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

Need Help With Skyward Sword?

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:45:57 -0400

Are you in need of some help with Zelda: Skyward Sword? Well, we have expanded our amount of guides to include the following: Skyward Sword Boss Guide, Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals, Skyward Sword Heart Piece Guide, Fledge's Workout Quest, and Pumpkin Harvest Quest. These are either updates to current pages or brand new pages in themselves. Check them out and let us know what you think in the comments.

Legend of Zelda Award First Ever Spike TV Video Game Hall of Fame Award

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:51:02 -0400

Spike TV has state they are honoring the Legend of Zelda series with the first ever Video Game Hall of Fame Award. Check out the full press release below.

New York, NY, November 16, 2011 � Spike TV today announced the creation of its first ever Video Game Hall of Fame Award. This annual honor will recognize the most memorable and innovative video game franchises in history. The inaugural recipient, 'The Legend of Zelda,�� is one of the most influential and beloved gaming franchises of all time. The legendary series will take its rightful place as the first entry into the Video Game Hall of Fame, with a special tribute at the 2011 'Video Game Awards� (#VGA) � the network's ninth annual live televised event to celebrate the best in games. Telecasting from Los Angeles, CA and featuring some of the most notable names in video games, Hollywood, music, sports and more, the two-hour event honoring the outstanding achievements within the video game industry over the past year will premiere LIVE on Spike TV, MTV 2 and Spike.com on Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT.

'The �VGAs' always celebrate the best games of the year and preview the future with world premieres,� said Casey Patterson executive producer of the 'VGAs� and executive vice president of event production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group. 'Now our Video Game Hall of Fame will recognize the game franchises throughout history that have brought the industry to where it is today.�

'It is only natural to start with �Zelda,'� said Geoff Keighley, executive in charge, publisher relations, Spike. '�The Legend of Zelda' is a franchise that inspired many of us to see the potential of games when it debuted 25 years ago, one that has successfully transitioned from one game console generation to the next and has continually shown the narrative and artistic potential of the medium.�

'All of us at Nintendo are truly honored to have �The Legend of Zelda' as the first inductee into Spike's Video Game Hall of Fame,� said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. 'As we mark the 25th anniversary of the �Zelda' series, we look forward to the December 10th �VGA' event as a very special way to celebrate with fans and SPIKE viewers around the globe.�

The 2011 'Video Game Awards� will feature world premieres of the most anticipated games of 2012 and beyond. In addition to the previously announced exclusives debuts of BioWare's next project, the next 'Alan Wake� game and 'Metal Gear Solid: Rising,� this year's viewers will get the first look at footage from 'Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6 Patriots,� 'Transformers: Fall of Cybertron� and Most Anticipated Game nominee, 'BioShock Infinite.� Additional exclusives will be announced in the coming weeks.

For additional information about other 'VGA� world exclusives and announcements, fans can log onto VGA.spike.com and get updates via Twitter @SPIKE_TV as well as the hashtag #VGA.

Leading the way with 12 nominations is 'Portal 2� by Valve. Rocksteady Studios' second adventure featuring the Dark Knight, 'Batman: Arkham City� garnered 10 nominations, while the third chapter in the Nathan Drake adventure, 'Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception� by Naughty Dog and independent game 'Bastion� rounded out the top most nominated games with 9 and 5 nods each, respectively.

Nominees for Spike TV's 2011 'Video Game Awards� were determined by the VGA Advisory Council, made up of a group of some of the most well-respected video game journalists from media outlets such as Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Game Informer Magazine, Kotaku, Joystiq, GameSpot, IGN and WIRED.

Below are several of the nominees and categories for Spike TV's 2011 'Video Game Awards.� For a full list, please go to VGA.spike.com.
GAME OF THE YEAR

'Batman: Arkham City� (Warner Bros Interactive / Rocksteady Studios)
'The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim� (Bethesda Softworks / Bethesda Game Studios)
'The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword� (Nintendo)
'Portal 2� (Valve)
'Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception� (Sony Computer Entertainment / Naughty Dog)

STUDIO OF THE YEAR
Bethesda Game Studios
Naughty Dog
Rocksteady Studios
Valve

BEST SHOOTER
'Battlefield 3� (Electronic Arts / DICE)
'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3� (Activision / Infinity Ward / Sledgehammer Games)
'Gears of War 3� (Microsoft Studios / Epic Games)
'Rage� (Bethesda Softworks / Id Software)

BEST INDEPENDENT GAME
'Bastion� (Supergiant Games)
'Minecraft� (Mojang)
'Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP� (Capybara Games)
'The Binding of Isaac� (Edmund McMillen)

For the first time, Viacom Media Networks will broaden the reach and impact of the 2011 'VGAs� by simultaneously airing the show LIVE on both Spike TV and MTV2, as well as on Spike.com. Internationally, the 'VGAs� will air in over 100 countries and territories around the world. In addition, the show will include unique interactive opportunities only available to viewers during the initial live broadcast. Further details will be announced in the weeks to come.

Mark Burnett, Casey Patterson and Carol Donovan will serve as executive producers of Spike TV's 2011 'Video Game Awards.�

The presenting sponsors for the 2011 'Video Game Awards� are the all-new Chevy Sonic, Dr Pepper TEN and KFC Hot Wings. Energizer� Ultimate Lithium is the associate sponsor, with AXE and Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol serving as digital sponsors.

Spike TV is available in 99.8 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is http://www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

"The Legend of Zelda" is a trademark of Nintendo.

Portuguese Retailer Breaking Skyward Sword Street Date

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:09:39 -0400

A few days ago we reported about a Swiss retailer breaking Skyward Sword street date and today we have reports coming about a Portuguese retailer doing the same thing. So if you live in Portugal, check your nearest retailer and you just may be able to score a copy of Zelda: Skyward Sword early.

The Recording of The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Special Orchestra CD #2

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:56:22 -0400

You may remember when we posted about the first part of the recording, well we have the second part for you to enjoy today. Check it out above.

Content Update: Skyward Sword Guide Updates

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:21:44 -0400

We have recently updated several of our Skyward Sword guides. They include: Gear Guide, Boss Guide, Gratitude Crystals Guide, and Crystal Ball Quest. The last one has been created but we are unable to post it until November 20th due to restrictions placed on us. Video's will be available for some of our guides on that date as well. So check them out and let us know what you think is good and what you think is bad.

Zelda: Skyward Sword NYC Launch Event

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:41:32 -0400

Do you live near the New York City area? Well, you are in a lot of luck. Check out the press release below for full details -- you will not want to miss this.

ZELDA FANS INVITED TO MASTER THE SWORD A DAY EARLY AT NINTENDO WORLD
Fans of The Legend of Zelda Series to Experience Epic New Game at Nov. 19 Launch Celebration in New York City

WHAT:
On Nov. 19, one day before the U.S. release of The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword video game for the Wii� console, Nintendo will host a festive launch event at its flagship retail store in New York City, Nintendo World. Attendees can look forward to a variety of memorable offerings, including the unveiling of a Master Sword replica, trivia challenges and a special The Legend of Zelda historical showcase. The event is sure to attract consumers and video game fans from every generation as the fan-favorite Zelda� series celebrates its 25th anniversary.

In addition to celebrating the game's Nov. 20 launch, consumers will be able to purchase the game during the event, making them among the first in the country to bring The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword home. Fans who purchase the game during event hours will also receive a limited-edition poster while supplies last.
For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit
http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

WHO:
Kids, adults, The Legend of Zelda fans and video game fans of all ages

WHEN:
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011
9 a.m. � 1 p.m. ET

9 a.m. � Doors open to consumers

10 a.m. � Unveiling of Master Sword replica

WHERE:
Nintendo World
10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020

VISUALS:
� Fans of all ages dressed in The Legend of Zelda costumes and lining up to be among the first U.S. consumers to purchase the game
� The unveiling of the Master Sword replica and eager consumers taking photos with the replica
� Fans enjoying trivia activities, limited-edition prize giveaways and hands-on demos of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword against a backdrop of large-scale Zelda artwork
� Fans lining up to be among the first to purchase The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Skyward Sword Comic Announced

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:21:39 -0400

Nintendo has issues a press release about them creating a Skyward Sword comic. Check out the full release below.

NINTENDO JOINS FORCES WITH PENNY ARCADE TO CREATE ORIG. COMIC FOR THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD

Nov. 15, 2011

Nintendo has teamed up with the creative team from the popular Penny Arcade online comic strip to create a special comic in celebration of the Nov. 20 launch of The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword for the Wii� console.

Starting today, the first of five weekly comic panels will appear on http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword/comic. The comics include characters and themes from the new game, and are drawn in a style that combines the game's distinctive new look and Penny Arcade's signature style.

"I was 14 when I first played The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past," said Penny Arcade artist Mike Krahulik. "That was 20 years ago, and today I am introducing my son to The Legend of Zelda. The opportunity to work with Nintendo to create a Zelda comic is not only an incredible honor, but quite literally a childhood dream come true."

For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

Awesome! What do you guys think? I can not wait for the comic.

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - Second Dungeon

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:17:56 -0400

We have part 5 of our A Link to the Past video walkthrough. This part picks up where part 4 ended, taking the player through the Second Dungeon. Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube in order to stay up to date on future parts of our video walkthrough.

Was Twilight Princess A Bad Game?

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:09:13 -0400

Our friends over at iNintendo have taken the time to write an article discussing the complaints people had with Zelda: Twilight Princess. Take a look at the excerpt below.

The main complaint pundits have with Twilight Princess is that it's too similar to Ocarina of Time, which is weird considering the outcry for another Zelda title similar to the Nintendo 64 masterpiece. Every Zelda game makes use of the theme of three: three pieces to the Triforce, three dungeons before a major plot change, etc. More than any other Zelda game, Twilight Princess was criticized for continuing the tradition. It seems pretty fickle, to be honest, since Twilight Princess does so many other things well � and, conversely, not so well.
A legitimate complaint of Twilight Princess fewer fans make is that the world, while quite large, is empty. Hyrule Field is fun to ride around in while on horseback, but like the Great Sea in The Wind Waker, there aren't many enemies. At least The Wind Waker had islands to explore, while Twilight Princess only had three total inhabited areas, not counting the small areas that the Gorons and Zoras live in.

While personally I thought Zelda: Twilight Princess was a fantastic game, not nearly as good as Zelda: Skyward Sword but still a wonderful game. So what do you guys think? Was Twilight Princess a bad game?

New Robin Williams Skyward Sword Commercial

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:24:29 -0400

Robin Williams has starred in yet another commercial for Zelda: Skyward Sword. The commercial is titled Origins. You can check it out above.

Europe - Unboxing the Zelda: Skyward Sword Bundle

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:57:30 -0400

The video above is an unboxing of the Europe Skyward Sword bundle. It appears that the Europe version of the bundle includes a separate sleeve for the 25th Orchestra CD, which is included inside the game case on the version of the game I received. Check out the unboxing above and let us know what you think.

Skyward Sword Guide Updates

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:51:13 -0400

We have recently updated several of our Skyward Sword guides -- Empty Bottle Guide, Heart Piece Guide, and Gear Guide -- and they will be constantly updated with each and every piece of new information that becomes available for the specific guides. Screenshots will be added to all guides once available.

Limited Edition Zelda Nintendo 3DS Coming to America

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:38:32 -0400

The image above is taken directly from a recent GameStop advertisement and more or less confirms that the Limited Edition Nintendo 3DS from Europe will make it stateside. We now know that it will include a copy of Ocarina of Time 3D as well as the Zelda 3DS shown below.

GameStop will have the 3DS bundle for $199.99, which is much cheaper then the Australia Zelda 3DS. Now this is awesome for every Zelda fan. These 3DS' look sleek and are a great way to show your Zelda fandom. So what do you think about this news? Did you happen to check out my Skyward Sword review, which is spoiler free?

GameTrailers Skyward Sword Video Review

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:44:09 -0400

GameTrailers has finally released their Skyward Sword review in the form of a video. They gave Skyward Sword a 9.1 out 10. You can check out the full review in the video above

The Legend of Zelda 25th Symphony Hollywood Concert Coverage

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:02:41 -0400

Above you will find some Hollywood Concert footage from the Zelda 25th Anniversary concert. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

In other news, be sure to check out my Skyward Sword review here.

Nintendo 3DS Limited Edition Bundle Coming to Australia

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:15:06 -0400

It now appears that Australia will be getting the Limited Edition Zelda 3DS as well. This time it will not include Ocarina of Time 3D. It is set to launch December 1th at the $248.00 price. You can preorder yours from EB Games here

Swiss Skyward Sword Street Date Broken

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:10:18 -0400

It's official, just like with Ocarina of Time 3D, several retailers are breaking the street date of Skyward Sword. The first report comes in from the Swiss. In other news, be sure to check out my Skyward Sword review here.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0400

Ocarina of Time 3D came out earlier this year and received rave reviews across the board, with me even giving it a 99 out of 100, and became pretty much the best Zelda game I have ever played, but now Skyward Sword gets a crack at surpassing all expectations. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is among the best Zelda games ever created. Ocarina of Time, which is revered as the best in the series, has just met a formidable foe after more than 10 years of waiting. Skyward Sword pulls off what hardly any game ever will, it is simply a masterpiece that every fan MUST pick up and play but does it out do Ocarina of Time 3D, which became the definitive version of Ocarina of Time?

The player will first notice the graphical style that the game boasts, which are comparable to Twilight Princess but more unique in a way that only the candidate for best Zelda game ever could achieve. The graphics are simply flawless with no known defects or frame rate issues. The style of Skyward Sword has grown on me over the many hours I have spent with it over the past couple days. The player notices all the vibrant colors and objects from the second the game starts and will feel as if every blow Link takes has been aimed at themselves - adding an excitement factor that is off the charts during many moments throughout the game.

The world of Skyward Sword - being very dense and compact - has been a candidate on every fan's 'worry list' but let me shed some light on the subject for you - the world in Skyward Sword will blow you away! The game has many areas for the player to tackle and traverse throughout many hours of gameplay with each area being so dense that it takes the player hours in each just to become familiarized and accomplish the task at hand - be it finding key pieces or Kikwi tribe members. Each area holds many secrets for the player to figure out and quickly became one of the best aspects of this game by throwing the player into loops and hurdle's before hanging them out to dry after an intense combat and search session.

Combat is a crucial part of any Zelda game and Skyward Sword takes this to whole new levels with MotionPlus controls. By moving the Wii Remote, the player will notice that Link's sword and other items - such as the Bug net - react by moving in the direction of the remote. This one aspect of Skyward Sword brings untold amounts of gameplay variety and techniques that have simply never been seen before - ANYWHERE! All of the new types of combat entice the player in striving for the next best movements or techniques necessary in order to overcome numerous challenges and hoards of foes that will certainly keep the players on the edge of their seat granted they are not already standing up from all of the gut wrenching and mind blowing fights and new enemies.

The soundtrack of Skyward Sword has become one of my favorites. Each song provides their own style and feel to the scene or action in ways that is sure to keep the player lusting for more. Most of the songs are orchestrated and this has been a big improvement over previous games in the franchise and something that surely will become standard in future installments. The orchestrated soundtrack adds another level to the gameplay and environments of Skyward Sword and every fan is sure to agree when I say that the Legend of Zelda has long deserved a fantastic arrangement of songs played by a spectacular orchestra and composed by none other than the greatest composers.

Dungeons and temples are another staple of the franchise and Skyward Sword remains true to its roots but takes the dungeon to new heights. The debut dungeon - Skyview Temple - will forever remain branded in the fabric of my mind from all of the new types of challenges and obstacles that one must endure. All of the old puzzles have been removed - that's right, no more torch lighting or block sliding puzzles as far as I can see - and brand new concepts and puzzles have creatively riddled the game straight to the core. From tight-rope walking to swinging on vines like Tarzan, Skyward Sword does dungeons better than most Zelda games I have played.

Zelda games have long been full of collectibles and side quests, which is something that is true of Skyward Sword. There are many items to collect and there are even multiple types of items - from Item Upgrade materials to Goddess Cubes. Now one thing that holds Skyward Sword above the rest of the franchise would be the addition of the Item Upgrade and crafting system which really adds a new level of playability and allows the player full control over the types of items and gear they choose to carry for vast amounts of time. The side quests and collectibles of the game are sure to keep those players willing to tackle them intrigued, fascinated, and encapsulate for many hours.

Plot is another important factor in the Legend of Zelda franchise. Skyward Sword's plot is very interesting and has many twists that I never saw coming. It is both intriguing and fascinating. The player is sure to enjoy each and every cut scene throughout the game due to the superior quality of the tale being told - the one that reveals all. The game is sure to keep players wanting more every time they play and just like the graphical style; the story will have you on the edge of your seat or dying from suspense about what will happen right around each and every corner of the game.

Cons
While the game sports many fascinating pros, there are some very minor cons as well. The controls, which work great, take some time before the player is fully comfortable with them. You will have to recalibrate your Wii Remote if it turns off from being inactive or whenever the game feels the calibration is out of whack. Overall, the pros greatly out weight the cons and are barely even worth mentioning.

Overall Score - 100/100
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a masterpiece and timeless classic that every fan will enjoy playing time and time again. The game features a remarkably powerful story and dungeon design that has never been encountered in a Legend of Zelda game before - meaning that Skyward Sword has proven itself as worthy of the title and crown as the BEST ZELDA GAME ever created. It is by far the best Wii game and a must have for any die hard Zelda fan or gamer in general. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword remarkably changes the Zelda model without losing the Zelda feel and has single handedly reinvented the franchise for the better and will be the pioneer of all Zelda games to come.

Elijah Wood Talks Zelda

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:24:24 -0400

Elijah Wood has recently talked about his memories and expectations with the Zelda series. Check out what all he has to say in the video above.

IGN Interview with Aonuma and Kondo

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:21:11 -0400

Eiji Aonuma and Koji Kondo have been giving away interviews like made lately. Check out a rather long but interesting segment from an IGN interview with them below.

IGN: Specifically regarding music and gameplay, stemming from Ocarina of time up until now players have been able to play instruments in Zelda games. I'm curious how you go about developing music that not only sounds good but at the same time a player can actually recreate on a controller?

Kondo: Well, one example is what we've done in Skyward Sword with the instrument, which I think is different from what we've done in other games, and that is that the harp instrument is something that's capable of playing a melody but it's also kind of capable of playing sort of a harmony or playing along with the song as well," Kondo said. "One thing that we've done in Skyward Sword that's different from how we've done it in the past games is there will be times where you'll be playing songs but the harp is also designed so that you can play it really at any point in the game.

As you kind of strum back and forth you'll play music that will work with whatever background music happens to be playing at that time so actually Link can, while he's running through the world can have the harp out and he can be playing the harp while Link is running around and so I think it's something that's very interesting and is an example of how we're continually trying to look at new ways to apply both instruments and music to the Zelda series.

IGN: So Skyward Sword now features orchestrated music for the Zelda franchise. I was curious, it's my understanding that not every portion of the game is orchestrated so I was curious how you determine what musical, music entries were going to be orchestrated and which ones wouldn't be?

Kondo: So one of the, one of the, what's unique in the characteristics of the orchestra is the grand scope of the music that you get from an orchestra as well as its ability to really kind of express emotion and so what we focused in on with this game was using the orchestra to help really sort of provide that grand epic feel to some of those areas where you have some of the sweeping vistas and things like that and then additionally in things like the cinema scenes and some of the more kind of emotional moments in the game using the orchestra performance to really enhance those moments.

IGN: There are twenty-five years of history of Zelda and millions of fans have come to love certain things about it. If I'm on a Loftwing, people are inevitably going to say "where's Epona?" And if I'm traveling through the sky and I don't hear the Hyrule overworld theme people are going to say well "where's that music?" Do you ever feel restricted in the sense that people really want some of these things in every single Zelda game? Do you feel that pressure in terms of making sure these classic elements are in the games?

Aonuma: I'll let Kondo-san talk about the music afterwards but from my perspective, and Ifeel kind of bad saying this, but I generally don't try to take into account the players expectations of what they want from a Zelda game when making a new one.

The reason for that is... players don't necessarily know what they want - we need to be able to surprise them. So where we put a lot of our focus is on creating those new experiences that are going to make the game feel fresh and different. At the same time we're trying to retain what makes a Zelda game unique. Where we might kind of pay a little bit of attention to details like that is less about how can we deliver what we're expecting and more about how can we betray their expectations. That might be through new ideas. It might be taking elements they want and expect to be in there, and putting them in the game in a way that surprises them - or in a place where they're not expecting it.

I think a good example is taking some of those themes or elements and having them tucked away in a place where somebody's not expecting to find it. Then when it does pop up, it's a big surprise for them. From my perspective it's really less about trying to meet all of their expectations, because trying to put everything that everybody wants out of a Zelda game into one game is going to be very difficult. At the same time focusing more on new elements is where the importance is for me, but still working with our team and conveying to them the importance of keeping some of those little touches in there that will keep people happy and at the same time surprise them.

Kondo: Well I've worked on all of the Zelda games up to Majora's Mask and after that it's been more of the younger composers that have been creating the music for the game and they I think have always sort of struggled with how much of the legacy music do we bring back and retain in the new games and how much of it do we create new and my advice to them is always you know, you need to, you need to be able to judge and say that you know, we need to do new things musically and both you know with the themes and things like that but find sort of again those moments that we can still leverage, you know, the classic Zelda themes and some of those classic melodies while still trying to find a way to breathe new life into them.

A good example of that is the main theme for the game. This time when you play it backwards is actually Zelda's lullabye and I was really happy to find out that the team had done that and a little disappointed that the news broke so soon before launch.

Should Zelda Have Her Own Game?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:01:13 -0400

Eiji Aonuma has recently brought up the topic of whether Zelda should be in a game of her own or not, which can been seen by the quote below:

The way we present Zelda is always a topic when we think about creating a game. Normally she would be kidnapped and someone would save her in the end. But this time (with Skyward Sword) we decided to give Zelda more personality and provide more information about her. Of course, in presenting the character in more detail, it can be questioned whether or not she should have her own game. Perhaps it is an idea we can think about in the future, but for now I do not know.

This would be an interesting idea. Zelda has not been the star in any first-party titles but some of you may remember the third-party CD-I adventure -- Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon -- that Zelda was the star. So we beg to ask -- do you think that Zelda should star in a game of her own?

In other news, please welcome Nintendo Nebula to our affiliates list.

Skyward Sword - Skyview Temple Impressions

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:19:26 -0400

Spoilers: You may of seen that we received our review copy of Skyward Sword recently and have been steady playing through it in order to bring you full guides to help you with accomplishing the chore of �finding everything' and overcoming enemies -- Empty Bottles, Bosses, Items, Gear, Item Upgrade, Goddess Cubes -- but enough about the behind the scenes, let's get down to business � the Skyview Temple. The first challenge you must overcome will be the journey to the temple itself as the game constantly throws you curve balls and points you in new directions before you get to accomplish the original goals.

Before you go into the temple, you must save an entire squad of Kikwi's � well, you have to find them more so then save them. Once this has been accomplish, the treacherous journey through the Skyview Temple begins with Link becoming bombarded with giant Skulltula's and the webs they leave behind � not to mention a unique new type of enemy the likes of which have never been seen before in a Zelda game. Just 5 minutes into the temple and the player may get stuck, which is an awesome sign of good things to come.

Skyview Temple is riddled with new kinds of puzzles such as using the new Beetle item in order to hit switches that are in places you would of otherwise never though something could be located. The Beetle really adds a unique spin to the temple, and game, which keeps the player intrigued and wanting more. Soon, you will come to more challenges that have not been seen, which really adds to the overall appeal of Skyward Sword -- all of the new puzzle types and challenges really entice a veteran player of the series and is something that all fans will be sure to enjoy.

The temple really has the right amount of difficulty behind it. The player is sure to feel challenges throughout the dungeon and this will help to keep them playing for hours on end. I know I found myself lost several times before realizing where to go or what to do next, so I am sure that others will feel the same way. The difficulty really intensifies near the end of the dungeon and preps the player for the start of an epic journey.

One last note about the Skyview Temple would be the boss, Lord Ghirahim. This fight is where the MotionPlus controls of the Wii will either shine or crash and burn because he can be pretty tough until you realize what to do to harm him. Overall, Skyward Sword's debut dungeon will leave a lasting impact on the player and help to build a strong understanding of the game's controls -- which can make the game a bit frustrating until you get use to them.

Zelda 25th Anniversary Concert - London Show

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:46:50 -0400

Nintendo has put out a press release concerning the London performance of the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony concert. You can read full details below.

LEGENDARY ATMOSPHERE AT THE LONDON PERFORMANCE OF THE LEGEND OF ZELDA� 25th ANNIVERSARY SYMPHONY

Fans gathered in their thousands at London's HMV Apollo in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Legend of Zelda

Thousands of fans queued around the block for hours to witness the sell-out performance of The Legend of Zelda� 25th Anniversary Symphony performance which took place on 25th October 2011 in London, UK. The excitement in the 3,600 capacity venue was palpable, as fans both young and old, travelled from across Europe to listen to orchestral arrangements handpicked by Nintendo composer Mr Koji Kondo and his team from the iconic video game series. The world famous Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra took to the stage and was joined by a number of surprise guests throughout the evening including Nintendo's Mr Eiji Aonuma and Mr Koji Kondo who have both played pivotal roles in the history of the series.

The evening began with an address from Mr Aonuma who has produced and directed many games within The Legend of Zelda series. As one of the most important creative forces behind the series his attendance at the event was met with rapturous applause from the fans. Mr Aonuma expressed his thanks for the fan support throughout the 25 year history of The Legend of Zelda series and introduced the thousands of fans in attendance to their conductor for the evening, Eimear Noone, who then lead the orchestra and fans on a magical journey through the musical history of the series.

Exclusive to the London performance, Zelda Williams, daughter of the award winning Hollywood actor Robin Williams, acted as surprise guest and compere for the evening as she took to the stage to the delight of the packed house of fans. Delight erupted around the room when she revealed a Triforce logo on the back of her hand and explained how her father had named her after the legendary princess which features within the series. Zelda, who had never hosted an event of this scale before, also spoke movingly about her passion for The Legend of Zelda series whilst growing up and how much her namesake means to her.

The 70 piece orchestra was joined by The London Voices Choir to perform new arrangements including Hyrule Castle Theme, Ocarina Melody Suite and the Kakariko Village - Twilight Princess Theme, all of which was accompanied by classic video footage of The Legend of Zelda series. Each section of the orchestra performed solos using the Ocarina melodies written by Mr Kondo and as a surprise encore; Mr Kondo himself took to the stage to thunderous applause to give a solo piano rendition of Grandma's Theme from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

The emotion in the auditorium was high and energetic, as fans whooped and cheered, giving standing ovations to the orchestral performances, many of them having waited for hours outside the venue to hear the performance and some even dressed as Zelda and Link. Fans also flooded Twitter throughout the evening with comments such as 'enchanting�, 'beautiful� and 'magical� to describe the evening; many expressed their long standing love of the series since its humble beginnings.

The finale of the performance was once again introduced by Mr Aonuma to much delight and emotion from the fans. He moved the thoughts of the audience on from the past 25 years of The Legend of Zelda series to the latest instalment, The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword. After discussing the upcoming release and its place in the series Mr Aonuma introduced a performance of the new theme for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Laurent Fischer, Managing Director, Marketing & PR at Nintendo of Europe, said: 'We were blown away by the atmosphere, passion and excitement expressed by the fans. People travelled from across Europe and queued for hours, they were having a lot of fun and it truly was a magical evening. We see this as an absolutely fitting way to celebrate such an important anniversary � 25 years of The Legend of Zelda series � and the impending European launch of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword on 18th November.�

"It was truly an honour and privilege bringing The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Orchestra Concert to London. It was an unforgettable experience and something we hope to do again in the future!" says producers Jason Michael Paul and Jeron Moore of Jason Michael Paul Productions, Inc.

Fans that missed out on attending the concert will be pleased to know that they will be able to get their hands on an exclusive CD* featuring selected orchestral arrangements of iconic music spanning the history of the franchise that were performed as part of The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony performances when they buy their copy of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Nintendo 3DS� owners will also have the chance to receive via SpotPass� on Nintendo Video� a special 3D video of The Legend of Zelda Main Theme Melody which was performed as part of The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony performances. Keep an eye out as special 3D clips of Ballad of the Goddess from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Great Fairy's Fountain Theme from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past will also become available on Nintendo Video before the end of the year.

For more information about The Legend of Zelda visit www.thelegendofzelda.co.uk

For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword visit www.nintendo.co.uk/skywardsword

For more information on The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary visit www.zelda25th.co.uk

E3 2011 Skyward Sword Demo Walkthrough

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:18:45 -0400

The video above is footage of the E3 2011 demo version of Skyward Sword and shows how to complete the entire demo. It may contain spoilers, so watch at your own risk.

The Recording of The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Special Orchestra CD

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:34:20 -0400

Above you can see a small feature behind the recording of the Legend of Zelda Anniversary special orchestra CD. While it does not go into great details, it does provide footage of the performers while being recorded. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

So guess what? Skyward Sword is Finally Here!

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:50:58 -0400

That's right, our copy of Skyward Sword just got here from our local FedEx. While we did not receive the Limited Edition Skyward Sword bundle like the previous recipients, the game is here and that is all that matters -- right? We will be providing more coverage in the coming days, granted it does not break our full page of restrictions. Please let us know in the comments what you would like us to try to talk about.

A Link to the Past 3D Possibility?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:22:35 -0400

Eiji Aonuma has recently spoken about Miyamoto's interests in recreating A Link to the Past for the Nintendo 3DS but nothing has been confirmed yet. Check out the quote below.

"Well actually, even Mr. Miyamoto himself has been talking recently about going back to the 2D Zelda games," he said, "in particular the ones that were designed with multiple levels to the world like A Link to the Past, and taking those 2D graphics and recreating them in 3D so that you could get a sense for the depth of those worlds. That's something that might be interesting to do, so I would say there might be a possibility of something like that in the future."

Radio Hyrule: Zelda Bundle Giveaway

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:12:04 -0400

Radio Hyrule are giving everyone the chance to win a Limited Edition version of Skyward Sword from an upcoming giveaway. Check out the details below or at the source link.

Want a chance to win a Limited Edition copy of Skyward Sword when it comes out next weekend? It's easy! All you have to do is "Like" our Facebook page and share the contest post publicly on your own wall. Once you do that, you will be entered into a random drawing in which one person will be chosen as the recipient of a free Limited Edition copy of Skyward Sword, a value of $69.99.
The prize drawing will be held LIVE on Radio Hyrule on Tuesday, November 15th at 8pm ET. Once announced, the winner will have 25 minutes to post on our Facebook wall to claim their prize. Do you have what it takes? Good luck!

So do you want to take them up on the chance to win Skyward Sword? Let us know in the comments.

Nintendo's 2012 Concert Series For The Legend of Zelda Press Release

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:11:20 -0400

Nintendo of America has release details pertaining to the 2012 tour for the Legend of Zelda concert series. Check out the details below.

NINTENDO'S 2012 CONCERT SERIES FOR THE LEGEND OF ZELDA WILL KICK OFF IN DALLAS

Dallas Symphony Orchestra to Play 'Symphony of the Goddesses' on Jan. 10

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 8, 2011 - Video game fans in the Lone Star State will soon be able to experience Nintendo's musical tribute to The Legend of Zelda� video game series. On Jan. 10, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform orchestral arrangements of music from the game's 25-year history accompanied by video content from the games themselves. This new concert series will go on tour across the United States in 2012 as The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Tickets for the Dallas performance are now available at Ticketmaster and range in price from $19 to $115. Through Nov. 30, tickets are available to Club Nintendo� members at a 15 percent discount.

Nintendo has teamed up with Jason Michael Paul Productions, Inc. to provide video game fans with the ultimate musical experience for The Legend of Zelda. The highlight of this new musical program is a full four-movement symphony that will guide fans through a musical retelling of key chapters from The Legend of Zelda franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concerts will be conducted by Irish-born conductor Eimear Noone, and the multimedia show will pair iconic music and gorgeous visuals from classic Zelda titles, including the newest game in the series, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii� console.

"The love that fans feel for The Legend of Zelda series cannot be overstated," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "In 2012, we want to give people across the country a chance to come together and enjoy the music from the games that mean so much to so many."

"The Legend of Zelda is as close to our hearts as it is for the fans," said Jeron Moore, producer for Jason Michael Paul Productions, Inc. "The tour will be something both fans of the franchise and music enthusiasts alike won't want to miss."

Additional performance dates will be announced in the future. For more information about the concerts, visit http://www.zelda-symphony.com. For more information about the ticket discount available to Club Nintendo members, please visit http://club.nintendo.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii� home console, Nintendo 3DS� and Nintendo DS� family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System�, Nintendo has sold more than 3.8 billion video games and more than 610 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi� and Nintendo DSi XL�, as well as the Game Boy�, Game Boy Advance, Super NES�, Nintendo 64� and Nintendo GameCube� systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario�, Donkey Kong�, Metroid�, Zelda� and Pok�mon�. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

[UPDATE] Nintendo 3DS Limited Edition Bundle

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:40:40 -0400

[UPDATE] Official release date updated. Check below for the date.

Do you live in Europe? Then you are in luck, because Nintendo is releasing a limited edition Nintendo 3DS bundle that includes Ocarina of Time 3D and the Zelda themed 3DS shown above on 25th November 2011. So do you want this bundle? Let us know in the comments.

Seek Out The Master Sword In Toronto's New Treasure Hunt

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:11:43 -0400

Examiner has recently announced a treasure or scavenger hunt so to say in anticipation for the upcoming release of Skyward Sword. So if you live around Toronto, check out some details below or at the source link.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will soon be available from Nintendo for the Wii console, but have you the courage to step up and challenge the evil Lord Ghirahim before the time foretold in prophecy?

If you wish to step up to the challenge before November 20th, then you will need to seek out the legendary Master Sword (pictured). There, you will find a special QR code which can be scanned with a program on your intelligent mobile communications apparatus (i.e. smart phone), revealing the details of where your quest will take you next.

How Skyward Sword Makes Good on the Promise of the Wii

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:48 -0400

Game Pro has released an article on why they believe that Skyward Sword makes good on the promise of Wii. Check out an excerpt below and beware that spoilers may lurk around the corner.

But after five years and countless experiments, I feel like Skyward Sword is the game that Nintendo wanted when they set out to develop the Wii. It's that fresh experience that we were promised when it was still called the "Revolution. Or the experience that I wanted, at least.

Thus far, the new motion controls have forced me to approach each enemy differently. They've made me think in ways that haven't really come up in a Zelda game before. They've made for unique encounters that wouldn't really have been possible in the past, like the boss who was basically there to troll me. This is the kind of game that I expected to be playing back in 2007 and 2008.

Huh? The desert becomes a sea?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:07:59 -0400

You may remember our Skyward Sword World Revamp article that we posted over a week ago where we discussed a new mechanic that Skyward Sword features, well we have some updates to this information. The following contains spoilers. The desert becomes a sea throughout the game. Check out some quotes below:

Fujino:
I'm Fujino, also from EAD. I worked on the second area. The game field I worked on used the transformation system just mentioned. The desert becomes a sea and...

Iwata:
Huh? The desert becomes a sea?

Fujino:
Yes. (laughs) When the desert becomes a sea, you use a boat for transportation.

Iwata:
Huh? You cross a desert in a boat?!

Fujino:
Yes. (laughs) The dungeon you eventually arrive at is a stage set on a ship drifting around a desert sea. I worked on that, too.

Interesting? Let us know in the comments.

Some Skyward Sword Flying Footage

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:29:51 -0400

The video above may contain spoilers. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's release date is right around the corner and new details and footage keep flowing from all corners of the internet. Check out some footage of Link flying around in the video above. While this may not be new information, we can tell that you control Link's companion in the same manner as Epona from Ocarina of Time 3D -- interesting? Let us know in the comments.

MCV Celebrates 25 Years of Zelda

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:39:38 -0400

MCV has released a free digital edition of their magazine for the 25th Anniversary of the Legend of Zelda. It takes the reader down the road of memories over the franchises last 25 years. It is chalk full of information and images. They also feature some Skyward Sword coverage. You can download the PDF here.

New Skyward Sword NA Commercial - Falling Swords

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:11:58 -0400

Above you can see the newest North American commercial for Skyward Sword, which has been deemed Falling Swords. It was an interesting watch, so check it out and let us know what you think.

Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal: Kaepora Gaebora Theme

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:22:42 -0400

This is the first ever Weekly Dose of Zelda Metal and we thought that no one could do this article justice better then Jim Cook's Kaepora Gaebora Theme, which can be herd in all its glory in the video above. The Kaepora Gaebora theme is from Ocarina of Time 3D and Jim Cook has masterfully redone it into the style of metal -- and every Zelda fan can enjoy this. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

1up: Ten New Things in Skyward Sword

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:28:36 -0400

1up has released an article detailing what they believe are the ten new things in Skyward Sword that will make the game exciting. Here are the top three:

1. Motion controls

This is a big one, isn't it? The use of Wii motion isn't completely new to the series, but the way they've been integrated here is radically different -- and better -- than the simplistic waggle of Twilight Princess. Sure, it seemed pretty novel to pretend to swing a sword five years ago, but once the newness wore off it didn't bring much to the game besides the occasional flurry of motion when tackling a big bad guy. Skyward Sword's Wii Motion Plus support is completely different, not only because of its precision but also because -- unlike Twilight Princess -- the game was built around the technology from the ground up.

2. A true central hub

The town of Skyloft is unusual for the Zelda games in that it seems likely to serve as a genuine hub for the duration of the adventure. Previous titles have featured large central cities, such as Twilight Princess' Castle Town, but none of them have been designed to serve as such a clearly designated base of operations for the entire adventure (the sole exception being Clock Town in Majora's Mask, a game that broke a lot of rules for the series). Skyloft is a first for a traditional Zelda game, and Link constantly returns to his hometown, unlocking new features and areas as he grows in power and abilities. The investment Nintendo has poured into Skyloft's design and inhabitants definitely reinforces the game's Wind Waker vibe.

3. A crafting system

One essential role that Skyloft plays is in playing host to a forge where Link can enhance his items and equipment. By gathering various consumable items throughout the quest, you can improve shields, potions, and more. Crafting is hardly a new addition to video games, and the system in play here is mercifully less involved than in something like World of Warcraft or Dragon Quest IX -- it's more an optional bonus for thorough players than a mandatory timesink.

Now I can not wait to try out all three of these things, especially the crafting system. What are your thoughts? You can check out the full list over at the source link.

Content Update: Skyward Sword Empty Bottle Guide

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:05:11 -0400

The release date for Skyward Sword is right around the corner so we have launched our Skyward Sword Empty Bottle Guide just now in order to begin getting ready. The guide covers how to obtain every bottle in Skyward Sword and will be updated with more details whenever they become available.

Humor: Link Confessions

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:33:22 -0400

The following video contains a couple vulgar words so do not be surprised.

YouTube KingQuo has created a video named Link Confessions where he does a cosplay of Link confessing his inner feelings after the events that took place in the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. When questioned about why he created the video, KingQuo had this to say...

I've always been a fan of the Zelda series. My sister and I grew up with a super nintendo, and "a link to the past". Naturally, when we got a nintendo 64 I discovered the greatest game ever. My sister and I both have Link costumes, and we almost named our cat link! (I still wish we did) On top of all that, I make youtube videos. I've been doing it for a couple years on various channels, and, although always thinking about making a Link video of some sort, I never got around to it.
It had to be good! Recently I bought new lights, so the quality could be significantly better, and I figured, it's about time I make a Link video! I did it on the game EVERYONE is most familiar with, because I know the audience is already a bit of a niche, but I love Link, and I love comedy. The two weren't hard for me to put hand in hand.

So what are your thoughts about this little piece of Zelda humor?

Is Skyward Sword Another 10?

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:46:08 -0400

GameInformer has recently released a small portion of their Skyward Sword review and we have the scoop. This may contain spoilers but here is what GI had to say:

Skyward Sword's combat and puzzle-solving rise above the majority of Wii releases (and even most recent Zelda games) thanks to the clever and challenging implementation of motion controls. Most Zelda titles have simplistic combat where mashing a single button turns into a frenzy of flourish-filled combos. Skyward Sword demands a much higher level of patience and mastery. The direction you swing the Wii remote directly correlates to the angle the sword slices in-game, and enemies are smart and fast enough to block incoming attacks.
I had concerns that carefully plotting my attacks for every swing would get boring or frustrating, but the opposite was true. I've never felt as engaged or interested in the combat portion of a Zelda game as with Skyward Sword. If you run into a group of enemies waggling the Wii remote like a madman, you will be torn to shreds. Success in swordplay depends on studying opponents' moves and attacking at the right time and from the right angle. When the correct method to defeat each foe finally clicked, I felt a sense of satisfaction that repeatedly tapping the A button never provided.
This impressive combat system leads to some of the most interesting boss battles in the series' history. Whether you're fighting a giant scorpion or a sword-swinging robot, Skyward Sword rarely falls back on the formula of using a tool to knock out the boss and then attacking it three times in a row. You need to be much smarter and much more persistent to best these bad guys. In fact, the last two boss encounters are the most difficult fights in any Zelda game thus far.

So while that is good and all, what score did Skyward Sword receive? While GameInformer was not allowed to present their full review they were able to release the score. Skyward Sword received a perfect 10/10!

IGN - Final Skyward Sword Preview Video

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:39:42 -0400

IGN has recently released their final preview for the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and it is a good one; however, it may contain spoilers. Check it out above or at the source link and let us know what you think in the comments.

GameTrailers Skyward Sword Preview Video

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:51:22 -0400

GameTrailers has released a preview for the upcoming game: Skyward Sword. It shows off some new footage and does contain spoilers. Watch it at your own risk.

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - Getting to the Second Dungeon

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:38:27 -0400

We have part 4 of our A Link to the Past video walkthrough. This part picks up where part 3 ended, taking the player to the Second Dungeon. Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube in order to stay up to date on future parts of our video walkthrough.

GameSpot - Skyward Sword Pre-review Footage

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:21:45 -0400

The video above is a pre-review teaser video from GameSpot concerning the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It may contain spoilers. We see some footage of a few different enemies and puzzles that has not been seen before, so check it out unless you are avoiding spoilers.

Nintendo TV - Sonic Generations, Skyward Sword

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:19:33 -0400

Above you see a promo for Nintendo TV's next episode. The episode will feature Sonic Generations along with the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Check out the promo above.

Skyward Sword Third Dungeon - A Skyward Sword Diary

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:02:34 -0400

Nintendo World Report has recently posted another part of their Skyward Sword diary. This entry gives an insight into the Lanaryu Desert and Lanaryu Mining Facility. Take a look at the excerpt below.

The Bokoblins in this area wield electricity, which highlights the strength/weakness dichotomy of the wooden and metal shields. Historically, you just discard the wooden shield in Zelda games after you get the bigger, badder metal one. In this game, you have to go back to the wooden one, as electricity destroys the metal one.

After getting through the large desert, you get closer to the next dungeon: The Temple of Time. However, it's a fake out. You see, when Zelda and her newfound helper, who first appeared at the end of the second dungeon, arrived, they blocked the entrance. The little robot dudes have a secret entrance, though, and after completing the customary fetch quest - this time involving activating three switches - you enter the Lanayru Mining Facility, which is the real third dungeon.

What is your take on this new type of enemy -- ones having the power of electric weapons? What about the 'little robot dudes' seen in the screenshot above?

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Commercial

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:56:04 -0400

Above you see a Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword past to present commercial of a man who grew up with the Legend of Zelda series is now able to show his son the next installment.

New Skyward Sword Trailers - Lanaryu Desert and Lanaryu Mining Facility

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:50:29 -0400

Nintendo of America has released two new trailers regarding the Lanaryu Desert and Lanaryu Mining facility that you can view below. Everything beyond this point will contain spoilers. In the Lanaryu Desert trailer, we see some footage of the Clawshot that we posted about earlier. You can see that it is the same two handed design as the Double Clawshot from Twilight Princess, which I must say was one of my favorite weapons. On top of that, we also see the Gust Jar that we mentioned earlier in the Lanaryu Mining Facility trailer. You check them out in their entirety below.

New Skyward Sword Screenshots - Lanaryu Desert and More

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:23:46 -0400

You may remember when we posted the last batch of screenshots about the Fire Sanctuary and other places in Skyward Sword. Well, we have some screenshots today pertaining to the Lanaryu Desert, Lanaryu Mining, and other new areas that we posted footage of earlier. Check out the screenshots below.

So what are your thoughts of the new screenshots?

Adventure in the Desert Awaits Link in the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:48:27 -0400

Nintendo of America has released a new PR concerning the area we posted about earlier. This article has spoilers. They released details on two new items -- the Claw Shots and the Gust Jar. The Claw Shots allow players to pull themselves toward areas that are out of reach while, the Gust Jar can blow air that will stun enemies or unblock paths covered in sand. Check out the full press release below.

ADVENTURE IN THE DESERT AWAITS LINK IN THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD FOR WII

Nov. 4, 2011

Nintendo has revealed more details about the captivating areas, items and game play in the massive The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword game, launching exclusively for the Wii� system on Nov. 20. This week, Link� journeys through the Lanayru Desert, where he must find his way through the puzzles in the Lanayru Mining Facility, sail across a sea of sand and discover new items to add to his collection. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

Lanayru Desert and the Lanayru Mining Facility: In this vast area, surrounded in all directions by sand, Link must search for the Lanayru Mining Facility. As strange a place as this is, Link will encounter characters both new and familiar, such as Gorons. Inside the Lanayru Mining Facility, Link will follow the path of mine carts through this expansive area, experiencing new puzzles and challenges. He must also face the dungeon boss Moldera, a fearsome giant scorpion.

Sand Ship: Late in his quest, Link returns to a different area of the Lanayru Desert as he sails across a sea of sand in search of a hidden ship.

New Items: In the desert, Link will receive two new items � the Claw Shots and the Gust Jar. The Claw Shots allow players to grapple and pull themselves toward otherwise unreachable areas. The Gust Jar can blow a burst of air to stun enemies or clear paths through piles of sand. Players will find the Gust Jar essential to solving the puzzles in the Lanayru Mining Facility.

Nintendo will continue to regularly provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote� Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that were performed at The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert on Oct. 21 in Los Angeles.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword/.

Eiji Aonuma on Zelda 3DS and Majora's Mask remake

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:23:58 -0400

Eiji Aonuma has recently told the site My Games that a brand new Zelda for the Nintendo 3DS is being developed. This is awesome news for every fan of the series.

We are already preparing a new game, a game in the series for the Nintendo 3DS, but don't think that it is a direct sequel to the Zelda titles released on DS. We are talking about a new game, but it takes much of what has been done on previous consoles.

With regards to Majora's Mask being remade for the Nintendo 3DS, Aonuma said:

It's something I'm asked about often and I assure you that it is something I've spoken to Miyamoto about. But recently we released The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D as a remake. We are considering the idea, but it didn't seem right to launch a remake one after another, so the next Zelda game on 3DS will be original.

There we have it, Zelda 3DS is being worked on and Majora's Mask 3DS is being considered, so what are your thoughts?

New Skyward Sword Footage - Lanaryu Desert, Fi, and More

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:55:24 -0400

The footage below is from this weeks updates to the Japanese Zelda site. We see footage of the Lanaryu Desert, Lanaryu Mining, Fi gameplay, and more. Check the video's out below and beware of spoilers.

The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Celebration - Clare Grant and Seth Green

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:51:27 -0400

Clare Grant and Seth Green show some Zelda love in the video above. Check i tout and let us know what you think.

Skyward Sword Impressions: Digital Chumps

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:45:53 -0400

The folks over at Digital Chumps have recently received a copy of Skyward Sword and have written about the first 10 hours of the game. Check out an excerpt below:

Anyway�so, without further delay, my initial thoughts on the game are that, first off, it's huge. Even the starting town where Link lives, Skyloft, features quite a bit more to do than in previous Zelda games. It's a fairly large and intricate place, with plenty of hidden secrets and mystery. Right off the bat, you'll be confronted with treasure chests you either can't reach or can't open (think the Sealed Chests in Chrono Trigger), which immediately communicates the scope and complexity of the adventure ahead of you. I've also already encountered numerous hookshot targets and other elements of the environment of which I've not yet been able to take advantage.

Check out the source link for the full impressions of the first 10 hours of Skyward Sword.

More Skyward Sword Character Models [HUGE SPOILERS]

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:44:38 -0400

We have some more Skyward Sword character models for you viewing pleasure. These are far more a spoiler then the last batch we presented yesterday. Only two images will be shown, the third and biggest spoiler will have to be clicked to be viewed.

Possible Skyward Sword Final Boss

GT.TV Zelda 25th Anniversary Interview

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:26:29 -0400

GTTV has recently released a video interview about the Zelda 25th Anniversary concerts and about music in the Zelda franchise in general. The interview is with both Koji Kondo and Eiji Aounuma, so check it out above!

What? A Shotgun?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:48:33 -0400

What you see above is ~Life with Navi~ by YouTuber artistgamergal. I found it funny and wanted to share it with you all. What do you think about it?

Skyward Sword Origins Trailer

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:42:08 -0400

You may remember a few days ago when we posted about the GTTV Skyward Origins Trailers, well Nintendo of America has released the trailer and we have taken the opportunity to upload it to our YouTube channel as well as embed it for you to see above. The trailer is where we got the shots for our Skyward Sword world revamp article. This trailer contains spoilers, so view it at your own risks. So what do you think about this trailer? Did you watch it when we originally posted it?

New Skyward Sword Character Models

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:46:48 -0400

Below we have some new Skyward Sword character models. They include a Mogma, Kikwi, Scaldera, and more.

Zelda Day: Nottingham

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:42:34 -0400

Recently over in Nottingham's GameCity, they had Zelda Day. Check out the footage above.

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - First Dungeon

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:21:56 -0400

We have part 3 of our A Link to the Past video walkthrough. This part picks up where part 2 ended, taking the player through the First Dungeon. Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube in order to stay up to date on future parts of our video walkthrough.

Legend of Zelda Manga Box Set Update

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:45:23 -0400

You may remember a few days ago when we posted about the Legend of Zelda Manga box set. This is a update for those interested in the Legend of Zelda Manga box set. It is now on sell over at Amazon for $44.09, which is a 37% discount off the original price of $69.99. You receive free shipping with your purchase. There is no telling how long this deal will last, so snatch your copy today!

A Brief History Behind Fi

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:44:25 -0400

In the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Link has a sidekick that has yet to make an appearance in any other game but provides similar advice and information that Navi did from Ocarina of Time 3D but how did Fi come to tuition in Link's next adventure? Check out some quotes below for the answers.

Iwata:
How did that trusty aide named Fi come about?

Fujibayashi:
A sidekick is necessary in the Legend of Zelda series.

Iwata:
In a game where you do so much, I suppose it is asking a little much to expect the players to figure everything out and discover everything on their own without a sidekick.

Fujibayashi:
And Link doesn't talk, so Fi was absolutely necessary to represent Link's emotions and explain the vast world of the game. And while keeping her function as a sidekick, we made her to be a character with personality like never before so she would mesh with the script.

Iwata:
When Link calls forth Fi, she offers hints and advice.

Fujibayashi:
Yes.

While there is nothing new in terms of Skyward Sword news, you can get an idea behind the direction the development team took with creating Fi. Do you think that Fi will become as infamous as Navi? Or do you think Fi will become the definition of sidekick?

What?!? My Shield Broke?!?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:36:19 -0400

The shield has been a staple in the Zelda franchise since the beginning and it returns in style for the upcoming title: the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. There are several new aspects to the shield in Skyward Sword including a new gauge, which if it becomes depleted causes the shield to break.

Kiuchi:
When the gauge is completely depleted, the Shield shatters.

Another new property that the shield possesses -- the Shield Attack -- will prove to be useful in various situations. The Shield Attack allows the player to thrust the shield towards the opponent, harming him or blocking attacks possibly. The player must keep in mind the �shield gauge' while performing said attacks or else they risk breaking the shield.

Fujibayashi:
But there's a problem. If you could do a Shield Attack without any risk, Link would be too strong. For that reason, if you don't do it right, the Shield's gauge runs down.

While the shield was not used extensively in other titles, the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword changes all of this. The shield gauge, shield attack, and being able to break the shield should provide the player with many new gameplay possibilities as well as opportunities. Check out some quotes below for a possible detail or two that has not been mentioned.

Fujibayashi:
Yes. Then one day, when Miyamoto-san was fighting during a test-play, that series of attacks came and he defended with his shield. That is, of course, one correct action, but the strength of the attack hadn't been adjusted yet, so there was a kawham! and the Shield broke. Miyamoto-san was stunned and said, "My shield..." (laughs)

Everyone:
(laughs)

Fujibayashi:
You're supposed to fight with your eyes on your opponent, but while we were watching, something unexpected happened. A chill settled over the room.

Iwata:
I think I sort of wanted to see that reaction. (laughs) The Shield wasn't originally something that breaks, but this time it does.

Fujibayashi:
Yes.

Iwata:
Why did you make the Shield breakable?

Fujibayashi:
This time, we talked with Miyamoto-san about the Shield as much as Link's sword and put in gameplay suited to swordfights. There's an action called Shield Attack. For example, when it looks like an enemy is going to beat you, if you hold out your left hand, which holds the Nunchuk, you can attack with the Shield.

Kiuchi:
You control intuitively as if you really have a shield on your left arm, so it feels awesome when your Shield Attack is effective.

Iwata:
The onscreen movement matches how your body feels.

Kiuchi:
Exactly. Your two hands synchronize with Link holding his sword in his right and his shield with his left. And when you take an attack from an enemy and think "Uh-oh!" you can thrust with your shield and turn an ugly situation into a good opportunity.

Fujibayashi:
But there's a problem. If you could do a Shield Attack without any risk, Link would be too strong. For that reason, if you don't do it right, the Shield's gauge runs down.

Kiuchi:
When the gauge is completely depleted, the Shield shatters.

Fujibayashi:
At that time, we had exaggerated the force of the attacks to test gameplay surrounding Shield Attacks.

Iwata:
Aha. That's why Miyamoto-san's shield broke. (laughs) But the first time we talked, we talked about how, in that fight against Ghirahim, it would be effective to stop the sword and attack by tricking him.

So what do you think about the new and improved shield of Skyward Sword? Do you think it will prove to be useful or just become an annoyance?

[UPDATE] Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Zelda/Robin Williams Advertisement

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:42:58 -0400

Zelda and Robin Williams has teamed up with Nintendo Greek to create the advertisement you see above for the upcoming title, the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. You can see footage of how the bow and arrows work during the advertisement. What do you think about both the ad and the bow usage?

[UPDATE] Nintendo Greek removed the video from their YouTube channel but we found it on another user's channel.

Skyward Sword: Full Map Revealed

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:25:22 -0400

The full Skyward Sword map has been uncovered recently from the official Zelda site by fans who took it upon themselves to dig deeper then the average user would. None of the locations are marked on the map. So do you think this is the full map or are some areas missing?

YouTube Channel

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:12:20 -0400

We have been updating our YouTube channel with all the latest Skyward Sword trailers and we have also been adding parts for our A Link to the Past video walkthrough. Now is the best time ever to subscribe to us on YouTube so that you can stay up-to-date with all the latest Skyward Sword trailers and everything else we have planned. So why not go subscribe?

Skyward Sword - World Revamp

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 01:55:09 -0400

Possible Spoilers

After viewing the Skyward Sword Origins Trailer that premiered on GTTV the other night, one is left wondering about a lot of stuff such as what is going on in the desert from the above screenshot. We have gone through the Origins trailer and picked out a few select screenshots. Take a look below.

So as we can see, Skyward Sword appears to have a mechanic that makes the 'world revamp' so to say as the player progresses through the story. We can see from the above that bridges and other scenery changes drastically throughout the game. As well as scenery, we can also tell that new enemies appear.

Iwata:
I see. So to Hiramuki-san, there's a single thread connecting Pikmin, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Hiramuki:
That's right. Pikmin has 30 days and the distribution of the creatures changes each day, and they grow up. I hope people will enjoy how, as the story progresses, the forest changes in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The last time you visit, something unbelievable happens.

Iwata:
Oh?

Hiramuki:
But I can't say any more. (laughs)

So with all the screenshot evidence, and some quotes from a recent Iwata Asks article, one can be certain that Skyward Sword's world revamps itself throughout the game and becomes something truly magnificent to look at, which has yet to be seen. What is your take on all of this?

Content Update: Four Swords Boss Guide

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:56:33 -0400

A few days ago, we launched our Four Swords Boss Guide for Four Swords Anniversary Edition. This guide provides tips and tricks to help you along your journey of defeating every boss in the game. It holds the information needed to defeat every boss -- Big Manhandla, Delu Zol, Great Flame, and Vaati -- so go check out our Four Swords Boss Guide if you are in need of any help.

Zelda 25th Symphony Track Details

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:01:53 -0400

TheBitBeacon has released all of the tracks from the Zelda 25th Symphony concert in LA. You can listen to all of the tracks below.

Ruto's Fan Art: Sheik, Link, Fado

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:33:02 -0400

We have some fan art for you today. These image were drawn by our staff member Ruto. They are Sheik and Fado from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D as well as Link from Legend of Zelda. Check them out below.

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - Getting to First Dungeon

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:13:02 -0400

Here is Part 2 of our A Link to the Past video walkthrough. It picks up directly where Part 1 ends. This part takes the player from the Sanctuary, through the village, and up to the entrance of the First Dungeon.

Link Journeys Back Into the Heat of the Action

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:51:50 -0400

Nintendo of America has released a new press release concerning the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. They reveal information about some new items and areas. It may contain spoilers but you can check it out below.

LINK JOURNEYS BACK INTO THE HEAT OF THE ACTION IN THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD FOR WII

Nintendo has revealed more details about the captivating areas, items and game play in the massive The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword game, launching exclusively for the Wii� system on Nov. 20. This week, Link� continues his epic quest and travels back to the Eldin Volcano as additional discoveries have uncovered new portions of the map. Players will dig the new items and find a new way to traverse through this area. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

� Return to the Eldin Volcano and the Fire Sanctuary: Link travels back to this volcanic area to journey into the Fire Sanctuary, a dungeon that sits on top of the volcano's summit.

� New Items: In the Fire Sanctuary, Link receives yet another new item - the Mogma Mitts. Using these, he is able to access underground tunnels by digging through soft patches in the ground to explore the subterranean areas in this dungeon.

� The Quest Continues: As Link makes his way through this treacherous area and continues on his quest to find and help Zelda�, a massive eruption throws him from atop the volcano.

� More Fun in the Skies: When Link returns to Skyloft he can look forward to a multitude of fun diversions, including Pumpkin Pull, a challenging game of target shooting that involves flying pumpkins.

Nintendo will continue to regularly provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote� Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that were performed at The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert on Oct. 21 in Los Angeles.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword/.

Along with this press release, we also have some new Skyward Sword screenshots, a Fire Sanctuary trailer, and a Volcano Summit trailer. So what do you think about these new details?

Skyward Sword - Volcano Summit Trailer

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:34:45 -0400

The trailer above is the Volcano Summit from Skyward Sword. It may contain spoilers. Also, check out the Skyward Sword Fire Sanctuary Trailer.

Skyward Sword - Fire Sanctuary Trailer

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:17:59 -0400

The trailer above is for the Fire Sanctuary of Skyward Sword. It contains spoilers. Also, check out the Skyward Sword Volcano Summit Trailer.

New Skyward Sword Screenshots - Fire Sanctuary, Volcano Summit

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:33:30 -0400

Nintendo of America has released 25 new screenshots for Skyward Sword. They include shots of the Fire Sanctuary and the Volcano Summit . It could contain spoilers so look at your own risk.

The screenshots above are just as fascinating as the previous batch. What do you think?

VIZ Media Announces The Legend Of Zelda Manga Box Set

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:00:48 -0400

VIZ Media, the distributor of the Legend of Zelda manga, have recently announced the Legend of Zelda Manga Box Set. The box set carries an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $80.99 CAN and will feature all 10 volumes of the manga. This includes Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords, and Phantom Hourglass as well as others. Check out the full press release below.

San Francisco, CA, October 26, 2011 � VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight gamers and manga (graphic novel) fans nationwide with the release of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set, just in time to celebrate the series' 25th Anniversary. The set, available in stores now, is rated 'A' for All Ages, includes all 10 volumes of the fantasy action adventure series as well as a full color poster, and carries an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $80.99 CAN.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, and is the best selling role-playing, puzzle-solving, action title for Nintendo video game platforms. More information on the history of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and its anniversary is available at: www.zelda.com/25th.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series takes place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the Triforce. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named Link sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to Zelda, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!

"THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set bundles Link's entire magical quest into a single collection that is a must-read for any true fan of the classic video game," says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, Children's Publishing. "The series wonderfully transforms the game's fast-paced action into a linear storyline, and has been a consistent bestseller since VIZ Media published the first volume in 2008. This new box set is an eye-catching way to revisit the entire series and commemorate the 25th Anniversary of this groundbreaking game title."

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series was created by Akira Himekawa, which is the pen name of two women known simply as A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair have created nine manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons and FOUR SWORDS. Their most recent work, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, was serialized in Japan in the kid's magazine Shogaku Rokunensei, published by Shogakukan.

For more information on the THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series, please visit: www.viz.com/the-legend-of-zelda.

The Orlando Operation

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:35:40 -0400

The Orlando Operation was created by Nicole Johnson and is a petition to bring the Zelda 25th Symphony to Orlando, Florida. Check out the details from Nicole herself:

My name is Nicole Johnson and I would love for the Zelda Symphony Concerts 2012 to come to Orlando, Florida. I have set up an online petition along with a Facebook group under the name The Orlando Operation in hopes of bringing the tour to the "city beautiful." My goal is to have at least 1000 signatures by the end of November and send it to Nintendo through various mediums to try to get their attention.

You can sign the petition directly here and like the Orlando Operation Facebook page here.

GTTV - Exclusive Skyward Sword Origins Trailer

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:42:17 -0400

Get More: GameTrailers.com, Zelda: Skyward Sword - Exclusive Origins Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

This trailer contains spoilers so avoid it if you do not want any.

GTTV - Skyward Sword Information

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:35:40 -0400

In a recent GTTV interview with TreeHouse from Nintendo of America, they revealed some information about the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. All the information is provided below in a bullet list and may or may not be new.

game leads up to the events of Ocarina of Time
Link is in a school at the beginning and there is a contest that happens
ties dungeon gameplay into the overworld
giant Triforce in the middle of a desert
statues throughout the ground to allow Link to jump onto his bird

Reggie revealed this:

WiiU is still on track to be release after April, 2012

A trailer was also revealed. The new Skyward Sword Trailer is embedded on that link.

Ocarina of Time 3D - Does Rolling Make You Go Faster?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:57:18 -0400

The people over at Nintendojo have tested out if rolling in Zelda actually makes you travel more quickly. The game they used to test the question was the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Check out the results below.

So it is true that rolling in Zelda games makes you go faster, or at least in Ocarina of Time 3D. So what do you think?

Skyward Sword - Silent Realm Information

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:44:38 -0400

This article contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

The Silent Realm is a new area in the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword where the player has to play a game of 'tag' so to say. While in the Silent Realm, Link is unable to use his sword and shield -- leaving him unarmed. The goal is to find Sacred Tears in order to enter into a period where Link is safe from enemies.

The enemy seen in the screenshot above are what Link has to dodge while in the Silent Realm. You are safe as long as you do not let them find you. After being spotted, the game turns from being peacefully sneaking into a game of chase. The creature below will run after Link until you find a Sacred Tear, which will return you to a period of 'safe time'.

We here at Link's Hideaway can not wait to play Skyward Sword and try out this new area for ourselves. Check out some quotes below.

Iwata:
Is it ok to assume that the Silent Realm is sort of a game of tag?

Fujibayashi:
Yes. So that's why you can't use items like the sword and shield there.

Iwata:
Link is an unarmed hero.

Fujibayashi:
That's right. The goal of this game is to collect Sacred Tears here and there around the game field. But if enemies find you, the world changes and Link has to run for his life. Link is unarmed, so he can't fight enemies. If he gets hit, that's the end.

Iwata:
That is like tag. And Dash comes into play.

Fujibayashi:
Yes. I wanted to make something that switched back and forth in real time between still and active, like "I won't let enemies find me," and "Now that they've found me, I won't let them catch me". Once you get a Sacred Tear, a period of safe time begins, so you think about the order you will get the Sacred Tear, or, in the worst case, you plan for when an enemy will find you and purposely leave a Sacred Tear that's easy to get. There's a strategic element. You can say the same thing with the game of tag in real life, but those that know the landscape better has an advantage.

Iwata:
I see, that's why it's so important to use fields the player have been to before.

IGN - Skyward Sword Prank

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:35:31 -0400

Check out how IGN pranks one of the staff members with regards to Skyward Sword below.

Zelda 25th Symphony Footage - Skyward Sword

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:21:54 -0400

Check out the Zelda 25th Symphony footage from the Skyward Sword section below.

Ganon's Therapist

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:25:37 -0400

Check out what we stumbled across. It is Ganon's therapist. Check it out below. CAUTION: This does contain like 1-2 vulgar words but overall is not very vulgar.

Skyward Sword - Bug Catching Net

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:16:17 -0400

In the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the player is able to catch all kinds of creatures such as grasshoppers, cicadas, dragonflies, butterflies, unicorn beetles, stag beetles, and mantises. The player is also able to find and capture several types of birds, the blue one being the most rare. Collecting things has been part of past Zelda games such as the Ocarina of Time 3D Gold Skulltulas or the Twilight Princess Golden Bug's, but the player has never been able to enhance or create helpful items from the creatures themselves.

In Skyward Sword, the player will be able to use all the little creatures they catch with the Bug Catching Net in a new way. According to the screenshot above, all you need are 1 Beetle, 3 Butterflies, and 1 Ladybug along with 20 rupees in order to infuse a Potion and create a Potion +1, which completely restores all hearts. This mechanic is very interesting and should prove to be very helpful. One would assume that many items could be created or enhanced using this method.

Overall, the Bug Catching Net should bring many useful things to Skyward Sword. The player will be able to control it just like the sword, meaning the net will follow your movements. Check out some quotes below for some more information.

Fujibayashi:
Yes. (laughs) The Bug-Catching Net is in the item selection circle along with the Bow and Bomb. It stands out�in a good way�and I think it's very characteristic of the Legend of Zelda games.

Ito:
When you actually try to catch bugs with that net, you get really tense.

Asuke:
Yes, yes, that's right! (laughs)

Iwata:
Tense bug-catching... (laughs)

Fujibayashi:
That's how realistic it is. You can experience a thrill like when you catch real cicadas or grasshoppers.

Iwata:
Oh, I see. The Wii MotionPlus accessory doesn't just allow you to swing the sword however you want, but the Bug-Catching Net as well.

Fujibayashi:
That's right. The direction you swing the net is very important.

Asuke:
Some people might change their grip on the Wii Remote Plus controller the way you would with a bug-catching net. (laughs)

Fujibayashi:
You creep up as close as you can and then swiftly catch them! (laughs)

Ito:
At first, you don't have the knack for it, so you're swinging it around all over, but it isn't long before you get the hang of it. You say, "This is the perfect angle," and change your grip as you go around catching bugs.

Fujibayashi:
And the way you do it has to change for each kind of bug. Sometimes you sweep down from above and sometimes you scoop them up from underneath.

Iwata:
Hmm, bug-catching itself is quite deep. The way the team puts such an astounding amount of effort on things like this really is a part of the essence of Zelda.

Fujibayashi:
Yes. There are all kinds of bugs, like grasshoppers and cicadas, dragonflies and butterflies, unicorn beetles and stag beetles and mantises. There are different kinds of birds, too. It hardly ever shows up, but there's a blue bird, too. When I see one, I shout, "There's the blue one!" (laughs) and get all excited and sneak up on it, and feel great when I catch it.

Iwata:
Do you get anything for catching insects and birds?

Fujibayashi:
I think I'll talk about that some other time.

So what do you think the Bug Catching Net will bring to Skyward Sword? Do you think it will be useful?

Skyward Sword - Compact but Dense Areas

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:02:35 -0400

In a recent Iwata Asks, we have found out some information about the area layouts in the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. This may or may not be new information.

Iwata:
To start off, this Legend of Zelda game is structured so as to provide the enjoyment of playing in familiar places. So rather than making a bunch of new game fields�as in games past�you come and go through the same ones. First, I would like you to talk about why you decided to make it like that.

Fujibayashi:
All right. First of all, the producer, Aonuma-san, said, "Let's make this Legend of Zelda game compact."

Iwata:
Miyamoto-san has always said that to Aonuma-san�and this time Aonuma-san said it to you! (laughs) If you make a bunch of new fields, and just stretch it out, it just gets big and can be a bit of a drag.

Fujibayashi:
That's right. I thought we could discover a new pleasure if, instead of just stretching it out, we made fields with height and depth, so that every time you went to one, you would experience a fresh surprise and discover new enjoyment.

Iwata:
In other words, compact doesn't literally mean small and cramped game fields, but denser ones, while still compact.

Fujibayashi:
Exactly.

It appears that while Skyward Sword will have compact areas and stages, that they will each be filled to the brim with goodies. What do you think?

Zelda 25th Symphony Footage - Twilight Princess

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:42:56 -0400

The footage below is from the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

GTTV - Skyward Sword Trailer in Next Episode

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:57:48 -0400

GTTV will provide a new trailer for Skyward Sword along with an interview with both Koji Kondo and Eiji Aonuma around October 27th at 1:05 AM ET/PT. Be sure to check out the full details of the show below. We will be providing coverage of any new details as well as the new trailer as soon as possible.

WHAT: This week "GTTV with Geoff Keighley," the ultimate guide to the world of games and technology, visits Nintendo President Reggie Fils-Aime, as Keighley discusses a slew of their major upcoming releases while revealing a new "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" trailer, along with a never before seen area from the game, as well as exclusive new footage of "Mario Kart 7" and "Super Mario 3D Land."

Amanda MacKay stops by "The Legend of Zelda" 25th Anniversary Symphony to talk to Koji Kondo, the legendary Nintendo composer, and video game designer Eiji Aonuma, the man behind several installments of "The Legend of Zelda" franchise.

In this week's "GTech," Justine Ezarik goes hands on with the Atari Arcade, a special peripheral that enables gamers to play classic arcade favorites on their iPads.

This week's episode also features a review of one of 2011's most anticipated games, "Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception," the third chapter in the epic Nathan Drake saga.

A sneak peek at the episode can be seen here:

WHEN: Thursday, October 27th at 1:05 AM ET/PT

WHERE: Spike TV and Spike HD

Retro: A Link to the Past Video Walkthrough - Saving Princess Zelda

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:48:05 -0400

We have recently began recording footage for our video walkthrough of the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Part 1 will be embedded below for your convenience. This part takes the player from starting the game all the way to right after taking Princess Zelda to the Sanctuary.

So what do you think? Would this be helpful for those who have never played the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past?

Skyward Sword GameStop Display

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:53:01 -0400

The image above is the display that GameStop is using for the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Here you can see some Skyward Sword official artwork along with the game case. Overall, this display is put together nicely and presents the game in a good way. What do you think?

More Skyward Sword Screenshots - Digging Mitts, Mogma, Scaldera, and More

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:19:35 -0400

We have some more Skyward Sword screenshots for you to take a look at today. You will see some screenshots of the Digging Mitts, Mogma, Scaldera, and more. This may contain spoilers so look at your own risk.

There are some interesting screenshots in this batch just like the previous batch. What do you think?

Skyward Sword - Item Usage Tidbits

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:06:57 -0400

While reading over an article, I found some interesting tidbits about how you can use items in Skyward Sword. You may recall out previous article about selecting items in Skyward Sward without an item screen where we find out about seamless item selection not effecting gameplay. This time, we have some information about how useful this will be in Skyward Sword. Check out the quotes below.

Kobayashi:
You can select items this time while moving Link.

Aonuma:
And you can drink potion while running.

Iwata:
Huh?

Aonuma:
When an enemy is about to beat Link, you drink potion from a bottle in order to restore his hearts.

Iwata:
Yes.

Aonuma:
That scene was portrayed via cinematics-like moment while we stop gameplay through the previous title, but this time it fits in seamlessly, so, for example, if a boss is about to finish you off, you can run for your life and gulp down some potion to restore your health.

Awesome! This system is seeming more and more useful every time I see it in action or see it being talked about. So what do you think about being able to drink potion while dodging a boss attack?

Skyward Sword Goddess Cubes Trailer

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:42:57 -0400

Below you will find the Goddess Cubes trailer for Skyward Sword. It may contain spoilers so watch at your own risks.

That looks like it is going to be a very interesting part of Skyward Sword in my opinion. So what do you think?

[UPDATE] It appears that NoA released some old trailers. Sorry for any confusion.

Skyward Sword Eldin Volcano Trailer

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:27:02 -0400

Below you will find the Eldin Volcano trailer for Skyward Sword. It may contain spoilers so watch at your own risks.

Not bad at all. I am really looking forward to being able to explore this area of Skyward Sword.

[UPDATE] It appears that NoA released some old trailers. Sorry for any confusion.

Zelda 25th Symphony Footage - Wind Waker, Gerudo Valley

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:05:17 -0400

We have found some footage from the recent Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony and would like to share it with you. The first piece is from the Legend of Zelda: the Wind Waker and the second piece is from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Check them out below and let us know what you think in the comments.

New Skyward Sword Earth Temple Trailer

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:05:46 -0400

Below you will find the Earth Temple trailer for Skyward Sword. It may contain spoilers so watch at your own risks.

So what did you think of the Earth Temple footage? Did you notice that crazy looking boss?

New Skyward Sword Harp Trailer

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:50:51 -0400

Below you will find the Harp trailer for Skyward Sword. It may contain spoilers so watch at your own risks.

So did you enjoy this footage? It was rather interesting to say the least in my opinion. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Brief History Behind Skyward Swords Title

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:23:23 -0400

We have recently found out a little information about why Nintendo chose the name "the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword" for the next installment in the franchise.

Aonuma:
And once we could hold the sword up high, we hit on the title of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
Iwata:
"Skyward" because you hold it up toward the sky, but I hear that there is a deeper meaning to it as well.

Aonuma:
That's right. From what I heard from the NOA (Nintendo of America) localization team, the word "ward" also means to protect and guard something, so "skyward" can also mean "protector of the sky", and "one who is protected by the sky".

So there you have it from Eiji Aonuma himself on a brief history behind Skyward Swords title. So what do you think?

Skyward Sword - Eldin Volcano, Mogma, and Earth Temple Details [SPOILERS]

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:41:25 -0400

Nintendo of America has recently released some new PR about the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. This could contain possible spoilers. We learn about Eldin Volcano, Mogma, Earth Temple, and other details, so check out the full press release below.

LINK'S ADVENTURE HEATS UP IN THE ELDIN VOLCANO; MUSIC AND GAME PLAY CONVERGE IN SKYWARD SWORD

Nintendo has revealed more details about the captivating areas, items and game play in the massive The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword game, launching exclusively for the Wii� system on Nov. 20. This week, the Eldin Volcano area comes into focus, as well as the connection between music and game play through the new Harp item. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

� Eldin Volcano and the Mogma: After battling Demon Lord Ghirahim in Skyview Temple, Link� travels to Eldin Volcano where he meets the Mogma, a new race of subterranean creatures. The Mogma help Link traverse this fiery environment, giving him a multitude of tips along the way.

� New Items: In the Eldin Volcano area, Link receives additional items, including Digging Mitts and his first Bomb Bag. With the addition of the Bomb Bag, players can collect bomb flowers, which are essential to puzzle solving. The Wii Remote� Plus controller offers players a variety of ways to use bombs. Players can throw bombs using an overhead motion or roll them like bowling balls, even putting spin on their trajectory. The Digging Mitts allow players to dig for secret items in marked areas on the ground. In the Earth Temple area, this ability helps Link locate the pieces he needs to open the door to the temple itself.

� Earth Temple: In the Earth Temple, players balance Link on a giant ball as he rolls across pools of molten lava. In this temple, Link must navigate a steep incline while facing the boss enemy Scaldera, a large rock-armored creature.

� Harp: As in previous Zelda games, music plays an important role in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and is integrated into game play. Using the Wii Remote Plus controller, players can play a variety of songs using a new Harp item.

Nintendo will continue to regularly provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at the upcoming The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

This Mogma race seems rather interesting but just how helpful will they be to Link's journey? Let us know what you think about this and the other details in the comments.

New Skyward Sword Trailer - 2011 Golden Joystick Awards

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:34:11 -0400

The trailer above was released at the 2011 Golden Joystick Awards. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.

Eiji Aonuma on Why Skyward Sword is an Evolution

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:36:43 -0400

In recent interview with Eiji Aonuma, he tells us why the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is an evolution in the Zelda series. Check out his words below.

There have been very few 'internal' changes to the Zelda formula in recent games. This time, we started development with the view that we needed to rectify this situation on Skyward Sword. We introduced some puzzles to new environments and removed the dungeon and field format as a means of breaking away from stereotyped formulae.

We have also made theme changes possible and have allowed different games to unfold sequentially in the same location based on the same system. In so doing, we have managed to create a much more profound game than in the past, with a more compact world in which the player's memory becomes the key to unlocking the game's secrets.

In addition, I believe that the feeling that one's own movements are transposed directly into the game world itself thanks to Wii Motion Plus creates an even stronger sense of being immersed in Zelda's world.

Hmm, this is pretty interesting. Tell us what you think in the comments.

Catering to Link's Demands - Zelda 25th Concert

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:42:21 -0400

Over on the Legend of Zelda Facebook page, NoA has posted this page detailing the demands of the venue in order to have Link show up. What made my day was the part about having a room only accessible by bombing a wall, that just took the cake in my books. What do you think?

Father of My Childhood - Miyamoto Tribute Video

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:44:36 -0400

YouTuber WyldStallynsGames has put together a fan video showcasing his love for Shigeru Miyamoto. The video features footage from several Zelda titles as well as a song about how Miyamoto fathered his childhood. While I can not speak for everyone, I sure know that Miyamoto influenced me in many ways and that I would not be who I am today without him. So check out this Miyamoto tribute video and let us know what you think in the comments.

Amazon: Skyward Sword Bundle Preorder No Longer Available

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:44:36 -0400

Just a few days ago Amazon stopped allowing preorders for the Skyward Sword Bundle. Many other stores including GameStop and Wal-Mart are apparently still offering this bundle for preorder, but one is to believe that this limited stock will soon run out for the others as well. So have you grabbed your preorder for the Skyward Sword bundle? Are you not interested in the bundle? Let us know is the comments.

How Bombs Work in Skyward Sword

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:29:20 -0400

From a recent Iwata Asks article, we have found out information about how bombs will work in Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Tanaka:
When it comes to the bombs, if you swing the Wii Remote Plus from above, you throw one, but if you swing it from below, you roll it. And you can put a spin on them.

Iwata:
You can spin the bombs?

Tanaka:
Yes.

The first thing we have learned is that you can throw bombs by swinging the Wii Remote Plus from above. The more interesting thing is that you can now roll the bombs similar to a bowling ball. This should be very useful throughout Skyward Sword.

Aonuma:
But getting it in the UI was pretty hard, because the arrow needs to bend so sharply on the screen.

Tanaka:
That's true. The bomb will curve in the direction you rotate the Wii Remote, so there's an arrow on the ground showing that direction.

Interesting, now we know that the aiming is not going to be blindly -- there will be an arrow displayed on screen showing you where the bombs will go. This same arrow will show you where the bombs will go when throwing them also. Put both the arrow feature and rolling bombs together and this is looking very handy. That is not the biggest thing either, let us continue...

Aonuma:
Originally, you bought bombs at shops or picked them from Bomb Flowers growing from the ground, and then you used them, but this time, you can pick them from a Bomb Flower and put them in a bag.

Iwata:
You can gather bombs?

Aonuma:
Yes. (laughs) At first, I thought, "Huh?! Is that all right?!" but when I actually did it, it felt incredibly natural. I've been involved with The Legend of Zelda games for a long time, so again I'm frustrated that I never hit on that idea before.

Wow, you can now store bomb flowers in your bag! This is going to come in VERY USEFUL for those situations where you would otherwise have difficulty throwing a bomb flower in the correct place. The new mechanic's of bombs in Skyward Sword is looking to make for a very interesting game. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Site Update: Commenting Feature

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:36:53 -0400

We have been a site focusing on Zelda news and Zelda guides for several years now and all this time our loyal viewers have been mostly unable to voice their opinions on our news article's in a fast way. Well, all that has recently changed due to our brand new commenting feature that allows you to simply post a comment on EVERY article on the site without having to login in order to do it. What do you think of this new feature? Let us know in the comments!

Selecting Items in Skyward Sword Without an Item Screen

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:11:11 -0400

In a recent Iwata Asks article, we have learned some new information on the upcoming installment in the Zelda series, the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword; the information is how you actually go about selecting items in Skyward Sword by using the Wii Remote Plus's tilt. The new system will allow you to change item's in a revolutionary way that has never before been featured in a Zelda title.

Tanaka:
That's right. We tested arranging the items on the screen in a circle, and you twist the Wii Remote Plus like a rotary switch to select an item.

Iwata:
You thought of selecting items the way you used to turn a dial to select television channels.

...but is this the new way of Skyward Sword? Or is this just too simple to be effective? Well, let us continue...

Tanaka:
Exactly. But when we tried it out, you can only turn your wrist about 120 degrees, so when choosing one item from about eight, you end up selecting the wrong one a lot. Then we realized that turning your wrist wasn't the right way to go and tried tilting the Wii Remote Plus with your arm.

Fujibayashi:
That way, even if you don't look at the screen, the items are at certain angles and you can select them by tilting the Wii Remote Plus. As you play, you remember that, for example, the bow is at the top and your bombs are on the right.

...Ah, there we have it -- the way of selecting items in Skyward Sword -- and this seems like the best way to do this -- you just tilt the Wii Remote Plus in the direction of the item's location on the item screen, but what did Miyamoto think?

Iwata:
So you can do it without looking at the screen. I think it was around the time you had just made that system, I remember very well that Miyamoto-san really bragged about it. He said, "Once you get used to it, you can select items with unprecedented speed and without interrupting the flow of the game. It's quite unique."
Fujibayashi:
That was the first time Miyamoto-san ever praised me. (laughs)

...He loves it! So do you think this system is going to live up to the praise they have for it? Let us know in the comments.

Hyrule: Total War - A Fan Game

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:30:46 -0400

What you see above is the trailer for a fan made game called Hyrule: Total War. This was shown to us by Xero Gaming Online and we decided to dig up a little more information about the game. Below you will find an excerpt from a TWC thread about the game:

Hyrule: Total War is a conversion for Medieval 2: Total War. A vast majority of the iconic races from the Zelda universe have been represented as armies that the player can assemble, command, and ultimately use to destroy their enemies. The Hero of Time has chosen to return to the past, a choice that ultimately has ruined the charts of history and sent Hyrule into chaos. Major wars that were already decided have unmade themselves, allowing fallen armies a second chance at these critical events in Hyrule's history. This is where you, the player, comes in. You shall choose how to rewrite the history of Hyrule. Do you stick with the proper path and smite the evil in the land in the name of the Goddesses? Or perhaps you feel that the Hylians have overstayed their welcome as masters of the land and would rather the Gerudo forces of Ganondorf lead Hyrule into a new age leadership? Maybe you feel it's time that the Gorons march from their mountain kingdoms and rebuild their long lost empire, smashing anyone who opposes their will? On the other hand, you might fall in favor of fighting for the Zora Dominion and cleansing the land of imperfect creatures and establishing a new order of purity. Perhaps the forces of nature have won you over, and you would see to it that the Kokiri and beings of the forest rise to power? Or maybe you would act against nature, and infest and consume all life as the infestation of Gohma... There are many races to choose from, and many possible outcomes to your actions. Hyrule's fate is now in your hands. Will you lead it to a golden age of peace, or dominate it in your name?

We will keep you posted whenever more information is available on this rather interesting blend of games.

Fan Art: Twilight Princess Midna

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:42:52 -0400

Today we received a piece of Twilight Princess fan art. Check the art out below.

This picture of Midna from the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was created by Sierra Jade.

Content Update: Four Swords Stage Guide

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:16:16 -0400

A few days ago, we launched our Four Swords Stage Guide for the recently released Four Swords Anniversary Edition. This guide provides tips and tricks to help you along your journey. It holds the information needed to unlock all the new stages -- Hero's Trial and Realm of Memories -- as well as unlocking the ultimate attack -- Hurricane Spin, so go check out our Four Swords Stage Guide if you are in need of any help.

UPDATE: Our link's have been fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Skyward Sword - 11 New Screenshots

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:59:40 -0400

Nintendo has recently released some new screenshots for the upcoming title, the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. There are 11 screenshots shown below.

Skyward Sword - 12 New Screenshots

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 19:36:15 -0400

Nintendo has recently released some new screenshots for the upcoming title, the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. There are 12 screenshots shown below.

Skyward Sword - European Trailer

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:24:35 -0400

While there is not much in terms of new footage, the following trailer for the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the European one. Check it out in all its glory below.

NoA PR - Potions, Lakes and Link's Whip In Skyward Sword

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:34:09 -0400

Nintendo has released some new PR concerning the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and some new elements that have been revealed. Check out the full release below.

POTIONS, LAKES AND LINK'S WHIP AMONG REVEALED ELEMENTS IN THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD

Oct. 14, 2011

Nintendo has revealed another set of details about the fascinating areas, items and game play in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword game, which will launch exclusively for the Wii� system on Nov. 20. Following last week's unveiling of new information about the Faron Woods area of the game, fans can now glimpse additional details about this and other areas, plus a sneak peek at how players can maneuver Link� through watery environments and help him wield a whip using the Wii Remote� Plus controller. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

� Lake Floria and the Parella Tribe: Later in his quest, Link must make his way to an as-yet-undiscovered section of the Faron Woods that is home to Lake Floria. The lake is inhabited by the squid-like Parella tribe, which makes its first appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Even when revisiting past areas like Faron Woods, players will make new discoveries and, occasionally, find drastic changes to the environment that require them to explore these areas in entirely different ways.

� Swimming: As one might expect, getting to and exploring Lake Floria requires Link to swim. The intuitive motion control of the Wii Remote Plus gives players a natural way to control Link as he swims across the lake's surface or into its watery depths.

� Insects and Potions: Throughout the game, Link travels back and forth between the surface and Skyloft. Players can collect bugs in the various areas they visit, and these insects can be used to infuse new ingredients into the variety of different potions available for purchase at the bazaar in Skyloft, giving the potions powerful new effects. Players can experiment with different potions and insects to find the concoctions that best meet their needs.

� Fun Fun Island: Also new in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is Fun Fun Island, one of the small islands that float above the clouds near Link's hometown. As the name suggests, there's a lot of fun to be had there, but before Link can enjoy everything the island has to offer, he must find a way to fulfill the request of its lone inhabitant.

� Whip: Players can use the Wii Remote Plus to lash Link's whip at enemies and objects. The whip also can be used to grab items and is integral to solving certain puzzles. Link's items can be selected in real time without pausing the game when he is on the ground, making it easier to switch between a sword and other items.

Nintendo will continue to regularly provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at the upcoming The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

Zelda Flipnote Studio Contest - JP Winners

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:50:09 -0400

Funny Zelda Cartoon

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:15:10 -0400

I was recently shown the following video by a friend of mine. I found it pretty funny and thought you would too. Check out the funny Zelda cartoon below.

Europe - Nintendo Warning of Skyward Sword Limited Edition Being Sold Out

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:32:11 -0400

Nintendo of Europe has stated:

*Stocks are limited and the limited edition bundle will mainly be available to fans who pre-order from GAME or Amazon. It is possible that part of the stock will be available at retail following the pre-order period.

So it appears that unless you pre-order the Skyward Sword Limited Edition bundle, you may not be able to find it anywhere due to limited stock. So do you want the Limited Edition bundle? If you said yes, then go pre-order NOW to ensure you are not disappointed.

New Skyward Sword Screenshots

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:34:09 -0400

Nintendo has recently released 20 new screenshots for Skyward Sword, that can be view below. Please note that it may take a few seconds or minutes for the images to fully load.

Nintendo Reveals Details About Faron Woods in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:02:46 -0400

Nintendo has released some details about Faron Woods in the upcoming game; Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. You can read all the details from the press release below:

Oct. 7, 2011

Following last week's unveiling of introductory story elements and characters in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword game, Nintendo has revealed even more information about the game, which will launch exclusively for the Wii� system on Nov. 20. Among the game's many richly rendered environments is Faron Woods, where the heroic Link� must complete important tasks as part of this epic journey to rescue Zelda�. To help him do so, players can use unique abilities and items as they navigate the forest. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

� Faron Woods and Skyview Temple: The forest is the first location Link visits after leaving Skyloft, an island world suspended high in the sky. The people of Skyloft have never been to the surface, so this stage marks a strange new experience for Link. Traversing the forest leads him to Skyview Temple, where Zelda may be held.

� Dashing: By holding down the A Button, players can make Link run faster and grant him acrobatic abilities, such as the ability to briefly run up a sheer wall to grab onto a cliff. Dashing uses up some of Link's endurance, which replenishes itself over time once Link stops running. Certain powerful attacks, like the spin attack, also use up endurance. When all of Link's endurance is used up, his movement is slowed dramatically for a few moments.

� Dowsing: Fi, the spirit of the powerful Goddess Sword and Link's guide, informs Link that he can use the sword to search for things through dowsing. In dowsing mode, when Link holds out his sword, the sword will beep and provide visual feedback when pointed in the direction of the intended target. This technique can be used to search for many objects and characters in the game. In Faron Woods, Link uses it to search for Zelda, guiding him to Skyview Temple, where Zelda's aura can be detected.

� Kikwi Tribe: The Kikwis are cute, fuzzy creatures that Link encounters while exploring the forest, resembling a kiwi fruit in animal form. Link can search for the Kikwis in the forest using dowsing. In return, they will help him on his search for Zelda.

� Slingshot: This is one of the first items that Link receives in the game. While it's not very powerful, it can be used to stun enemies and activate objects in the environment. As with many items in the game, players aim the slingshot by moving the Wii Remote� Plus.

Nintendo will continue to provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at the upcoming The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Commercial

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:59:41 -0400

Robin and Zelda Williams have stared in yet another commercial, this time for the Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition. You can check it out above.

Skyward Sword Major Character Backgrounds

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:33:50 -0400

A few days ago Nintendo released some details on some major characters in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Now of course Nintendo would not release anything that would ruin the plot or be a major spoiler. Personally I could care less about the GI spoilers, I'll watch them after I finish my 100+ hours of game play to see just how far they've gone. So here is the main article from Nintendo with a little bit about the introduction and major characters.

"NEW STORY DETAILS AND CHARACTERS REVEALED FOR THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD FOR WII

Sept. 29, 2011

Nintendo has revealed new details about the introductory storyline and game play in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which will launch exclusively for the Wii system on Nov. 20. The enhanced motion controls of the Wii Remote Plus (or Wii Remote controller with a Wii MotionPlus accessory) and Nunchuk controller allow for deeply immersive puzzle-solving challenges in this latest addition to the iconic Zelda franchise. This new game -- one of the biggest in the history of Nintendo software development -- will also feature new story elements that lay the foundation for the events that occur in the rest of the series. This includes the creation of the Master Sword, an ancient and powerful weapon that has been a constant in the 25-year history of the Zelda series. The introductory storyline includes the following:

- Introduction: The new game's storyline begins in Skyloft, an island town suspended high in the sky, on the day before young Link is to compete in a major bird-flying competition. The winner of the contest will earn the honor of taking part in a special ceremony with Zelda.

- Link and Zelda: Friends since childhood, Link and Zelda have always shared a special bond. Events in the new game will add even more depth to their relationship.

- Groose: Link's nemesis at school, Groose, plays a significant role in the early moments of the new game. This bully of a character not only threatens Link's chances to win the bird-flying competition, but he also reveals a jealous streak toward Link and Zelda's special bond.

- Fi: Early on in Link's new adventure, he encounters Fi, the spirit of the powerful Goddess Sword. Fi's guidance proves to be crucial as Link goes forth on a challenging quest that will ultimately result in the creation of the Master Sword.

- Zelda's father: Gaepora, Zelda's father, is the headmaster of Link's school. As such, he has knowledge of the history and legends of Skyloft.

More details about the game's storyline and features will be revealed prior to its Nov. 20 launch.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the early production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at the upcoming The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit http://zelda.com/skywardsword."

Very interesting, anyone notice that Zelda's father is Gaepora? Skyward Sword is really turning into the foundation for Ocarina of Time. Just to clarify (supposing you have already read the above), Nintendo is telling us what we already could've guessed (ie the creation of the Master Sword, Link and Zelda's "special bond"). I can't wait! Really!

Let us hear your thoughts over on Facebook or give us a tweet on Twitter!

The Great Sea: A Fan Cover

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:05:11 -0400

YouTuber, TheDelRe, has created a brilliant rendition of the Great Sea from the Wind Waker with fellow YouTuber, Jam2995. This collaboration brings into account several different instruments and is well worth listening to and watching. If you like the soundtrack from the Wind Waker, then you are in luck!

G4tv: Skyward Sword Preview

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:58:30 -0400

Nikole Zivalich from G4tv has recently got to play Skyward Sword and has shared the experience with the world. Nikole writes:

Nintendo recently let me play a nearly-finished version of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and over the next few weeks, I'll be able to share more about my experiences with my hands-on time with it. I want to walk you through what I discovered from my first moments with the game. Skyward Sword begins with a dream. Zelda, a young blond girl, is falling through the sky towards a black whale-like monster with multiple rows of teeth. Link awakens from the dream when Zelda's Loftbird drops off a letter informing him she's waiting for him before their Birdrider Ceremony begins.

Skyward Sword opens in Skyloft, a floating city consisting of bird-worshipping people who depend on Loftbirds for transportation. Their homage to birds is made even more clear by the bird statues littered through the level. Link is encouraged to "pray" to these statues in order to save the game. Loftbirds and their human masters are parts of a whole; they have an emotional connection where Link needs only whistle and his bird will be there. Think Avatar.

The preview holds much more information then what I presented here and is all related to the first hours of the game. There could be some possible spoilers in the preview, but you can check it out at the source link.

Skyward Sword: New Trailers

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:52:43 -0400

Above you can view all the newest trailers for Skyward Sword that IGN posted shortly ago. Stay tuned for any other trailers or non-spoiler information that arises about Skyward Sword.

Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Trailer

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:24:23 -0400

What we have above is the trailer to the Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition, which is out now worldwide on both the eShop and DSiWare. The game is available as a free download starting today and ending on February 20, 2012. The game has many new features for the Anniversary Edition that are sure to be a nice addition. So go now everyone and download this free remake.

Nintendo World Store - Zelda 25th Anniversary Display

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:46:37 -0400

Over at the Nintendo World Store is a display commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Legend of Zelda franchise. The display features the games as well as soundtracks, strategy guides, poster, and other Zelda merchandise. Take a look at the video above to see the full Nintendo World Store display.

Skyward Sword Treasures

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:21:58 -0400

Recently from Game Informer, a video shows that in Skyward Sword treasure hunters will be in their glory. As the video shows, Link is able to unlock treasures in the sky by using the Skyward Sword to unlock magical boxes. These boxes are key if you want to find special items for upgrading (at least in theory). The Wind Waker was amazing in the fact that the hunt for treasure seemed to go on forever. I always find myself searching for every last treasure when I play Wind Waker, or even when I was doing an extensive search in Twilight Princess. Nintendo can do a plethora of things with these magical boxes, so what would you like to see? It's apparent they don't want us to see what Link receives in the video above. Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Skyward Sword Item Upgrade Trailer

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:09:20 -0400

NoE PR - Four Swords Anniversary Edition, More Details

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:31:22 -0400

Nintendo of Europe have released an article that details more about the Legend of Zelda: Four Swords release on DSiWare. Read the full details below:

However, unlike the original Game Boy Advance version, it is now possible to play the game in a brand new way as a single player. When you go solo you won't be totally alone though, as an additional Link will appear beside the one you control to help you along during your adventure. It is even possible to independently control "each" Link by selecting either of them using the L or R Buttons.

What's more, there are 2 exclusive new areas to play - each containing 3 new levels to complete - which have been specifically made for this edition of the game. By completing the new areas, you'll be able to unlock additional special skills. Fans of the franchise will be familiar with the Master Sword and Hurricane Spin, and both return to help you on your quest.

Mastering the challenging new area �Hero's Trial', which contains elements from other levels as well as 3 new maps, will allow you to unlock the Hurricane Spin, whilst tackling the new area� �Realm of Memories'� - made up of famous locations from The Legend of Zelda series - unlocks the Master Sword.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition also includes new control options, including 'whistle� functionality on the X Button, allowing players to call for attention, alert each other of their location on the map, as well as making use of the lower screen to show your inventory and place on the map.

Visit the Nintendo DSi Shop on your Nintendo DSi / Nintendo DSi XL system, or Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo 3DS system to download The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition as it becomes available across Europe for a limited time only as a free download in celebration of The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary from 28th September 2011.�

Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Details

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:08:08 -0400

Amongst all the news coming from Nintendo's 3DS Conference, there was a trailer released for Four Swords. You can view it above. The following details have been released in a press release from Nintendo of America:

In honor of the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is offering a free classic game for a limited time. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition will be available to download between Sept. 28, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012. Fans can download the Nintendo DSiWare� version of the game using their Nintendo DSi� or Nintendo DSi XL� systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access is required for download). The game allows up to four players who have downloaded the game to play cooperatively and has also been enhanced with a new single-player mode. Unlike the original, all multiplayer game play is handled wirelessly. Once players finish the main quest, they will unlock new stages and abilities to expand the game's replay value.

PR - Nintendo 3DS Gets 3D Video Recording And Two Great Mario Games

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:45:24 -0400

Nintendo of America has recently released some new PR. The Zelda information from the release can be viewed here:

A Legendary Holiday Season

Nintendo is pulling out all the stops in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda�. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword launches Nov. 20 and represents one of the deepest and richest experiences ever produced by Nintendo. More than 100 staff members have been working for five years to produce the epic story, which includes a new approach to game play and more than 100 minutes of cinematic cut scenes. The game also will feature a boss challenge mode and, for players who need assistance, optional hint movies to help them along.

In honor of the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is offering a free classic game for a limited time. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition will be available to download between Sept. 28, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012. Fans can download the Nintendo DSiWare� version of the game using their Nintendo DSi� or Nintendo DSi XL� systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access is required for download). The game allows up to four players who have downloaded the game to play cooperatively and has also been enhanced with a new single-player mode. Unlike the original, all multiplayer game play is handled wirelessly. Once players finish the main quest, they will unlock new stages and abilities to expand the game's replay value.

Fans of Nintendo's downloadable games will be getting a special Zelda treat as well. Between Oct. 3, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012, select retailers will carry limited-edition cards highlighting the series' 25th anniversary. The Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card, which is used in the Nintendo eShop of the Nintendo 3DS system, features an image of Link� battling Ganon. The Nintendo Points Card, which can be used in the Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop, shows Link flying high in a scene from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

The full press release can be viewed below for anyone who is interested in all the news.

NINTENDO 3DS GETS 3D VIDEO RECORDING AND TWO GREAT MARIO GAMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Strong Nintendo Holiday Lineup Includes Treats for Fans of The Legend of Zelda

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 12, 2011 � This November, a new system update for the portable Nintendo 3DS� system will enable owners to capture 3D video footage. People will be able to record and view moments from birthday parties, soccer games and holiday events, or create their own original 3D productions and show them to others in 3D, all without the need for special glasses. The system update will also provide new experiences for people who have conquered all the StreetPass� challenges in StreetPass Mii Plaza�.

The update is just one of the many elements of Nintendo's strong holiday season lineup that features two Mario� games � one platformer and one racer � for Nintendo 3DS. The season also sees the arrival of the largest game-development project in Nintendo history: The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword for the Wii� system.

"The 2011 holiday season offers up multiple must-have Nintendo games for both experienced players and newcomers," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Shoppers know they can count on Nintendo to offer amazing entertainment experiences at an unbeatable value."

The first appearance by Mario on a new Nintendo system is always cause for celebration. This fall, Nintendo is giving fans two big reasons to celebrate. On Nov. 13, Nintendo will release the Super Mario� 3D Land� game for Nintendo 3DS. In this first-ever true 3D Mario platforming adventure, players can scout levels and find secrets before they play using the built-in gyro sensor feature of the Nintendo 3DS system. The game will feature propeller blocks and will have StreetPass functionality. Mario Kart� 7 will be available Dec. 4 and will include a new optional first-person driving mode that is controlled using the gyro sensor. The game also introduces new playable characters like Lakitu and Metal Mario, and a tricks system like the one in Mario Kart� Wii. Both games are essential to the game libraries of Mario fans, and more details about them will be announced in the future.

A Legendary Holiday Season

Nintendo is pulling out all the stops in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda�. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword launches Nov. 20 and represents one of the deepest and richest experiences ever produced by Nintendo. More than 100 staff members have been working for five years to produce the epic story, which includes a new approach to game play and more than 100 minutes of cinematic cut scenes. The game also will feature a boss challenge mode and, for players who need assistance, optional hint movies to help them along.

In honor of the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is offering a free classic game for a limited time. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition will be available to download between Sept. 28, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012. Fans can download the Nintendo DSiWare� version of the game using their Nintendo DSi� or Nintendo DSi XL� systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access is required for download). The game allows up to four players who have downloaded the game to play cooperatively and has also been enhanced with a new single-player mode. Unlike the original, all multiplayer game play is handled wirelessly. Once players finish the main quest, they will unlock new stages and abilities to expand the game's replay value.

Fans of Nintendo's downloadable games will be getting a special Zelda treat as well. Between Oct. 3, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012, select retailers will carry limited-edition cards highlighting the series' 25th anniversary. The Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card, which is used in the Nintendo eShop of the Nintendo 3DS system, features an image of Link� battling Ganon. The Nintendo Points Card, which can be used in the Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop, shows Link flying high in a scene from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

In other game news, families can look forward to making fun holiday memories with new games like Fortune Street� (Dec. 5) for the Wii console and Fossil Fighters�: Champions (Nov. 14) for the Nintendo DS� family of systems. Third-party publishers are also adding to the roster of great games headed for Nintendo systems between now and the end of the year, including Just Dance� 3 (Oct. 7) for the Wii console from Ubisoft, Go Vacation� (Oct. 11) for the Wii console from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., Skylanders Spyro's Adventure� (Oct. 16) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems from Activision Publishing, Zumba� Fitness 2 (Nov. 15) for the Wii console from Majesco Entertainment and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games� (Nov. 15) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems published by SEGA. For more information and to see a listing of upcoming third-party games for Nintendo systems, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

Looking Ahead to 2012

Beyond the holiday season, Nintendo is already making plans for 2012. Nintendo is revealing a previously unannounced 3D Mario tennis game for the Nintendo 3DS system. Mario Tennis� (name not final) will launch in 2012 and more details will be announced later.

Also in 2012, Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to enjoy a new 3D installment in the Animal Crossing� franchise. This version will include a number of options not available in previous versions. These include the ability to become the head of the village and boost its development, a way to install certain items in the village to make its characteristics more personalized for each player, and the ability to view homes of other players who are tagged through StreetPass connections.

In 2012, Nintendo 3DS fans will also see the arrival of new games in the Luigi's Mansion� and Paper Mario� franchises.

In one final bit of news, the development team for Kid Icarus�: Uprising for Nintendo 3DS has determined that more time is needed to complete the game. As a result, the game will now launch in 2012. Nintendo is also in the process of developing 3D Kid Icarus animations with critically acclaimed Japanese anime production houses. These animations will be made available free of charge via the Nintendo Video� service to Nintendo 3DS owners worldwide.

Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

Eiji Aonuma Never Beat The Legend of Zelda

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:59:58 -0400

During a recent interview with GameInformer, Eiji Aonuma explained that he had never finished the now 25 year old Legend of Zelda game we all know as a legend. Aonuma explained that after a few deaths he had to stop playing. Coming from someone who has heavily influenced and aided in the making of the series, it seems a little odd that he never finished it. I see no problem with it since I have yet to finish it as well. Aonuma has produced Spirit Tracks and Phantom Hourglass, and even directed a few other titles like Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess just to name a few. Word is Aonuma is the producer for Skyward Sword as well, so maybe he made an awesome game into an epic game. Not that Skyward Sword wouldn't be epic in the first place, but I like to give credit where credit is due. Have you never finished a Zelda game? If so, which one? Let us know on our Facebook page!

North America - NES 3DS Ambassador Games Revealed

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:37:07 -0400

Recently on Nintendo of America's Twitter account, they listed off the last five NES games to be included in the 3DS Ambassador program.

Nintendo #3DS Ambassadors get 10 games free including Metroid, Open Tournament Golf, Wrecking Crew, Yoshi & Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

So as you can see, Ambassador's have yet another Zelda to look forward to downloading for free. The full list of games are:

Super Mario Bros.
The Legend of Zelda
Balloon Fight
Ice Climber
Donkey Kong Jr.
Metroid
Open Tournament Golf
Wrecking Crew
Yoshi
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

All of these are scheduled to be available starting September 1st, which is only days away.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Bundle Highlights

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:27:11 -0400

The following comes from a recent press release from Nintendo,

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leaves won't be the only things turning gold this fall as Nintendo prepares to launch an extraordinary lineup of games for its Wii�, Nintendo 3DS� and Nintendo DS� game systems. At a recent meeting of GameStop retail store managers from across the United States, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing Scott Moffitt revealed new details about upcoming releases for several fan-favorite franchises:

A special limited-edition The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword bundle containing the game and a gold* Wii Remote� Plus controller will be available when the game launches on Nov. 20.

Also for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, every copy in the initial production of the game will come packaged with a special music CD featuring orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

Nintendo will launch the upcoming Tetris�: Axis game for Nintendo 3DS systems on Oct. 2.
The Professor Layton and the Last Specter� game for the Nintendo DS family of systems will launch Oct. 17.

'Nintendo has something for you this fall, no matter what type of gamer you are, no matter what Nintendo system you're playing,� said Moffitt. 'Whether you're looking for a world-spanning epic like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the pick-up-and-play puzzle fun of Tetris: Axis or the mind-bending adventure of Professor Layton and the Last Specter, we've got you covered.�

The limited-edition gold controller bundle for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be offered at a suggested retail price of $69.99. The game will also be sold separately at a suggested retail price of $49.99, though the gold controller will only be available as part of the special bundle. As an additional 25th anniversary treat for fans who purchase the game early, every copy in the initial production, whether sold by itself or as a part of the limited-edition bundle, will come with a free CD featuring select orchestral arrangements of iconic music spanning the history of the franchise which will be performed at The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert performances in October 2011. For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

The original portable Tetris� game was a smash hit on the Game Boy� system. The new Tetris: Axis game lets players use the magic of the Nintendo 3DS system to jump into the action in 3D without the need for special glasses. The game includes more than 20 different modes � some familiar, some new. Up to eight players can compete in wireless multiplayer battles, even if only one player has a game card**. Tetris: Axis also makes use of the augmented-reality and SpotPass� features of Nintendo 3DS. Tetris: Axis is part of a stirring fall lineup for Nintendo 3DS that also includes Pok�mon� Rumble Blast (launching Oct. 24), Super Mario 3D Land� (November) and Mario Kart� 7 (December).

Professor Layton and the Last Specter for the Nintendo DS family of systems is the fourth installment in the Professor Layton puzzle adventure series. It begins a new trilogy that is a prequel to the original games, set three years before the events in Professor Layton and the Curious Village�. The game contains more puzzles than any in the series to date. As a North American exclusive to the overall Professor Layton and the Last Specter package, a bonus role-playing game called Professor Layton's London Life� containing more than 100 hours of additional content will be available to players from the start of the game.

Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

* Note that the gold controller will simply be gold in color and will not contain any actual precious metals.

** Multiplayer mode requires multiple Nintendo 3DS systems, each sold separately.

Several images have also been released and you can view them below.

Source: PR Email

Ocarina of Time 3D Chalk Art Time Lapse Video

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:54:55 -0400

Site Maintenance

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:10:16 -0400

There is some site maintenance going on at the moment so you may find errors or other problems. They will only last for a short while, so please bear with us.

EDIT: The maintenance is mostly completed and should only effect a small amount of pages now. Thank you for continuing to support Link's Hideaway!

Skyward Sword Gets Release Date

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:53:00 -0400

It seems that the release date for Skyward Sword has been announced! North America will be able to get their hands on this game on November 20th of this year! According to ZeldaEternity, the European release date is on the 18th of November.

Link's Hideaway on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:27:33 -0400

Our Facebook and Twitter accounts have been more active lately then ever before, so why not take part in all the festivities by joining us? Just become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and you too can take part in sculpting Link's Hideaway by making suggestions, answering questions, viewing test video, and other activities that are exclusive to our Facebook and Twitter followers. Also, keep a look out on our YouTube as we are gearing up to release video guides soon.

Nintendo Announces New Online Activities for Zelda 25th Anniversary

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:24:01 -0400

Nintendo has challenged you to create your best Zelda themed Flipnote Studio Animations, which will be judged by Zelda developers. Read the full release below:

Zelda Developers to Judge Top Consumer-Created Flipnote Studio Animations

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 8, 2011 - The 25th anniversary celebration of The Legend of Zelda� continues with the launch of a new website and a creative challenge for fans of the iconic Nintendo series. For 25 years The Legend of Zelda has chronicled the adventures of heroic Link� and Princess Zelda�. Now fans can share their passion for the series and document its history with a new 25th anniversary website at http://www.zelda.com/25th. The anniversary website includes an interactive history of The Legend of Zelda, as well as a video featuring an orchestra performing music from the series at the 2011 E3 Expo.

Starting today through Sept. 9, Nintendo DSi� or Nintendo DSi XL� owners are also invited to create their own flipnotes, or short animations, inspired by The Legend of Zelda series. Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL owners can use one of three flipnote templates with music from The Legend of Zelda series, then complete and upload their creations via the Flipnote Studio application. Flipnote Studio is available as a free download from the Nintendo DSiWare� service, and also comes pre-installed on select Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL hardware. Fans can also submit a paper entry by mail. The best Zelda-themed flipnotes will be evaluated by key Nintendo developers who have worked on the series - including Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka, Eiji Aonuma and Yoshiaki Koizumi - and posted for fans to enjoy on the http://www.zelda.com/25th website, the Nintendo Channel on the Wii� console and Flipnote Hatena on Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems. For official rules, visit http://www.zelda.com/25th/flipnote.

Nintendo's 25th anniversary celebration also includes the recent launch of The Legend of Zelda�: Ocarina of Time� 3D game for the Nintendo 3DS� system, which lets players explore a vastly upgraded classic game in full 3D without the need for special glasses. Later this year, Nintendo will launch The Legend of Zelda�: Skyward Sword for the Wii system. In September, Nintendo is offering the multiplayer fun of The Legend of Zelda�: Four Swords as a free gift to fans. Fans can download a Nintendo DSiWare version of the game using their Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access required for download).

For more information about the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, visit http://www.zelda.com/25th.

ZE Summer Marathon - 96 Hours of Zelda

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:55:16 -0400

The guys over at Zelda Eternity are hosting a live stream starting today at 5 PM EST. Below you will find details directly from a recent email with them,

I'm sure you're probably aware of the merge between Zelda World and Zelda Eternity and the huge ZE Summer Marathon, but I just wanted to send a quick message to remind you that it begins today at 5PM EST and will span for 96 hours. In these 96 hours, all Zelda games will be completed (excluding the DS titles).

Streaming live video by Ustream

Fan Art - Impa, Midna, Link

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:04:26 -0400

Here is the next release of Ruto's Fan Art. I hope you enjoy it.

Ruto's Fan Art

Skyward Sword Item Upgrade Info

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 22:06:47 -0400

Nintendo's Bill Trinen had this to say,

"What I can say though is what we have done with the game this time that I think a little bit different is... They've built an entire upgrade system into the game. So for example, right now you can see that Link has his traditional shield, but he actually will get a lot of diferent shields in the game. He will start off with a very basic one, and then as you fight enemies, you will recover these kind of treasures or artifacts that you can then use as resources to upgrade your items. And you can do that with your shield, you can do that with the beetle, and some of the other items that you have where you're able to kind of combine your collection of rupees and your collection of resources and improve the items that you have."

Skyward Sword and Zelda 25th Symphony Concert Trailers

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:42:42 -0400

There are a couple trailers that have appeared recently. The first one is a Skyward Sword trailer and the second is the Zelda 25th Symphony Concert trailer.

King of Games: Zelda 25th Anniversary Shirt

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:47:01 -0400

The King of Games is relaunching their store with a brand new line of Zelda t-shirts commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Zelda. The shirts come in a variety of colors with each sporting small differences from the others. The King of Games is also reprinting their 20th Anniversary of Zelda shirts, except the Hylian text says 'Legend of Zelda' this time around.

Eiji Aonuma Interview with Industry Gamer - Zelda Wii U, Development Timeline

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:15:01 -0400

In a recent interview with Industry Gamers, Eiji Aonuma talked about several aspects of the Zelda franchise.

Industry Gamers: The 'HD Experience' demo that was shown of Zelda, is that representative of just how good a new Zelda on the Wii U would look?

Eiji Aonuma: Well, one thing I want to emphasize here, when talking about the Wii U Zelda HD experience, is that we really built it specifically to be an experience. The idea is using Zelda as the backdrop for one of these HD experiences, what kind of representation Zelda can make there. But this is really just to show people what kind of things the console can do. And so, it's not necessarily the case that we would use that graphic style or depiction the same way we would in a new Zelda, when there is a new Zelda for the Wii U. Just like the map functionality that was also implemented in that experience - it's simply us giving an objective look at the kinds of things that can be done with the HD hardware. And Zelda happened to be the filter through which we view it in that experience. So nothing is defined right now as far as how we'll proceed.

So the Wii U Zelda should prove interesting with all of the new features it provides. The touchscreen on the controller sporting the items and other menu's will save on screen space and allow for more seamless game play.

EA: I can't really speak to Mario, obviously - it's not my forte. But with regards to Zelda, the development process is typically around 3 years and that's a pretty big timeline obviously. So you've got a timeline for a given Zelda game and you've also got a timeline for new hardware. So obviously when those two timelines can line up neatly, then, yes we'd love to have something out and available at launch. There have been times when we've realized how important that is. For example, when Twilight Princess was being developed, we started on the GameCube and it turned out the game was going to complete itself more or less around the time of the Wii launch and I thought, 'Well, it would be a real waste not to have that available for new players with that functionality in the forefront.� So we did make a Wii version of the game as well as the GameCube version.

But in general, the timeline for new hardware is actually shorter than the timeline for a new Zelda game. And because of that, when they don't line up correctly - and that's often the case - it's extremely hard to coordinate getting that title out as a day one title. But when possible, of course it's something that we understand is great and we like to do it. And, naturally, I realize that it is in some ways a problem that Zelda games take as long as they do. I would like to get them out faster. That's something that I consider a personal challenge and it's something that I look into.

Interesting? According to Aonuma in a different part of the interview, he has been working with WiiU for 2 years and the system is set for launch next year. This means that he will have roughly 3 years under his belt. Will we be able to see Zelda as a WiiU launch title? Possibly but not likely due to the fact that Skyward Sword only came out of development mere months ago.

IG: Speaking of the personal side, do you wish at times that you could work on something other than Zelda? You've been sort of the go-to guy for the Zelda franchise for a long time now. Do you have a creative desire to maybe work on a brand new Nintendo franchise?

EA: Yeah, the truth of it is I always want to work on something new. It just turns out that as I'm coming up with these ideas along the way, I realize, 'Y'know, this could really work on a Zelda game.� And it sort filters back into it and in the end, we come back into another Zelda project. So in some ways, it's a bit of a challenge for me personally that Zelda ends up becoming this pool of my ideas and it keeps absorbing the ideas I have and they get integrated back into Zelda games. But that's just sort of the way it's flown for me.

So with all of Aonuma's ideas being absorbed into Zelda projects, will we ever see a new Aonuma IP? Who knows, but check out the source link for the full interview.

Fan Art - Tetra, Older Princess Ruto, Fairy Queen

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:31:56 -0400

Ruto's Fan Art

Ocarina of Time 3D Soundtrack Shipping

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:11:51 -0400

According to my Club Nintendo account, the Ocarina of Time 3D soundtrack order is being prepared. This must mean that they are now being shipped to people who got to order them. So make sure to keep a lookout for them. More details to come later.

Epona License Plate

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:16:19 -0400

The Epona License Plate above was found by Noah, the webmaster of Legend Zelda, a few months ago. Apparently, these are Ohio license plates. Have you found something similar? Seen this same plate? Tell us over at our Facebook page.

Aonuma on Skyward Sword Worldwide Release and Ocarina of Time Connections

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:51:30 -0400

In a recent interview with Famitsu Magazine, Eiji Aonuma speaks about the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and about the games connection with Ocarina of Time.

On the Master Sword, Ganondorf and Ocarina connections...

This game talks about the birth of the Master Sword, and it touches on why Ganondorf showed up. If you play it, I think you'll get some understanding on that. It connects to Ocarina, so if you play Ocarina of Time 3D and move on to this game, I think you'll catch on to a lot of things.

On development progress and hoping for a worldwide release...

The whole game is complete, and we're fine-tuning the balance right now. We were going to have it wholly done by around E3, but there's so much volume to it, neither I nor Miyamoto have gotten to fully play out every aspect. The non-English localizations are proceeding along now, and we're trying to make this a simultaneous worldwide release. You have to put Zelda all out at once or else the story's going to get spoiled -- although, really, there's a ton to enjoy here even if you know a little about the story beforehand.

Check the source link for more details from the interview.

Ocarina of Time 3D: Boss Challenge Details

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:19:49 -0400

We have a detailed guide to all aspects of the Boss Challenge mode in the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D; however, you can find some brief details below. *Note* possible spoilers

How To Unlock:
After you have defeated Phantom Ganon in the Forest Temple, head back to the Temple of Time for a cutscene with Sheik. Near the end of the cutscene, Sheik will tell you that you can relive battles in your dreams. You now have Boss Challenge Mode.

How To Activate:
Go to Link's house and you will be able to talk to his bed. Select Relive a Battle to begin Boss Challenge Mode. You will be given a list of all the bosses you have defeated to challenge to a fight. Choose which one you want to fight and the battle will begin.

Bosses:
In order to be able to challenge a boss, you have to defeat the boss in the quest of the game. Ganondorf does not make an appearance in any of the challenges. Please refer to our Boss Guide for detailed strategies on defeating each boss.

Gauntlet

Requirements:

Beaten Spirit Temple

How to Unlock:

Beat all bosses up to Twinrova in Boss Challenge mode

Fight Summary:

The challenge is comprised of fighting all bosses from the game in a row possibly without recovery items.

Details:
Link starts out with 5 hearts and a full double magic meter. After each fight, a big chest and a small chest will appear. Open one to receive various items such as: heart containers, bombs, longshot, and other stuff that will prove helpful. You start the next battle as soon as you head through the portal. Also, you will not receive any health back and the amount of heart containers you have will remain unchanged. *Note* More details to come soon.

Hints:
When choosing a chest after each fight, the small chests are usually the most helpful. The big chests give Deku nuts (10x) a lot of the time.

Want to know more? All you have to do is check out our full Boss Challenge guide.

Fan Art - Princess Zelda, Ghost Zelda, Zora

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:46:50 -0400

Here is the next release of Ruto's fan art.

The Zelda Formula Has Not Gotten Stale

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:59:03 -0400

An article has been released recently over at the Flying Fisch entitled: The Zelda Formula Has Not Gotten Stale. As the title suggests, the writer goes into details about why the formula for Zelda has not gotten stale and states the following:

The reason for why hardcore Zelda-fans think the series has gotten stale is that in reality, the series has been dumbed down. That is drastically different from the apparent reason. If you think about it, the 'Zelda-formula� has always been there. Always to a different degree. Zelda NES had the overworld and dungeons, the small keys, the classic items, the heart containers, Ganon, and so on. A link to the Past had it, Link�s Awakening had it, Ocarina of Time had it, and then the following Zelda-games as well. Sure, TWW and TP may have followed OoT�s basic structure a little too closely, but that wasn�t the reason why these entries felt lacking. What those modern Zelda-games are lacking is symptomatic for the whole of our today�s gaming industry: True tension, challenge, mercilessness, real exploration, a sense of wonder.

To some degree, this is correct. Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks were both pretty easy games if you compare them to titles such as A Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time; however, when not compared to any of the franchises other games, both provide their own series of challenges and puzzles. Many people have difficulties beating both games. So what do you think? Let us know over at our Facebook page.

OSV Interview with Koji Kondo

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:03:59 -0400

In a recent interview with OSV, Koji Kondo speaks about the music in Skyward Sword.

OSV: While we're reminiscing about your work on Ocarina of Time, would you like to take the time to share with us what we can expect from Nintendo's next Zelda title, Skyward Sword? Are you once again responsible for the music, and if so, who will be working with you, and what tools are being use to compose the music? You mentioned at E3 last year that since the Super Mario Galaxy team got to work with a live orchestra for large portions of that score that you were hoping to do the same with Skyward Sword. Can we expect more live orchestral music for Skyward Sword?

Kondo: Our next title, Skyward Sword, also has a wide variety of impressive songs, and it has new musical gameplay elements. Hajime Wakai is in charge of the music, but I also participated in making songs. My composition tools are an electronic piano and a Mac. We use orchestras for a few different songs where we feel that doing so is appropriate.

Check out the source link for the full interview.

Sirens of the Siren World

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:42:58 -0400

AtrumLevis, webmistress for Zelda Temple, has written an article about a theory for why the Siren World is called the Siren World. Here is an excerpt from the article:

It is quite possible that the Siren World's name came from the Sirens mentioned in mythology and perhaps in one part of the game, Skyward Sword, it would be calling to Link in the form of some sort of song, luring him into thrusting his sword into the ground to enter it.

So what do you think about this theory? Sound plausible? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Calling All Zelda Fans For A Film

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:59:36 -0400

We have received an email from some people creating a film about Zelda. After some investigating, we were able to confirm that it is legitimate. Read full details below, and note it comes directly from the email:

Message:
Are you a Zelda fan between the age of 20-35? Do you remember the days when you used to play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64? If the answer is yes, then now is your chance to feature in a short film about those who love all things Zelda. Enter alone or with your friends, we're looking for genuine Zelda fans to hang out and play their favourite game. Just tell us a little bit more about yourself by answering the questions below, and you could be the star of our next film. Send your answers to jackbayley@dentsulondon.com and we'll make sure to get back to you soon. All entries must be submitted by Friday 24 June.

Name :
Age :
Phone number :
Email :
Do you live in the UK? If so, what city?
Where were you when you used to play Zelda: Ocarina of Time?
What do you like most about Zelda: Ocarina of Time?
Have you played any game on the Nintendo 3DS? How was the experience?
Do you have a couple friends you often played Zelda with but haven't seen in a while? If so, tell us more about them.
Are you a gamer? What types of games do you usually go for?
When did you start playing video games and do you still play?

Please fill in each field and attach a photo of yourself before submitting your entry. None of your answers can be right or wrong, but the more information you share the better.

Europe - Ocarina of Time 3D Soundtrack Offer Extended

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:39:44 -0400

Nintendo of Europe has announced an extension to their Ocarina of Time 3D offer as well. Full details below:

We would like to update our Club Nintendo members who have attempted to register their The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D title with Club Nintendo over the weekend in order to take part in the bonus soundtrack CD promotion.

Unfortunately, we encountered a technical issue with our Club Nintendo website and this resulted in an error for some customers when trying to claim the promotional soundtrack CD from Friday afternoon until today, Monday, June 20th. This issue is now solved, but we would like to extend our sincere apologies to all Club Nintendo members who encountered this problem.

Our The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D CD Soundtrack promotion continues to run until June 30th, 2011. All European Club Nintendo members may register for and receive a bonus soundtrack CD until that date. We will be in contact soon with Club Nintendo members who registered their software, but were not able to enter their details for the soundtrack CD, with information on how to proceed in order to receive the CD.

Ocarina of Time 3D Soundtrack Offer Extended UPDATE

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:36:56 -0400

Nintendo of America has extended the offer once more. Full details below:

Due to strong demand and technical issues, we are extending this offer. All members who register the game by 12:01am Pacific Time Tuesday, June 21, 2011 will receive The Legend of Zelda�: Ocarina of Time� 3D Soundtrack CD.

Ocarina of Time 3D Soundtrack Offer Extended

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:10:35 -0400

Nintendo of America recently posted on their Twitter account that the soundtrack offer for Ocarina of Time 3D has been extended. Full details below:

Due to strong demand and technical issues, we are extending this offer. Members who register the game by midnight, Pacific Time on Monday June 20, 2011 will receive the soundtrack CD.

Ocarina of Time 3D Guides

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 06:17:19 -0400

With the recent release of Ocarina of Time 3D, we have been adding guides for it to help you with various parts of the game. So far, we have guides for the following: Gold Skulltula's, Heart Pieces, Epona, Song's, Items, Gear, Biggoron Sword, Great Fairy Fountains, or Boss Challenge Mode; so if this is what you need, then you have come to the right place. We are revamping and adding more to our content soon, so please check back for updates!

Ocarina of Time 3D - Exploring Kokiri Forest

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 06:10:30 -0400

Ocarina of Time 3D Shooting Gallery Footage

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 06:06:27 -0400

Aonuma Discusses Why Link Remains A Kid

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 07:50:08 -0400

Kotaku has recently posted an interview with Aonuma. Here is a small excerpt:

Kotaku: Why did Link have to go back to being a kid? He just saved Hyrule. Surely he should be allowed to stay grown up.

Mr. Aonuma: Through the guidance of Zelda, Link was able to become a young man without maturing mentally. So Zelda returned Link to his child form once more. I think she wanted him to live a life in which he grew up normally. Also, if Link didn't return to being a child for us, we wouldn't have the story of Majora's Mask, so this is a part of the story that I really want to remain the way it is.

So for all of you who think Link should of stayed an adult, do you think this justifies why Link remains a kid? Let us know on our Facebook page.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 -0400

*Note* this game review may contain possible spoilers.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a remake of a Nintendo 64 classic. The original was amongst the highest rated games ever and proved to be very cutting edge for its time. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time provided a vast world to explore and many new challenges to undertake, all while being displayed in beautiful 3D polygons. The game was stunning to say the least, but will the remake live up to all of the originals glory and praise?

Revamped Graphics
The original Ocarina of Time had great graphics for its time; the 3DS remake has had a graphical overhaul. All textures are now smoother and more realistic. One example can be seen in my Dodongo comparison.

Gameplay Mechanics
Ocarina of Time 3D has new and improved gameplay mechanics. The touch screen controls are just superb overall. They add a layer to the game that simple analog controls have yet to do in my opinion. While you still control Link with analog controls (via the circle pad), the added touch screen capabilities of the 3DS really make the game feel alive. The gyroscopic sensor that controls the slingshot, boomerang, and other weapons is not only accurate but more efficient then the analog counterpart. You can easily go from running towards an enemy to taking him out with the boomerang.

Normal Quest
In case you do not know, the game features two quest; the normal quest and a Master Quest. The normal quest is the same one from the original but with revamped graphics and gameplay mechanics. The quest has an extensive array of objectives for the player to achieve throughout their journey across the magical lands of Hyrule. The main objective, being one that is a staple of the series, is to save the lands of Hyrule from the clutches of the antagonist, Ganondorf. Since this scenario has played out many times before, it proves to be very nostalgic for the gamer.

The player has a vast world to explore freely, as long as they have the required items to navigate the areas, which provides for a wonderful experience and one that all fans will enjoy. The overworld map has many secrets to be found including: gold skulltula's, heart pieces, and Great Fairies.

Gold skulltula's, being the key to a curse on the family in the House of the Skulltula's, are hidden all throughout Hyrule and its many dungeons. They make a distinct sound whenever one is around, making it somewhat easier to find them. The player receives rewards as they progress through their mission to cure the Skulltula family. The rewards include: larger wallets, rupees, bombchu's, and even a heart piece.� As the player finds more skulltula's, they will notice different members of the Skulltula family turn from being skulltula's into humans again. This is the sign of a new reward being available.

Heart pieces play an important role in the amount of heart containers that Link has throughout his journeys. It takes 4 pieces in order to earn 1 extra container. Like gold skulltula's, they are scattered throughout Hyrule and prove to be challenging to find at times. The player can earn up to 9 extra heart containers via heart pieces and this extra life can be vital to surviving some of the games more dangerous and challenging obstacles and bosses. They can be found in small chests or just laying around on platforms throughout Zora's River.

Great Fairies, which are located in Fairy Fountains throughout Hyrule, provide Link with new abilities and power ups. The player can learn 3 magic spells from the fairies including: Din's Fire, Farore's Wind, and Nayru's Love. One fairy can even give Link a defense boost, thus making the player take half damage from enemies. While many of the perks from the fairies are not necessary to complete the main quest, they do prove very helpful and fun to use during the many tribulations that Link faces.

Dungeons
Dungeons have always played an important role in the Zelda franchise and with Ocarina of Time 3D, it is no surprise that they return. The first dungeon, being Inside the Deku Tree, is a nostalgic classic. It features many different floors and obstacles. One such obstacle is figuring out how to navigate from floor to floor with all the webs blocking the way. This proved to be a very interesting concept and one that will be enjoyed time and time again. The second dungeon, being Dodongo's Cavern, posed a significant different plethora of challenges. One had to use the newly acquired Bombs in ways that were intuitive and thought provoking. You had to have precise timing in order to achieve the necessary results to progress through the dungeons many passages.

The third dungeon, being Inside Lord Jabu Jabu, was one that really pushed the envelope as far as puzzle's go. You had to use a partner, Princess Ruto, in order to navigate through many of the floors and rooms. Without Princess Ruto's weight bearing down on switches, Link would never have been able to cure Lord Jabu Jabu of his misfortunes. Princess Ruto also proved to be an obstacle all by herself, since she forced Link to carry her around much of the dungeon. You would have to constantly dodge enemy attacks and make precision jumps across pitfalls, all in order to help the demanding Princess find her lost stone, the Zora's Sapphire.

Now on to adult Link's troubles, while there were only 3 dungeons for kid Link, adult Link has 5 temples to conquer including several mini-dungeons. In the Forest Temple, where you get the Fairy Bow, Link must be able to master sense of direction and bow skills in order to conquer the many puzzle's that are presented. One such obstacle is a hallway that twists and makes adjacent room layouts rotate as well. As the hallway becomes straightened, the adjacent rooms pose different problems. Use of the Fairy Bow throughout the dungeon provides a true feeling of what it is like to live in a forest such as the one that Link and the Kokiri lived in.

One more memorable temple is the Water Temple located in the depths of Lake Hylia. Throughout the temple, Link must rise and lower water levels according to which floors or puzzles he is faced with, thus making it relatively easy to become lost or disoriented. The temple does have some significant improvements over the original design in that there are guidelines that show you where each level's controls are placed. This helps with all the confusion and chaos that happens throughout the Water Temple. Overall, the dungeon and temple designs are brilliantly laid out and pose just enough of a challenge that players will be able, with some thought, conquer each and every one of them.

Sound
The soundtrack of a game can provide a sense of emotion to a player and further their sense of connection with what's going on within the game. Ocarina of Time 3D's soundtrack is the same one used for the original and provides much nostalgia for players who experienced it back in the Nintendo 64 days. From the iconic chest sounds to the sound of Link dying, players will feel a sense of danger or excitement with every move they make. One time when the sound really gets the player involved, is when battling a foe. The music quickly becomes more upbeat and full of excitement. It really gets you in the �mood' for a fight to say the least. Overall, the soundtrack is very nostalgic and provides a fuller depth for the game.

Boss Challenge Mode
Boss Challenge is a fresh new feature of Ocarina of Time 3D. It allows the player to engage in battle with every boss again. During each boss fight, the player only gets a certain amount of heart containers and gear, which are usually the basics that are needed to win the fight. This makes fighting some of the later bosses in the game more challenging because during the main game, the player could have 15 hearts for the boss fight whereas during boss challenge, the player might only have half as many.

Master Quest has its own version of Boss Challenge as well. The bosses will deal out double damage in this version, which proves to be a great challenge in some cases. After defeating each boss again, the player has the chance to select �Gauntlet' and here is where the real challenge pursues. Gauntlet allows the player to fight with each boss in a row, without recovery items or help in game. The only help the player gets is being able to choose a giant or small chest after each battle.

The chests can contain a plethora of items ranging from heart containers and weapons to the no so helpful rupee. When players make a chest selection they are unable to open the other chest, thus the chime of two items is shattered. The player does not receive any heart recovery after each fight and must continue with only the bare basics. The Master Quest version is the ultimate challenge for fans everywhere. Just imagine fighting every boss in a row without recovery items or heart upgrades, adrenaline pumping right?

The game also keeps track of the player's victories and record times. Overall, Boss Challenge mode is a brilliant addition to Ocarina of Time 3D and one that fans will enjoy for countless hours. It is very addicting trying to see just how quickly you can defeat a boss. One record of mine, so far, is 30 seconds to defeat Gohma from Inside the Deku Tree. Granted Gohma is the first boss, I still think this is pretty quick. All fans will have great pleasure showcasing their abilities with Boss Challenge mode.

Master Quest
While the Normal Quest proved to be fascinating, the new improved Master Quest is even better. Some changes include: double damage, mirror mode, and reworked dungeons. First off, double damage means exactly what it says; every attack from an enemy now does double the damage. The player will be faced with a plethora of new challenges with this change. During one dungeon, Link has to fight against 3 Stalfo's, which can do 4 heart containers worth of damage. This proves rather difficult, especially if you are lacking in the heart pieces department, and provides a good challenge for anyone thinking the normal quest was too easy.

Mirror Mode, which a comparison shot can be seen below, make all of Hyrule reverse. Where the player would have to go right normally, they now have to go left. This can make traveling Hyrule more confusing because the player will have the urge to go the normal quest directions, which are completely backwards. I found myself still heading west to go to Kakariko Village even after playing through the Master Quest for 20 hours or more.

Reworked dungeons are another staple of Ocarina of Time 3D's Master Quest. Every dungeon poses new challenges and puzzles. One new challenge was in Lord Jabu Jabu where the player had to use the Fairy Slingshot in order to shoot cows hanging on the walls to advance throughout the dungeon, sometimes even having to shoot the same cow multiple times for the secret to be revealed. This led to a couple hours of running around and trying to figure out what to do.

The Water Temple provided many new challenges as well. One room featured a platform on a cliff below the door and on the other side of the room, near the door the player needs to go through, was just a waterfall. The player had to turn around and find a slightly hidden switch above them in order to make targets appear. Even with these targets, the room was still hard to navigate because when you use the longshot to get to them, you would just fall off and be taken down into the abyss by the waterfall. Many secrets are to be found in this room alone, which provided a lot of thought provoking mysteries.

Overall, master Quest proved to be very challenging and provided a fresh experience to a classic game. With all of the new puzzles, double damage, and being mirrored, Master Quest is a spectacle to behold and a quest that fans are sure to enjoy. It provides many more hours of enjoyment to the game and allows for yet another form of gratification after defeating the challenges.

Overall Score � 99/100
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a fantastic remake to the original Nintendo 64 version. The revamped graphics and 3D effects make for a visually stunning experience and one that gamers will enjoy for many years to come. The soundtrack is very nostalgic and provides a depth to the overall experience. Boss Challenge mode is an awesome addition and one that many fans will enjoy. The new Master Quest provides a fresh feel for a classic game and lengthens the playtime considerably. If you have not yet experienced this classic, then this is a MUST buy for any Nintendo 3DS owner or Zelda fan. The game is truly spectacular and the best 3DS game yet.

Greek Ocarina of Time 3D Preorder Bonus Unboxing

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:31:26 -0400

Zelda World - Mario Live Stream

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:15:56 -0400

The folks over at Zelda World are now hosting a live stream of Mario. You can view it below.

Free video chat by Ustream

Nintendo Announces Australian Ocarina of Time 3D Launch Party

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:25:48 -0400

Nintendo of Australia have announced a launch party for Ocarina of Time 3D. Read below for full details.

To celebrate the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D on Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo and EB Games invite fans to get down to The Nintendo Experience, EB Games, 67 Swanston St, Melbourne from 10pm - 1am, Wednesday 29 June.

Join in the midnight countdown for the most anticipated release for Nintendo 3DS so far! Nintendo and EB Games will be providing food, soft drinks and music, and everyone who attends on the night will be able to take home their very own souvenir photo of themselves transported to the mythical land of Hyrule.

The night will also showcase classic Legend of Zelda titles, with some fantastic prizes to be won. Come dressed in your best Legend of Zelda themed outfit for your chance to win a limited edition T-Shirt signed by the Producer of the Zelda franchise - Eiji Aonuma, or a signed copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D by competing in the video game challenge, or just by turning up!

Mexico Ocarina of Time 3D Booklet Sets Skyward Sword for Fall 2011 Release

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:08:20 -0400

Mexico has recently seen retailers break the Ocarina of Time 3D street date. The instruction booklet specifies that Skyward Sword is set for a Fall 2011 release date. Nintendo mentioned a holdiay release for Skyward Sword but this booklet is a bit more precise. Let use know what you think on our Facebook page.

Skyward Sword to be Released in August?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:11:13 -0400

Nintendo of Europe's press site has listed the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for a August 2011 release; however, the NoA press site has not even listed the game in its directory yet. This is much sooner then the Holiday release that was mentioned at E3 2011. Will the game release in August or is this just a mistype? We should find out within the coming months, so, for now we can only hope that this is the release month.

Need Ocarina of Time 3D Help?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:06:49 -0400

With the recent discovery that Ocarina of Time 3D has hit shelves early in some regions, I have released our Ocarina of Time 3D section to the public. So if you need any help with the following: Gold Skulltulas, Heart Pieces, Gear, Items, Songs, Epona, Great Fairy Fountains, or the Biggoron Sword, then make sure to check out our Ocarina of Time 3D section. On June 17th, 2011 at 10AM PT we will have more content available, so make sure to check back soon!

Ocarina of Time 3D on Shelves in Portugal and France

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:32:17 -0400

Do you live in Portugal or France? Well, then you are luck because we are receiving reports that the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D has hit store shelves early at some retailers. What do you think about this? Let us know on our Facebook page.

New Ocarina of Time 3D Artwork

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 05:56:25 -0400

Nintendo's has recently released some new artwork for the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D at E3. Take a look at it below.

Source: Nintendo's Press Site

Skyward Sword Zelda by Juan Vargas

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:26:59 -0400

Some Skyward Sword fan art has arisen recently from an artist by the name of Juan Vargas. View it below and let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

Some Skyward Sword Footage

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:56:26 -0400

The people over at SideQuesting have uploaded a video showcasing Skyward Sword. Check it out below.

Some Ocarina of Time 3D Footage

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:00:22 -0400

Some more footage of Ocarina of Time 3D has arisen. View the video below.

Fan Art - Zelda, Link, and Marin

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:59:49 -0400

Ruto's Fan Art

New Skyward Sword Artwork

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:32:32 -0400

Nintendo has recently released several pieces of artwork for the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. You can take a look at them below.

Source: Nintendo's Press Site

20 Minutes of Skyward Sword Dungeon Footage

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:03:46 -0400

Aonuma Discusses Creating a HD Zelda

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:53:46 -0400

More The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Videos

New Skyward Sword Screenshots

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:16:08 -0400

Nintendo has released some new screenshots for the upcoming game, the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Take a look at them below.

Source: Nintendo Press Site

Ocarina of Time 3D E3 Trailer

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:03:42 -0400

Below you will find a new trailer for Ocarina of Time 3D, which is a remake of a commercial for the Nintendo 64 version of the game. The trailer is also available on the eShop in full 3D.

Skyward Sword - New Demo Shows Flight Gameplay

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:00:52 -0400

So as you can see, flight will play a big role in Skyward Sword. What do you think about this? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Link's Awakening DX on eShop for $5.99

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:49:20 -0400

Earlier, we posted about Link's Awakening becoming available on the eShop by days end. I just checked and sure enough it is available. The price is $5.99.

New Skyward Sword Trailer

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:16:12 -0400

There has been a new trailer shown for Skyward Sword. It is the same one that got shown at Nintendo's E3 presentation but released separately. View it below.

EDIT:We fixed the broken video.

Also, check out all the new Zelda details here.

Skyward Sword Confirmed for a Holiday Launch

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:18:15 -0400

Just moments ago, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was shown at Nintendo's E3 presentation. It was given a Holiday launch window. Also, Nintendo is releasing a brand new Zelda themed controller for release with the game. Check out the controller below:

So what do you think about the new controller? Let us know on our Facebook page. Also, check out all the new Zelda details here.

Nintendo's E3 Zelda Details

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:18:33 -0400

Follow our Facebook or Twitter for up to the minute details.

Skyward Sword confirmed for a Holiday launch.

Link's Awakening will be available today by days end on the newly launched eShop.

A four player Four Swords will be available as a free download on the DSi.

Nintendo's E3 Presentation Live Stream

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:14:44 -0400

Nintendo's E3 presentation starts at 12PM EST. You can watch it live via the stream below.

UPDATE: The live stream has ended. Look here for all the Zelda related details

Ocarina of Time 3D - Initial Impressions

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:22:50 -0400

In case you do not know, I have been playing through our press copy of Ocarina of Time 3D over the past several days. While this is not a game review, it is merely an initial impression of the game. Several aspects of the game that deserve mentioning are: the revamped graphics, 3D effects, and gameplay mechanics.

Revamped Graphics
The original Ocarina of Time had great graphics for its time, the 3DS remake has had a graphical overhaul. All textures are now smoother and more realistic. One example can be seen in my Dodongo comparison.

3D Effects
The 3D effects add another dimension to the game. This makes running through Hyrule more realistic. I turned off the 3D completely in order to get a good comparison and all I can say is that there is no comparison. The game was obviously designed to look and feel better with the 3D turned on. It is truly a sight to see for sure. One last note about the 3D is to watch out for the leaves falling off the Deku Tree because they just might hit you in the face.

Gameplay Mechanics
Ocarina of Time 3D has new and improved gameplay mechanics. The touch screen controls are just superb overall. They add a layer to the game that simple analog controls have yet to do in my opinion. While you still control Link with analog controls (via the circle pad), the added touch screen capabilities of the 3DS really make the game feel alive. The gyroscopic sensor that controls the slingshot, boomerang, and other weapons is not only accurate but more efficient then the analog counterpart. You can easily go from running towards an enemy to taking him out with the boomerang.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D provides many new improvements over the original. One question you might have is whether or not it is worth purchasing? While I am restricted to what I can and cannot say, I can, however, tell you that this game is definitely worth picking up. With all the preorder bonuses floating around to the different regions, one could go as far as to say it is worth a preorder. We have plenty of Ocarina of Time 3D content coming your way and check back on June 17th at 10AM PT for our full review of the game.

Ocarina of Time 3D Screenshots

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:41:08 -0400

Nintendo released some new screenshots earlier on their Twitter account. You can view them below.

What do you think of the new screenshots? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Ocarina of Time Press Kit Goodies

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:03:32 -0400

I woke up this morning and, to my surprise, Fedex was delivering a press copy of Ocarina of Time 3D to me. After opening the initial box, I found a t-shirt and a ocarina amongst some other things. Below you will find some pictures of the goodies that got included in the package.

Taco-Man the Game Master 5: Broken Link

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:42:32 -0400

The following video contains a few explicit words but is rather funny. I hope you enjoy it.

Welcome To Our New CMS

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:37:49 -0400

The content management system (CMS) upgrade has been completed for the most part. If you notice any problems, please contact webmaster[at]linkshideaway[dot]com. Some minor performance and other tweaks will be made throughout the week but this should not cause any noticeable problems. One last note about the upgrade, most links have changed to a new structure so we would recommend updating all your bookmarks and other links. The old urls will still work but redirect to the new one.

Site Downtime Expected

Tue, 31 May 2011 13:47:12 -0400

We are currently in the process of upgrading our content management system (CMS) and expect some downtime to occur for most, if not all, sections of the site except news pages. This process is scheduled to be completed by tonight at midnight. Please bare with us through this process and report all errors or problems to webmaster[at]linkshideaway[dot]com. Another post will be made when all maintenance has been completed.

iNintendo's E3 Predictions

Tue, 31 May 2011 01:42:04 -0400

The good people over at iNintendo have released a list of predictions for this years E3. Here is a list of some of the items from their list.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword gets delayed to Project Cafe
Skyward Sword gets a release date
Paper Zelda announced for Project Cafe

While it is a possibility that Skyward Sword could get delayed til Project Cafe, we have some good evidence to back up saying this prediction is not likely. It could get a release on Project Cafe though. The second prediction seems very likely as Skyward Sword is somewhere near completion. As for the third prediction, Paper Zelda is a far shot. Liked some of these predictions? Then check out the full list of E3 predictions.

Fan Art - Farore, Veran, and Ezlo

Sat, 28 May 2011 12:26:33 -0400

We have the next release of our biweekly fan art for you today. Hope you enjoy it. Let us know on our Facebook page if you have a comment.

Ocarina of Time 3D New Features Trailer

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:31:15 -0400

So it appears the we have yet another trailer for Ocarina of Time 3D for you to check out. This one shows off the new features of the game. While it is not as long as the Japanese trailer we posted about earlier, it does bring life to the new features one can expect to find in the game.

So what did you think? Lets us know on our Facebook page.

Japanese Ocarina of Time 3D Trailer

Wed, 25 May 2011 16:06:44 -0400

Australia Ocarina of Time 3D Preorder Bonus

Wed, 25 May 2011 12:22:18 -0400

Everyone in Australia has a wonderful pack of goodies included in their copy of Ocarina of Time 3D if they preorder it. They get an exclusive Zelda styled ocarina, 2 music sheets for the ocarina, and a copy of Ocarina of Time 3D. Check the image below for more details.

Fan Poem - He Took Her Away

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:45:05 -0400

Our staff member, LinkxZelda, has released yet another poem. This poem is entitled He Took Her Away and features the same romantic feel of her story Forever. Here is an excerpt of the new poem:

I watch her eyes,
I watch them everyday,
And I see something happening,
That makes me kneel and pray,

Their vibrancy is waning,
Their innocence gone,
She sees that the world,
Is not a desirable one.

For myself, I don't care,
I'll live with what I've seen,
But for her, I want better,
I want her mind to be clean,

The horrid man who stole her,
And took her security away
I tell him this plainly,
"In Hell I hope you stay".

So if you liked that excerpt, then finish reading He Took Her Away here.

Ocarina of Time 3D - Trailer

Sun, 22 May 2011 14:24:19 -0400

AirSharkSquad: 25th Zelda Anniversary Fan Art

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:41:00 -0400

devianART user AirSharkSquad (Robert Weatherholt) has created a piece of art commemorating Zelda's 25th Anniversary. He has drawn lots of Zelda styled art based on his own characters. One of his characters is similar to Link and is named Link Albane. Below you will find his 25th Anniversary fan art which is his Link Albane character.

So let us know what you think of this art over at our Facebook page and if you have not liked us yet, we would greatly appreciate it.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - Dodongo Comparison

Thu, 19 May 2011 01:32:41 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, which releases June 19th in the US, has been given a graphical makeover. The development team, Grezzo, has made vast improvements in several areas. One area is in the rendering of Dodongo from the second dungeon.

From the start, one thing that you notice is the mouth of Dodongo.

The new version includes an actual tongue. You can also notice that the inside of the mouth provides more detail and better textures. One can tell the top part of the mouth from the bottom part now. The teeth provide more realistic looking textures in the new version also. One last note about the mouth is that the outer edge appears less 'blocky' and are smoother.

The next thing one might notice is the legs.

The new version has more smoother textures and better muscle details. Dodongo's legs look less like they are made out of rocks now. This is a good improvement over the old style. If you look at the toes, you can tell that they appear more realistic then they did previously. The shoulders also appear more like ones you would expect from a dinosaur and are shaped totally different. They now appear jagged and powerful.

The last thing one will notice is the belly.

The new version has more smoother textures and better muscle details. The coloring is vastly more detailed and visually appealing then the old version. The part where the arms connect to the belly are also more detailed. They do not look 'spliced' together anymore and more detail has been put into making it look realistic.

Overall, the new version of Dodongo has better facial features, textures, and muscle details. This proves to be a vast improvement over the original version and is something that many fans of the series will enjoy. The new graphical style that Grezzo implemented is sure to provide a fresh feel for such a classic Zelda game and one that all of us here at Link's Hideaway are looking forward to playing. Got a comment or something to add? Then let us know on our Facebook page.

New Ocarina of Time 3D Screenshots

Fri, 13 May 2011 17:48:24 -0400

We have recently received a couple new screenshots for the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. These screens come in from a PR email. In the first one, we see adult Link targeting a poe.

The second screen is a comparison of the mirrored Master Quest mode. Here we can see that all aspects seem to have been mirrored including which hand Link uses the sword with. We can tell this because the sword is positioned on the opposite side of Link.

So what do you think about these new screenshots? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Fan Art - Princess Zelda (OoX, FSA, and TMC)

Thu, 12 May 2011 20:19:43 -0400

The following art is the next release in staff member Ruto's long list of fan art. Hope you enjoy it.

New Ocarina of Time 3D Details

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:13:07 -0400

We have recently been given some new details about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D from several sources. Here's a brief overview of the information:

Boss Rush Mode

After you defeat a boss, you can "relive its memory."
Sleep in Link's bed in Kokiri Forest to do this.
Boss battles will be timed, but play the same.
No online leaderboards/
Unlock Boss Rush mode by unlocking and defeating every boss again.
Fight through every boss, one after another.
Will be provided a power-up at the end of each fight, such as Deku Nuts or hearts.
Nintendo won't say if there will be more rewards for those who complete Boss Rush mode.

Master Quest

Master Quest has now been mirrored.
In Master Quest, Link will hit with twice the damage from enemies.

Super Guide

Sheikah Stones can be found throughout the world.
The stones are like the Gossip Stones from the original game.
Crawl inside the Sheikah Stones to receive "visions" of the future.
Visions are pre-recorded snippets of footage.
3-5 short clips that show what to do next.
Unlock the visions as you reach certain points in the game.
Visions may show you where to find heart pieces.
No Super Guide in Master Quest.

Fan Story - Forever Part 28

Wed, 11 May 2011 18:48:44 -0400

Are you a fan of Forever? Well, then you are in luck. We have Part 28 of Forever for your enjoyment today. Here is a small excerpt:

'Link! Link, where are you!� Her feet flew through the cold morning sand, scurrying about the campsite. She had been looking for her the young soldier for what seemed forever now. She had waited for a while in hopes that he had just gone out for something and would soon return, but after an hour or so of waiting her heart was sinking. Where could he have gone! Her hero, her savior...had he just left her there!? The breeze from across the water was cool against her body, and her dress was damp from the wet sand. She breathed the cool air quickly, her heart filling with fear...fear for her soldier...and herself, because life without him was as unfathomable to her as the depths of space. The sky was gray and cold, and it was beginning to drizzle. 'Link...! Link...!� Where had he gone...he could not have simply vanished!

So if you liked that excerpt you can continue reading Part 28 here.

Gifts with Ocarina of Time 3D?

Sat, 07 May 2011 17:52:18 -0400

I came across this and thought it was pretty cool. Nintendo of Greece has some cool gifts for those who preorder Ocarina of Time 3D.

1. "Deku Tree" Seeds.

2. Ocarina of Time 3DS pouch.

3. A replica of the Ocarina of Time.

4. A green cap with the Ocarina of Time 3D logo on it.

5. A keyring with the Ocarina of Time 3D logo on it.

These all have limited quantities.

Guardian Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:46:46 -0400

A portion of a Guardian interview with Shigeru Miyamoto...

G: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

SM: From a design perspective, [the late Game Boy creator] Gunpei Yokoi.

G: Are there any games you've played over the years that you wish you'd made?

SM: Sim City on the PC.

G: You've just remade The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for 3DS (out in June). Why choose that game for a 3D update?

SM: We thought the world of Hyrule would be more immersive for the players to experience in 3D and also the horse riding and the thrill of exploring would be heightened.

G: Are there any plans to adapt other older Nintendo games for the 3DS console?

SM: Not really. We would like to create more new titles. For example, this year we are making Super Mario 3D, but it's not really a remake of [the Wii's Super Mario] Galaxy. The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past could be one of them. I think it would be good to see that world with a layered 3D effect.

G: There are a lot of rumours surrounding Nintendo's next home console. Is the company's biggest challenge at the moment to come up with something completely different from its competitors?

SM: I think when you talk about competing against others, the problem is that you refer to something that's been done already and try to beat it. Rather than looking at what other companies are doing, the focus at Nintendo is on uniqueness. Providing new means of entertainment is the important thing.

So we hear more about Miyamoto's interest in remaking The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This would be awesome since it's my favorite game of all time.

Fan Art - Makar, Link, and Tetra

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:46:48 -0400

The following art is the next release in staff member Ruto's long list of fan art. Hope you enjoy it.

Fan Story - Forever Part 27

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:29:38 -0400

As the title suggests, we have Part 27 of Forever for you to enjoy. Here is a small excerpt

Link knew what he had to do. He knew that as long as he was a part of her life all that she would experience would be pain. He sighed. Zelda was still warm against his body. She was absolutely beautiful. His arm was still firmly around her and her head still upon his chest. She looked content as she slept, completely unaware of the horrible sin the young soldier felt he was about to commit. "What have you done, Link! You've just tricked the Princess of Hyrule out of her virginity! But...no, she wanted to make love with me!" His mind was going about a mile a minute. He felt ashamed at what I had done...what he was going to do. He couldn't even tell her to her face. The fire had died, and all that was left to light their world was the stars. Link's mind wouldn't stop. "You are a monster for doing this! No better than some prisoner!"

So is this a climatic part for Forever? Why not go check out the rest of Part 27 to find out?

Zelda World - A Menacing Moon

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:17:40 -0400

Are you one for Zelda theorizing? Well, then check out A Menacing Moon by Zelda World's staff member, JuicyJ. The article is about his theory on the Moon in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and is an interesting read.

Miyamoto on eShop and remaking A Link to the Past!

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:52:41 -0400

In a recent interview, Shigeru Miyamoto has stated the following:

"I think 3DS is a unique entertainment tool - everyone can understand how it works. One of our next aims is: how do you convey this message? Because one has to play and experience [it]. We spent a lot of time developing 3DS, for games for the future, so from now on I think we'll focus more on gaming and we are releasing lots of games this year. (expect more) remakes of games on 3DS as well. Personally speaking, because it's [for] 3DS, it'll be 3DS-specific, unique and immediately suitable for 3DS. With downloadable games via eShop we will start to create meaningful and high-value games for 3DS specifically. I think if it's meaningful for 3DS (we will create eShop 1st party content). For me it's important that anyone can play, and that it's easy and comfortable for anyone - it's not forcing a game into the hardware itself."

Miyamoto also discussed his interest in putting out another Zelda remake for 3DS.

"I think A Link To The Past. Do you remember Xevious? It's two-layered and I really wanted to create that at the time. So to see Link To The Past in two layers would be quite attractive for me."

Miyamoto on Zelda 25th Anniversary, AR titles, and Project Cafe

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:16:18 -0400

In a recent interview, Miyamoto has said that many products/merchandising are planned for the Zelda 25th Anniversary along with the following:

- Miyamoto is busy working on a new Zelda, a new Mario, Mario Kart 3DS, and a new Pikmin
- new AR titles being prepared for the 3DS
- concerning Project Cafe, Miyamoto confirms that he's working on new hardware and also said "where there's smoke there's fire, but you shouldn't believe everything you read [on the internet]"
- Miyamoto is considering letting the younger teams take on Mario and Zelda franchises in order to focus more on work for himself

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - Boss Challenge Mode

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:23:44 -0400

It has been confirmed by NoE (Nintendo of Europe) that a new 'Boss Challenge' mode will be featured in the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D game. The following comes from NoE:

The new Boss Challenge mode acts as an extra treat for those players who reach a certain point within the game. It will provide players with the opportunity to face any of the previous Bosses they have defeated once again, or, the option to face and confront them one-by-one, all in a continuous battle.

Fan Art - Fairies Galore

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:26:27 -0400

The following art is the next release in staff member Ruto's long list of fan art. Hope you enjoy it.

Ocarina of Time 3DS Release Date Confirmed!

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:18:16 -0400

Nintendo has confirmed Ocarina of Time 3DS for release in the US on June 19th and in Europe on June 17th in a recent press release. The press release also confirmed that Master Quest will be in the game, and it also included the official boxart for the title which can be seen below.

Zelda - Poker Style!

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:54:56 -0400

devianART user, Nelde, has created a set of poker cards based on The Legend of Zelda series. They feature the main characters of Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganondorf and is a neat idea for any Zelda fan who enjoys a good game of poker. Over at this US online poker site, you can find lots of good sites to enjoy a good poker game but all would be made better to any Zelda fan if the use of Nelde's cards was possible. Nelde has several Zelda pieces posted. Check out one below.

The Legend of Zelda: Potion of Imagination

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:16:17 -0400

YouTube user JoshuaPursley has recently released a live action scene that is full of Zelda style. Check it out below.

Best Buy's The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Release Date

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:08:19 -0400

Best Buy has a relatively specific release date for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The date is 9/25/2011 which (if true) means we have a little over 5 months before we can dive into a fresh adventure and once again take up sword and shield as Link. One last thing to remember is that Best Buy picked a Sunday date and Nintendo loves releasing stuff on Sundays.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Promo!

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:47:24 -0400

iPhone Zelda: A Link to the Past Theme!

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:14:47 -0400

A French website, Katone Mugen, has released a Zelda based theme for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The theme requires for your device to be jailbroken in order to be installed. It has a heavy basis in A Link to the Past which suits the iPhone nicely. Below you will see a few screen shots of the theme:

Google Translated Page

Fan Art - Sage Fado, Sage Laruto, and a Great Fairy

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:55:43 -0400

Ruto's Fan Art

Charity Gaming for Alzheimer's Association

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:31:10 -0400

The following are details of a Returners gaming marathon:

The good people over at The Returners blog are starting up their charity marathon season once more this March 25th. As is tradition it would seem, we're beginning with The Legend of Zelda. Yes we will once more be embarking on a trip to the mystical land of Hyrule to once more beat Ganon down and raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. The whole event will be going down at our blog over at http://returnersgaming.blogspot.com/ streamed live via Ustream. It all starts on March 25th at 6:00pm CST and will conclude, at the earliest, 6:00pm CST on March 27th. Anyone can come and enjoy the games and chat with other viewers. Having a Ustream account is not necessary for talking in the chat, but if you have the time you should definitely consider making one. As to how we will be collecting donations, we will be using the ChipIn widget. Those wanting to donate need to either have an active PayPal account or a credit/debit card. All money donated benefits the Alzheimer's Association.

In the past we've scheduled 72 hours to run through the whole series but this time we're going to be going about things a little differently. As we've only scheduled the marathon for 48 hours (with the possibility of extending it further depending on donations) we will not be playing through the entire series. Instead we will play through a selection of games we see as landmarks in the series' development. More info about the marathon can be found at our blog. It's unlikely that the games will take the full time so we will be potentially challenging ourselves in one of two ways. First, we will perhaps do various challenging tasks in the games being played based on what viewers want and what they are willing to donate for. Second, we very well may play through games in the series we haven't practiced based on donations. Those who would like to suggest something be done on a game, or suggest a game to be ran should leave comments on the ChipIn telling us what they would like to see when they donate.

So click the source link to view The Returners blog.

Fan Story - Forever Part 26!

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:38:09 -0400

Are you a fan of our Link and Zelda love story Forever? Well, we have Part 26 of Forever by LinkxZelda for your enjoyment. Here is just a small excerpt:

Luck seemed to be on the lovers' side, however, and they quickly found a place to stay on the banks of Lake Hylia. The Zoras, at least, were nowhere to be found. They were all probably somewhere deep in the oceans, attempting to stay out of the fighting for the time being.

Zelda let the cool night air fill her lungs, throwing away her thoughts of the day as best she could as she crawled under the pile of blankets she and Link had created for themselves. The waves were splashing gently against the shore, and the stars were shining brightly in the beautiful, clear sky. She cuddled beneath the soft, crimson blanket, hugging it to herself. And so, she proceeded to wait for the young soldier she thought she was lucky enough to share a makeshift bed with.� She listened to the fire crackle, basking in the warmth it cast upon their small campsite. All there was was their blankets, their fire, and a small stack of whatever belongings they had, namely clothing.��

Then, she saw him. He emerged into the campsite with an armful of firewood, and quickly tossed it into a pile. He was in his forest green tunic, though it was loose and hanging because he had taken off his belt. His blond hair was hanging in front of his eyes.� Zelda watched his powerful fingers push it away, enthralled. They were rough and calloused, yet gentle as a snowflake. She absolutely loved his hands.

So take caution as this is one of the more mature parts of the story as it contains rather adult material, but if you liked that excerpt and want to continue then click here.

Architecture for Humanity Marathon - The Nerd Gamers

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:55:05 -0400

The follow is from a recent e-mail contact:

Hello, this is Dylan from The Nerd Gamers, a small group of LPers and marathon gamers.

Last summer we did a pretty successful 72 hour gaming marathon for ActToday, and gained some followers. Now we are planning to do a short notice 48 hour (this could extend to 72 hours) multiple-genre gaming marathon, in which every donation goes straight to the Architecture for Humanity. This is a relief fund to help reconstruct and repair the damage in Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami.

We will be starting on Thursday, March 17th at 6:00 PM (I know, kinda short notice). We will be playing a variety of games, most of them made by Nintendo (with the exception of a constantly running Minecraft server and possibly Portal). Zelda games included are OoT, WW, probably MM, and possibly TP.

Thanks!
Dylan from The Nerd Gamers.

Here is a link to our website- � � � �http://www.thenerdgamers.com/
And here is a link to the charity- � �http://architectureforhumanity.org/

Fan Art - Princess Zelda and Link!

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:13:11 -0400

Ruto's Fan Art

Reggie on Nintendo Wii, Skyward Sword, and More!

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:14:24 -0400

Fan Poem - The Lonesome Tree

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:40:23 -0400

We have a new fan poem by staff member Wolf for you to enjoy. It is entitled The Lonesome Tree and here is an excerpt from it:

I can't feel anything anymore
I am nothing but wood
A puppet to be used and disposed of
At the will of this place
Even the leaves are more alive than I.

I once knew life
Held the hand of a girl
Felt her lips against mine
Felt love
Felt happy.

One day I had to prove
My love was true and pure
Into the woods I walked
Knife stashed and boots ready
Stealthily I stalked.

So if you liked that excerpt, then check out the full poem.

Fan Poem - Too Afraid!

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:54:12 -0400

LinkxZelda has written yet another poem. It is entitled Too Afraid. Here is an excerpt from it:

Link,
I saw you in the courtyard today,
Practicing diligently away,

Swinging your sword,
With a force greater than the mightiest lord,
Snapping your bow,

Letting an arrow fly,
High, high into the sky,
I know where it flew, I know its mark

It pierced violently, directly into my heart.
I watch you all the time,
Meekly, quietly admiring you.

Shivering at the sight of my hero,
Your golden hair,
Blowing softly in the cool air,

Your sapphire eyes,
Deeper blue than the vastest of skies,
Full of kindness, strength, and love,

A heart of gold, as gentle as a dove,
But you're so powerful,
Oh, oh so strong.

So if you liked that excerpt, check out the full poem.

New Skyward Sword Battle Footage!

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:09:42 -0400

Fan Poem - The Lives We Did Know!

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:07:30 -0400

We have a new poem today by LinkxZelda. It is called The Lives We Did Know and it has a nice flow to it like all of LinkxZelda's works. Here is an excerpt from it:

I took you with me to the mountains up here,
To get away from the bustle and fear,
To get away from Impa and you father,

To come to a place where we would not be bothered,
Where we might express some of the feelings we repress,
But instead, oh, instead I hold you in my arms, watching you near death,

Now we are lost-our yearning for time cost,
Oh, it cost us our safety, and now no one will find us,
No one will find us, all because of our lust.

Now we are stuck in this little den,
I watch you worriedly as hypothermia sets in,
I tried to get away from some of the horror,

But in my attempt I only found myself more,
Now this world will rip us apart for sure.
Just one more horror to add to the list�

The list of the things in this world of 'bliss�,
In this land of Hyrule, this accursed land,
In this damned, damned world I find myself in.

My dear Princess Zelda,
There is so much that you don't know,
There are so many horrors that to you I'll never show,

I have experienced so much,
But this is too tough,
Losing you would be far too rough.

So if you liked that excerpt, check out the full poem for a much longer version.

Fan Art - Din, TWW, Young Ruto, and Malon!

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:43:07 -0400

We continue with our updates now after a few week hiatus. The hiatus was caused by a illness that I had that prevented me from working on the site. Well, this is our third bi-weekly release of staff member Ruto's fan art. I hope you enjoy it.

Kafei - A Fan Story!

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:17:59 -0400

Malon, the writer of Anju, has released another story called Kafei. It is a rather interesting piece on one of MM's more memorable character's because of the Kafei and Anju Quest. Here is an excerpt;

Kafei smiled as he looked up at the moon. Nothing could bring down his mood, the moon only enforced that feeling. It was one of those things that was there every night, something he could rely on to stay the same. A month from now he was going to be married to the most wonderful girl he had ever known. Soon she would be by his side, as constant as the moon in the sky. He was walking through West Clock Town that night just smiling and enjoying his bright future. The sun's mask carried in his arms.

At the edge of the courtyard a strange figure loomed not far away from Kafei. He was wearing a strange mask and two fairies were following him. 'Hello stranger, it is a wonderful night.� said Kafei happily.

'What's so wonderful about it?� asked the figure, 'If you think it's so wonderful lets see what you think once I've had some fun.� he shook his head about in an unnatural way and Kafei felt extreme pain all over his body. He felt as though his body were being twisted and warped. When he looked he saw he was a child.

'What have you done to me? Why?� he called out, his voice much younger than it had been. The masked figure was no longer there. 'Anju!� he thought, what if she was in danger as well? He headed toward North Clock Town, it was the fastest way to the Stock Pot Inn from there.

So if you liked that, you can continue reading it here.

Fan Poem - Not Only for You!

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:19:58 -0400

Our staff member Ruto has released a poem entitled Not Only for You. The poem seems to be from Link's point of view about why he saves Hyrule time and time again. Here is a excerpt;

My name is Link,
Or Hero of Time.
I'm not who you think,
Even in this small rhyme.

Yes, I'm a hero,
Always spoiling scams,
But an absolute zero,
See who I truly am.

So if you liked that excerpt, continue reading it here.

Fan Art - Goron, Link, TP!

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:42:22 -0400

Here is another round of fan art by our staff member Ruto. Her works first debut in this article but have since been organized for a bi-weekly release. I hope you enjoy them.

Top Fan Story; Forever!

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:44:45 -0400

Forever has made a come back and knocked The Story of Ganondorf (Rise and Fall of the Dark King) by Wolf out of the number 1 spot for our monthly Top Fan Story. Forever is written by staff member LinkxZelda and is a Zelda romance about Princess Zelda and Link. Below is an excerpt of Part 25 of our newest or should I say longest running Top Fan Story; Forever:

"Wake up! Wake up!" Link could hear the young male voice just a few feet above him, and could feel the warm sun beating down upon him. Where...am I? The Hero's mind was groggy, and he wasn't sure what had happened. He could feel something soft beneath him, but truly didn't care what it was or how he had gotten there.

"Mister! Are you ok!?" The young soldier opened his eyes to find a young Kokiri boy hovering above him.

"Oh! He's awake! Any news on his girlfriend, there?" A female nurse who looked to be Hylian approached.

"She's still asleep!"

"Alright, thanks for your help, little one!" The voice grew closer to him. "Are you alright, sir?"

"Yes, I think so...is...is Zelda ok?"

"Zelda? You mean the princess!?"

A rock dropped in his stomach. "No...no I'm sorry. My mind's just a bit rattled. I oftentimes call her Zelda, because she's so beautiful, just like a princess."

So if you thought that excerpt was good, then you would surely love the full story.

Nintendo of Japan on Skyward Sword!

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:24:35 -0400

Nintendo Of Japan's President mentioned The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword during a Financial Briefing by saying:

"One of the Wii titles scheduled to be launched this year is, as you know, "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword." Last year was the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. For your information, the year 2011 also marks the 15th anniversary of Pokemon and 25th anniversary of Dragon Quest, among others. Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo told me that he had a strong feeling that the new play control realized by Wii MotionPlus, which is now integrated into our Wii Remote as Wii Remote Plus, could significantly expand the comfort of the game play, especially when used in games like "The Legend of Zelda." His team is now entering into the final completion stage of the game. Talking about The Legend of Zelda franchise, what people called a masterpiece in the days of Nintendo 64, "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" has been in the process of being remade for Nintendo 3DS, and this Nintendo 3DS version is expected to hit the market earlier."

Reggie on Nintendo 3DS Launch and Other Titles!

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:59:39 -0400

MTV Shows

"Between 'Nintendogs + Cats' and 'Pilotwings,' those two franchises, either on the original DS or on other legacy systems like the NES or Super NES, have sold tens of millions of copies. Those two franchises have a lot of strength all by themselves. 'Steel Diver' is a brand new experience, and from a compelling standpoint, we think it's awfully compelling. Mario, Zelda, all of those titles are coming. From our perspective, we like to launch titles when they're ready. And so they'll be ready, they'll be ready soon. Just not in that initial time period of late March to early June. I would say 'Super Street Fighter 4,' I would say 'Dead or Alive,' I would say 'Madden' and I would say, yes, the three first-party launch games that we have, as well."

Skyward Sword - GameStop Release Date Change!

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:23:40 -0400

GameStop has recently changed their placeholder date for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword from March, 2011 to November 02, 2011. This comes as no surprise because we have not herd any details on the title for some time now. So it seems that we will have to wait until E3 before we see anything else about Skyward Sword.

Ocarina of Time 3DS Footage!

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:17:07 -0400

The following videos are gameplay footage of Ocarina of Time 3DS from the Nintendo Event earlier today.

Nintendo 3DS Launch Window Game List!

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:10:31 -0400

First-Party Titles:

Pilotwings Resort
nintendogs + cats
Steel Diver

Third-Party Titles:

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
Madden NFL Football
The Sims 3
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Ridge Racer 3D and Dual Pen Sports
Super Monkey Ball 3D
Thor: God of Thunder
CRUSH 3D
BUST-A-MOVE UNIVERSE
Samurai Warriors Chronicles
Dead or Alive Dimensions
Asphalt 3D
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Shadow Wars
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D
Rayman 3D
Rabbids Travel in Time

Nintendo noted the following games are currently "in the works." It's unclear at this time if these titles will be available during the launch window:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Star Fox 64 3D
Kid Icarus: Uprising
New Mario Kart
New Animal Crossing
New Paper Mario series

Nintendo 3DS Official Press Release!

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:57:19 -0400

NINTENDO 3DS BRINGS A DIMENSIONAL SHIFT TO THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT ON MARCH 27

Glasses-Free 3D Gaming System Comes Packed with Features at Suggested Retail Price of $249.99

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2011 - The company that changed the world of video games with touch-screen gaming in 2004 and motion-controlled gaming in 2006 now pioneers the next dimensional shift. On March 27, Nintendo introduces portable entertainment in 3D - without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS� system will be available in either Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue, and will have a suggested retail price of $249.99. Pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.

"Nintendo 3DS is a category of one - the experience simply doesn't exist anywhere else," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "You have to see Nintendo 3DS to believe it. And it's like nothing you've ever seen before."

Nintendo 3DS includes two screens. The bottom touch screen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the screen is like peering through a window into a world where characters and objects have true depth. The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be ratcheted up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on the preference of the user.

In addition to the familiar + Control Pad and button controls found on previous Nintendo hand-helds, Nintendo 3DS now also includes a Circle Pad, which provides a full 360 degrees of direction, giving it the freedom and precision needed to play games in 3D worlds. It brings the same degree of responsiveness that gamers enjoyed when Nintendo introduced an analog control stick to navigate Mario� through Super Mario 64� on the Nintendo 64� system.

A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor can react to the motion and tilt of the system, so whether players are twisting their systems side to side or moving them up and down, their motion-compatible Nintendo 3DS games respond instantly. No other system includes so many tools for game developers to create new and fun experiences for players.

Two features will allow owners to stay connected in new ways. Both deliver bonus content to owners as they move around during their daily lives, so users might open up their systems at any moment to find new surprises. For owners who choose to activate it, the StreetPass� feature is capable of exchanging game information with other Nintendo 3DS systems as owners pass one another. Small packets of information can be exchanged using this data-transfer method, such as Mii� character data, maps for games or high scores and custom character data for different games. The SpotPass� feature can connect to compatible public hotspots and through a wireless broadband Internet connection at home, even if the system is in Sleep Mode. Once connected, the Nintendo 3DS system will receive new content and updates on a regular basis.

Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety of fun games, applications and features, such as Nintendo 3DS Camera. Nintendo 3DS has three cameras. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras take photos in 3D. The fun, built-in game Face Raiders� asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces. Nintendo 3DS, when put into Sleep Mode, can act as a pedometer, while letting users earn Play Coins for the steps they take that can then be traded in for additional content in compatible games and applications. By accessing the Activity Log, users can check their steps as well as their play time. With Nintendo 3DS Sound, users can enjoy sound-manipulation tools or rock out while listening to their MP3 or AAC music files. An upgraded Internet browser will also be available via a system update.

The Mii Maker� application gives users new tools to create Mii� characters even more easily: Users can either import Mii characters from their Wii systems using an SD memory card or use the camera to take a picture of a person and have an automatic Mii character created. Users can even save their Mii characters to an SD card as pictures, which enables them to be used any way a digital photo would for personal use, such as a profile picture on social-networking sites.

The Nintendo eShop, through a system update, will offer access to downloadable games, including Nintendo DSiWare� and ones specifically made for Nintendo 3DS. Also, just as the Virtual Console service on Wii makes retro games available for download, the Virtual Console games on Nintendo 3DS will be pulled from classic Game Boy� and Game Boy Color games. Players will be able to view game videos, download demos for select games and see how other consumers rated the games. The Nintendo eShop will use a cash-based system. Users can either input credit card information in the shop or purchase a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at retail locations.

Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards, called AR cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. So users shouldn't be surprised if they see a dragon popping out of their kitchen tables. Developers can also use this technology to add creative new experiences to their games.

Built-in parental controls can be used to limit Internet access or some of the wireless functions. By using a PIN code, parents also can turn off the 3D function altogether, or limit the ratings of the games that their kids can play.

Fans of online play will be happy to learn that the friend codes for Nintendo 3DS are specific to each Nintendo 3DS system, not each game. Once friends trade hardware codes, at any time they can check their friends list to see which of their friends are online and what they are playing.

Nintendo 3DS can also play Nintendo DS game cards with their original 2D visuals. The system also includes a slot for an SD memory card. To help users get started, every system comes with a 2GB SD memory card (though owners can provide whatever size they like). Using a service that will be provided after the hardware's launch, Nintendo DSi� and Nintendo DSi XL� owners will be able to transfer games downloaded from the Nintendo DSi Shop onto their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

During the launch window (between the March 27 launch date and the E3 Expo in early June) more than 30 games will be available to Nintendo 3DS owners. These include Nintendo-created games like Pilotwings Resort�, which has players soaring acrobatically over iconic Wuhu Island; nintendogs� + cats, a new version of the Nintendo DS classic with a feline enhancement; and Steel Diver�, a side-scrolling submarine adventure that gives the illusion that the player is peering into an aquarium. Other Nintendo 3DS games in the works include The Legend of Zelda�: Ocarina of Time� 3D, Star Fox 64� 3D, Kid Icarus�: Uprising and new installments in the Mario Kart�, Animal Crossing� and Paper Mario� series.

Nintendo 3DS also enjoys some of the strongest third-party support of any system launch. A partial list of titles coming soon to Nintendo 3DS includes Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked from Atlus; Super Street Fighter� IV 3D Edition and Resident Evil�: The Mercenaries 3D from Capcom; Madden NFL Football from EA SPORTS; The Sims� 3 from Electronic Arts; Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D from Konami; LEGO� Star Wars� III: The Clone Wars� from LucasArts�; Ridge Racer� 3D and Dual Pen Sports� from Namco Bandai Games America Inc.; Super Monkey Ball� 3D, Thor�: God of Thunder and CRUSH� 3D from SEGA; BUST-A-MOVE� UNIVERSE from Square Enix, Inc.; Samurai Warriors� Chronicles and Dead or Alive� Dimensions from Tecmo Koei America Corp.; and Asphalt� 3D, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon� Shadow Wars, Combat of Giants�: Dinosaurs 3D, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell� 3D, Rayman� 3D and Rabbids� Travel in Time from Ubisoft.

For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii� home console and Nintendo DS� family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System�, Nintendo has sold more than 3.5 billion video games and more than 577 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi� and Nintendo DSi XL�, as well as the Game Boy�, Game Boy Advance, Super NES�, Nintendo 64� and Nintendo GameCube� systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario�, Donkey Kong�, Metroid�, Zelda� and Pok�mon�. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Nintendo 3DS Details!

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:43:01 -0400

Launch Date: March 25, 2011
Price: $249.99 according to Amazon.com

Included in Hardware:
� Nintendo 3DS system
� Nintendo 3DS charging cradle
� Nintendo 3DS AC adapter
� Nintendo 3DS stylus
� SD Memory Card (2GB)
� AR Card(s) (view the cards using the outer cameras to play supported AR games)
� Quick-Start Guide
� Operations Manual (including warranty)

Characteristic Features:
� 3D screen, enabling 3D view without the need for special glasses and the ability to adjust
or turn off 3D effect with the 3D Depth Slider.
� Stereo cameras that enable users to take 3D photos that can be viewed instantly on the 3D
screen.
� New input interfaces including the Circle Pad, motion sensor, gyro sensor
� SpotPass, a feature that lets Nintendo 3DS detect wireless hotspots or wireless LAN access
points and obtain information, game data, free software, videos and so on for players even
when the system is in sleep mode.*
� StreetPass, a feature that lets Nintendo 3DS exchange data automatically with other
Nintendo 3DS systems within range, even in sleep mode once this feature is activated by
the user. Data for multiple games can be exchanged simultaneously.
� Convenient features that users can access without stopping game play such as the HOME
menu, Internet Brower, Notifications, etc.
� Plenty of built-in software such as the Nintendo 3DS Camera, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii
Maker, StreetPass, Mii Plaza, AR Games, Activity Log, Face Raiders, etc.
� Nintendo eShop where users can view trailers, software rankings and purchase software.
� System Transfer which enable users to transfer already purchased software from one
Nintendo 3DS system to another. DSiWare purchased for the Nintendo DSi or the Nintendo
DSi XL can also be transferred into a Nintendo 3DS system.**
� Compatibility functions where both new software designed for Nintendo 3DS and most
software for the Nintendo DS family of systems can be played.
� Parental Controls which enable parents to restrict game

*Some of these features may not be available at launch
**There is a limit to how many times transfers can be made. Some software may not be transferred.
***Additional features added through system updates may also be subject to Parental Controls.
Some of these features such as the Internet browser, Nintendo eShop, system transfer and the ability to download software and videos using SpotPass will be available after system updates are performed

Nintendo 3DS Preview Event Live Stream!

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:05:22 -0400

The show is set to start at around 9 AM EST. We expect to see the Nintendo 3DS release date and price. So be sure to tune in to find out all the latest information on Nintendo's next handheld.

Fan Poem; Out of Touch!

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:56:55 -0400

We got a poem by LinkxZelda (the writer of Forever) for you to enjoy. It is called 'Out of Touch' and is well written. Here is an excerpt:

My name is Link, and I have seen so much.
I have seen this world at its darkest
And I know we're out of touch.

The world needs to learn,
To learn not to scoff and turn,
When someone needs a hand to hold,

A kind heart, outstretched arms
So hard to find today
Oh, I look at those innocent children at play,

So if you enjoyed that excerpt, check out the full poem here.

Fan Art - Saria, Nayru, Medli, and Anju!

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:50:16 -0400

The following fan art comes to us by a little known artist by the name of Nicole West. She graciously submitted the works and upon a follow up email, provided several more pieces. They are of exceptional quality even though all pieces are in black and white. I hope you enjoy them.

Youmacon - Zelda cosplay footage!

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:03:27 -0400

Peach and Zelda Catch Up

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:53:25 -0400

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Official PR - Nintendo's Satoru Iwata to Keynote 2011 Game Developers Conference

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:48:50 -0400

SAN FRANCISCO � January 11, 2011 � Organizers have revealed that Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo, will keynote the 2011 Game Developers Conference held this March in San Francisco. Coinciding with the 25th iteration of GDC, the world's largest professionals only video game event for learning, networking, and inspiration, Nintendo's Iwata will present a major keynote around this milestone entitled 'Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future.�

As a leading player during the last 25 years of the modern video gaming era, Nintendo has a unique perspective on what makes gamers grin, what defines the term 'gamer� and what is essential to ensuring industry growth. In this keynote address, Mr. Iwata will talk not only about how video gaming has evolved, but also his views on where we go from here.

A longtime friend of the GDC, Mr. Iwata first appeared on the keynote stage of the Game Developers Conference in 2005, where he gave developers the first information about the technology being used for the console then codenamed "Revolution" -- which has since become known as the Wii� system; in 2006 where he spoke about "disrupting development," and introduced the Western development community to philosophies on engaging new players; and in 2009, where he debuted a new game in The Legend of Zelda� franchise and a host of other notable insights.

'We are honored and pleased to welcome Mr. Iwata back to the keynote stage for our 25th conference,� said Meggan Scavio, GDC director. 'Nintendo continues to innovate and captivate developers and gamers alike, and we're looking forward to their unique insights into both the history and future of the game business.�

In 2002, Satoru Iwata was named president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. He joined Nintendo in 2000 as the head of the Corporate Planning Division, where he was responsible for Nintendo's global corporate planning. Iwata was born in 1959 in the Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan. He studied at and graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology University, where he majored in computer science. Shortly after graduating, Iwata joined HAL Laboratory, Inc. and in 1983 began coordinating the software production and development of Nintendo titles, such as the Kirby� series. By 1993, he had become president of that company.

Registration and hotel booking is open for the 2011 Game Developers Conference� (GDC 2011), the 25th edition of the event, produced by UBM TechWeb Game Network. The event returns to the Moscone Convention Center from February 28-March 4 for five days of summits, tutorials, lectures, panels and roundtable discussions presented by leading industry experts.

In addition to the rich selection of sessions at the main conference, the event will host two days of summits and tutorials to start the week. Alongside the full schedule of activities at the conference, GDC 2011 will host a variety of special events, which include the 11th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards, the 13th Annual Independent Games Festival Awards, the GDC Expo, a Career Pavilion and many more. Full registration and conference information is available online at the official GDC website: http://www.gdconf.com.

Ocarina of Time 3DS Details!

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 23:56:19 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is set for a Spring 2011 release in Japan. You will find some details regarding gameplay below:

- bottom screen has a camera tap icon
- tap to switch to view mode
- use circle pad to look around
- when Navi wants to speak, an icon will pop up for you to touch
- use touch screen to select items
- tap to switch between inventory, equipment and map
- demo has three save files to choose from: one running around the starting village, one in the Deku tree dungeon, and another that wasn't detailed
- you can also use the camera tap icon to physically move the 3DS to look around
- also use this view mode to aim projectile weapons

Source

Warren Spector on His Favorite Game and the Industry!

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:19:32 -0400

Below you will find a portion of a MCV interview with Warren Spector or otherwise known as the guy behind Epic Mickey.

MCV: What is your favourite ever game?

WS: That's an easy one for me, but I will have to give you two answers. My favourite narrative game is Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past on the SNES, although I have it and have played it on every platform its ever been on. My desert island game, if I could only play one game for the rest of my life, would absolutely be Tetris.

MCV: What disappoints you about the games industry today?

WS: I'm disappointed by the fact that we still focus solely on combat mechanics and rendering techniques, at the expense of other things we could be devoting energy and effort to. We could be focusing on non-combat AI and making conversation as compelling as fighting for a change. Wouldn't that be great? We could be focusing on making storytelling truly interactive. We just focus on prettier pictures and flashier graphics attached to more impressive combat scenarios, and honestly, that just bores me.

Warren Spector seems to have a good idea on his hands. A more interactive story would be a fantastic way to make more captivating games.

Nintendo of France Mentions Skyward Sword!

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:46:25 -0400

Nintendo of France has recently mentioned a few small things about Skyward Sword. Here is a Google Translate of the blurbs:

The output of Zelda is itself scheduled for ... 2011, but for now announce dates or output window: the game will be released when it is ready, and we do not joke when it comes to Zelda!

"Mr. Miyamoto wants to ensure that the proposal is consistent with our expectations. These are the games that deliver the promise to users, and Zelda will of course be highly anticipated."

This again assures us that Skyward Sword will be released sometime this year. They also mentioned that Wii 2 is not the agenda and that the Nintendo 3DS is Nintendo's console for 2011.

Forever: Part 25!

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:02:33 -0400

We have a new addition to Forever today. It's part 25 of this exclusive Zelda and Link romance story. Here is an excerpt from part 25:

"Wake up! Wake up!" Link could hear the young male voice just a few feet above him, and could feel the warm sun beating down upon him. Where...am I? The Hero's mind was groggy, and he wasn't sure what had happened. He could feel something soft beneath him, but truly didn't care what it was or how he had gotten there.

"Mister! Are you ok!?" The young soldier opened his eyes to find a young Kokiri boy hovering above him.

Did you like that excerpt? Well, check out the whole part to read the rest of it.

Top Fan Story; Story of Ganondorf!

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:26:42 -0400

Like fan stories? Well, we have some good ones that you would surely enjoy reading. One such story is our exclusive one written by staff member Wolf. The Story of Ganondorf (Rise and Fall of the Dark King) has recently seen a surge of new views and became the top story after taking out long-time leader Forever by LinkxZelda. This may come as a suprise since there has not been any additions to Story of Ganondorf in some time now. Well, here is an excerpt from part 8 of our newest top story:

Ganondorf stood silently with his company of thieves, he scoped out the surrounding area looking for some kind of sign to advance him onward toward his objective, but to no avail... He began to doubt his chances of finding his way around here. He looked at the horizon... the sun stood solidly still in the sky. Ganondorf looked at the ground. The grass waved at him like a long lost friend. He smirked and then called out to his thieves. "GATHER THE GEAR! WE ARE MOVING!" he screamed and his thieves had the gear together faster than ever.

Ganondorf pointed toward an indifferent looking mountain off in the distance. "That is our objective" Ganondorf said, his voice carrying an evil rumble of authority. "Sir how do you know?" asked one of the thieves, her voice carrying a twinge and pang of fear. Ganondorf turned quickly and said in a voice so milky sweet that he could be confused for a lover, "I think that mountain looks pretty" he said, the thieves laughed a little. He smiled a little smile and could tell that the mood was lightened. He turned back toward the mountains and began to walk forward, the thieves following.

So as you can see, the story is rather well written and brings an enjoyable reading experience. So why not go by check out the whole story?

Miyamoto Mentions Skyward Sword, 3DS, and Other Information!

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:49:51 -0400

Miyamoto's has recently spoken about a few things. Below you will find several quotes from him.

"I don't think the Wii is something that people need to graduate from. Of course, I am happy that motion is fashionable now. But when we make games, we are not trying to produce trendy products. It needs to be an experience that's meaningful, and the motion control needs to add something. So our new Zelda game takes motion control and adds something to the game to make you feel like you're part of the adventure. I think our rivals need to find what it is they have to offer that's new."

He also mentioned that the game was over "half complete" which means that information about it could come in the nearing future.

"What we are focused on is creating gameplay mechanics so the gameplay experience feels very dense. In fact, the overall experience is going to feel more dense. We hope that people will want to go back and replay the game once they finish it"

"What's really exciting (with the 3DS) is our new ability to have a sense of depth. Once you have the true 3D visual it becomes very clear where all the objects are on that space, so jumping on objects becomes easier. We've found that pulling the camera far back to observe the car racing works really well. But you must remember that we have been experimenting with 3D in one way or another for over 20 years. The 3DS is another opportunity to do even more."

"When I was young, I had a stereoscopic movie viewer thing, and I became fascinated by the images. Maybe you could have short 3D clips you can watch over and over again. It's well suited to a device like the 3DS. It is also technically possible to put a full 2-hour movie on there and watch it too."

But as Miyamoto said, "The thing is that I enjoy going to work so much that the only time I take for vacation is for my family's sake. Making and playing games for a living is such fun."

Nintendo Press Conference on January 19th; 3DS Launch Date?

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:45:54 -0400

It appears that the event posted about earlier is actually a 3DS press conference according to several sources. So what to expect from the event? We would likely see a 3DS launch date and price point as well as several demo's of the launch titles and soon-to-be-released titles after launch. Skyward Sword information is an unlikely candidate for this conference but it would be nice to get a little more information on the 3DS and Ocarina of Time 3DS.

Anju - A Fan Story!

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 01:58:46 -0400

Malon, one of the newest staff members here at Link's Hideaway, has written a fan story based on Anju from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and also made appearances in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. The name of this story is none other then Anju. You will find an excerpt below:

"Welcome to the Stock Pot Inn, um... do you by chance have a reservation?" It was a question Anju hated asking, she just couldn't stand turning people away when they needed a room. "Oh Mr. Link, I'm so glad you'll be staying with us your room is in the knife chamber." The strangely dressed boy took his room key and left the Inn. "Enjoy the Carnival." she said a little to late as he was already out the door. Anju sighed and sat down for the first time in hours.

"It's almost time for your break why don't you go upstairs and take a nap Anju?" asked her mother.

"No mother I'll go after the post arrives, besides, I don't want to look at it." she said sadly.

"Darling you can't keep thinking of Him." said her mother angrily, "He is a coward and not worth any of your tears my dear."

"Don't say that about Him!" cried Anju, "I'm sure he had a good reason to disappear right before our wedding." she defended.

So as always, if you enjoyed that excerpt then click here to continue reading the story.

Weekly Songbird Ocarina Live Stream!

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 16:41:34 -0400

Zelda World - Winter Marathon!

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:08:18 -0400

MARATHON IS ON FRIDAY, the 17th of December! Timings: Friday - 12pm EST to 12am EST, Saturday - 8am EST to 5pm EST. Timings are subject to change.

Games: New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2 players) and Donkey Kong Country (done by Skermefaten 5pm EST-12am EST Friday), Wind Waker (done by Dodongobomber 8am EST-5pm EST). Vote for what Falcool (12pm EST-5pm EST) should do here.

RUMOR: Nintendo Press Conference on January 19th; 3DS Launch Date?

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:04:50 -0400

There has recently been a lot of speculation about a Tweet posted recently. The tweet reads, "Nintendo France has a mysterious teaser press event in Amsterdam on January 19 ... 3DS? Other?" according to Google translation. So will we see a 3DS launch date revealed? Some Zelda information? Or something entirely unexpected? Well, we can only wait but check back here for any future information as this story progresses.

Silent Hero: A Fan Novel Based on Nintendo's Legend of Zelda!

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:28:20 -0400

Christine E Schulze has released a novel based on The Legend of Zelda series. Here is the synopsis from Barnes & Noble;

The Triforce, set in place by the three goddesses to protect all Hyrule, is broken into nine shards. Darkness creeps along not only Hyrule, but also Termina and Twilight. These three realms, intimately linked, can only be rescued by... A young boy who cannot speak but whose courage will emanate louder than any evil he faces. A princess as timeless as the shadowy realm from which she returns.

Master of Play - Shigeru Miyamoto!

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:44:36 -0400

Shigeru Miyamoto has always tried to re-create his childhood wonderment. He's the closest thing there is to an autobiographical game creator, and shuns focus groups: "As long as I can enjoy something, other people can enjoy it, too."

That's how a wonderful article about Shigeru Miyamoto starts. Shigeru Miyamoto is the creator of our favorite game franchise, The Legend of Zelda. He is also one of the most influential people in the gaming industry and has at times been giving the title 'Father of Modern Gaming' by many media outlets and other reporters. Well, the fine people over at the New Yorker have put together a fantastic article covering our beloved gaming icon. Much is said about the ways of Miyamoto and the many people who have worked with him through his many years in the industry. So why not go by and check out this well writen article and as Miyamoto once said, "Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock and roll!"

Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: Threshold of a Dream!

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:10:23 -0400

It seems as if the people over at OverClocked ReMix are coming with a new album. This trailer is beautifully created with scenes from the Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and the track is just as good. So can you wait for another fantastic album from the folks at OverClocked ReMix?

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords - Fan Art!

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:22:12 -0400

This piece of fan art comes from the artist Ry Shiu. I hope you enjoy it as it is a fine piece of work.

The Zelda Marathon 2!

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:20:10 -0400

Legend of Zelda Glass Ornament!

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:41:04 -0400

Are you looking for the right piece for you Christmas tree this year? Then why not take a look at this exclusive Legend of Zelda glass ornament over at Etsy.com? They are each hand painted and they also take custom orders.

Link and Zelda Mosaics!

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:24:39 -0400

The following images are mosaics created using sprites from every Zelda title in the series. They are somewhat large in size so may take a few seconds to load.

A Zelda Holiday!

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:26:08 -0400

The Zelda franchise has many fans worldwide and many may just be looking for that next piece of Zelda history for their growing collection. Well, iNintendo has composed a list of what is sure to be some of the more sought after pieces by any fan of the series. What we have for you is our take on things.

What is more collectible then the classics of the series? Well, nearly 25 years ago the Legend of Zelda debuted on the Famicon Disk System and later on the Nintendo Entertainment System with much praise and glory that has since become a staple for the industry. Would you like to own this piece of Zelda history? You can find a brand new one (original packaging) for $190.00 on Amazon and a used one (missing packaging) for a low as $9.39.

Do you already have the original? Then why not go after the Zelda II: The Adventure of Link next with it being even easier to find then the original. You can find it on Amazon for the price of $179.40 for a new one and as low as $4.97 for a used one. Even though Zelda II was deemed the 'black sheep' of the series by many critics, it is still part of the high acclaimed Zelda franchise and collectible all the same.

Next in line is the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, which is my personal all-time favorite Zelda title and game in general. It was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992 and recieved much praise for its revolutionary overworld maps, storyline, and fantastic gameplay. So why not make this classic one of the items in your collection? Well, now you can for the price of $145.99 for a new one and $15.97 for a used one on Amazon.

There are a couple Special Editions for those who seek to own them more then the classics. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is considered the best game by GameRankings, is one of the titles in the series that have a special edition gold cartridge that all collectors could own. You can find them on Ebay. Another collectors edition is the even rarer The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition game disk for the GameCube. It was used to help get people to purchase the GameCube. It can be found on Ebay for as little as $50 for the box, manual, and game.

Already own all the Zelda game-ware you could want? I'll bet your looking for other forms of merchandise now that are not in the form of a game or game manual. Songbird Ocarinas may have one thing that you may be of interest to you. It's a replica of the Ocarina of Time from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64 console. It is of good quality and a great buy for the $108 that they will charge you for the ocarina. Another great item for the collector would be none-other-then the Master Sword as seen in many of the games of the series. Well, you can find a nice one for the price of $58.45 on Amazon. First4Figures have another piece that may interest the collector. They have created beautiful statues of several Zelda characters the most recent being Wolf Link with Midna on his back.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - Speed Run!

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:50:07 -0400

The following is a Speed Run for The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It uses a kind of glitch in the game but is neat to watch none-the-less. So, click play and enjoy.

One Fan's Love of Zelda!

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:09:02 -0400

A personal friend of mine, Alex Destree, has been a fan of the Zelda series since she was young. Her fandom has led to many interesting things. One being this:

Do you see it? In case you don't here is an enlarged version of the part in question.

Do you see it now? It is none other then the Hylian crest from our favorite game franchise, The Legend of Zelda. That's right, this fan of the series has got it tattooed on her back. When asked for the story behind the tattoo, her response was:

"It's my first, it was a gift for my 19th birthday. I got it because Zelda has been my favorite game series since I was little and I wanted my first tat to be solid, without any color."

What a cool birthday present this has turned out to be, right? It has got her being covered on a Link's Hideaway exclusive news article is how cool. So, do you have a fan story you would like to share with the world? Just send it to us at fan_submissions@linkshideaway.com and it could just get posted.

Weekly Songbird Ocarina Live Stream!

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:32:57 -0400

The people over at Songbird Ocarina are putting on a live stream. View it below.

Gerudo Valley - Jim Cook!

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 12:57:09 -0400

Do you remember back in 2008 when this guy named Jim Cook made several brilliant metal versions of some Zelda tunes? Well, Gerudo Valley was one of them. Take a listen to it below.

Sounds great, right? Well, he has done it again with a re-recorded version of this great metal remix. He has updated some parts and used different methods to generate some of the sounds and it has turned out great. Check out the new version below.

Fantastic, huh? Well, remember to check back here for all your Zelda news and don't forget to become a fan on Facebook and Twitter.

'Shadow Link' by Katie Turner!

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:51:02 -0400

Katie Turner is but one of the artists that had pieces featured in Cory Schmitz's video game art and culture zine The Controller. This piece is entitled "Shadow Link" and is interesting in several ways. Did you happen to notice that pot seems to be floating? Or is that just a hole in the ground? What about Link wearing a Red Tunic in an Ice Dungeon?

Epic Mickey Reference's Zelda!

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:07:14 -0400

Disney's newest game, Epic Mickey, has a reference to the original Legend of Zelda game. The reference is to the beginning of the game where the Old Man tells Link, "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this." This is in reference to a sword laying in front of Link that he needs to complete his perilous journey to save Hyrule.

Forever: Part 24!

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:40:08 -0400

Are you a fan of our love story Forever? Well, you are no the only one. LinkxZelda's multiple part story about a romance between Princess Zelda and Link has got the attention of many people and many fans as well. Today, we bring you Part 24 to our exclusive story. Below is an excerpt:

The roaring finally subsided and the door seemed to relax with a sigh, as did the hero and princess. 'Is...is it over?� The young woman's voice was muffled as she hid within the folds of Link's tunic, shaken.

'I think so.� He slowly lifted his head from her golden locks as he spoke, the princess slowly revealing her face as well. They were silent for a moment, in a state of shock. '...Do you...� the soldier broke the silence after a minute or two, 'do you want to get out of here?�

If you liked that excerpt, you can continue reading Part 24 here.

Zelda Bosses by Matt Cummings!

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:32:54 -0400

Artist Matt Cummings has recently posted his depictions of all of the major bosses in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past excluding Agahnim. He has taken into account not only which weapons Link uses against each boss but also which tunic he gets also. These attention to details is one factor that make all of these drawings amazing pieces of work and a delight to look at.

'Treasure' by Nicole Gustafsson!

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:38:02 -0400

Nicole Gustafsson has recently painted "Treasure", a tribute to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and sold the beautiful piece in a silent auction for Child's Play fundraiser Desert Bus for Hope. This 5x7 piece sold for $1,500! Gustafsson goes on to explain her work, "My piece is based on one of my favorite games, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. I love the visual style and storyline of the game. I could search for rupees and treasure all day!"

First 4 Figures: Wolf Link and Midna Exclusive!

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:59:49 -0400

The people behind the beautiful Zant statues, First 4 Figures, has gone far and beyond to create yet another statue. This time it is an exclusive Wolf Link and Midna statue that lights up if you have AA batteries. The price is set for $349.99.

Nintendo Power - Readers' Most-Wanted!

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:16:25 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword took the number one spot on Nintendo Power's Readers' Most-Wanted list among other title's such as Epic Mickey and the Conduit 2.

Wii
1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
2. Epic Mickey
3. Mario Sports Mix
4. Conduit 2
5. LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars

It comes to no surprise that a Zelda title did not make the Nintendo DS list since no further titles have been announced yet for this hand-held.

DS
1. Pokemon Black/White
2. Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
3. Okamiden
4. Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie
5. Plants vs. Zombies

With a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time coming to the Nintendo 3DS, a Zelda title was able to top the 3DS list. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D took the second spot after Paper Mario.

3DS
1. Paper Mario
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
3. Mario Kart
4. Kid Icarus: Uprising
5. Star Fox 64 3D

'Wisdom, Courage, Power' t-shirt by Cory Schmitz

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:55:57 -0400

Cory Schmits has recently released a Zelda-themed t-shirt for sale over at Attract Mode and Fangamer for $22 and with the purchase you will receive a complimentary Triforce pin.

Ocarina of Time: Biggoron Sword Guide!

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:07:35 -0400

Tired of those cheaply made swords over at Medigoron in Ocarina of Time? Well, we have what you are looking for, the Biggoron Sword. It is of a higher quality then those over at Medigoron but they are only given to those who have completed the right quest. We have for you today, the Biggoron Sword guide that will help you complete this quest.

'Tech This Out' talks to Miyamoto!

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:14:37 -0400

Koji Kondo on His Entrance to Gaming!

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:31:21 -0400

Koji Kondo talks about his roots within gaming during this interview from the preface of a Zelda sheet music book.

-So, what got you into the game industry?

Kondo: I'd been a game fan since long ago, playing business purpose games and LCD games. In university, cafe tables with game screens embedded in them began to appear and I got into Donkey Kong and Mario Brothers.

-The Mario games you weren't involved with, right?

Kondo: That's right, just regular Mario, not Super. *laughs*

-And that's why you found employment in the game industry.

Kondo: I also liked the synthesizer and wanted to make music myself. But I didn't want to be a composer or a player, I wanted to do work that involved mixing behind the scenes. At that time, my friend discovered that Nintendo was coming to my university to do employee recruitment, and told me that it had good things. If that friend hadn't been there, I might've ended up doing something completely different.

-When was the music for Mario created?

Kondo: It was 1985, so, the second year since I started at the company. I was 23. 25 years have passed since then, so now my children that were born at the time the game came out are entering the workforce. *laughs*

-I'm surprised it was your second year at the company. But it's amazing that the songs you created at the time aren't nostalgic melodies, they're still playing an active role today. Seems that even Paul McCartney's a fan!

Kondo: When McCartney came to Japan, I went backstage with Miyamoto and a few others, and when Miyamoto was kind enough to introduce me as the composer of Mario, Paul started singing the overworld BGM from the original game. It had been many years since its debut, so I was surprised he knew it, and really happy.

Techland Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto!

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:13:18 -0400

A portion of a Techland interview with Shigeru Miyamoto...

Techland: Your career with Nintendo actually started a little bit before with Donkey Kong, and we all know it became a big hit. But, when Donkey Kong became popular, why shift the focus to Mario? Why make him the focus of a new series of games? Why not a new character?

Shigeru Miyamoto: Well, the first reason is that Donkey Kong is just too darn big. And because he's so big, we actually created Donkey Kong Junior to try to come up with the same sort of character, but in a smaller, more manageable size. And as we were looking at an 8-bit size, Mario became a much easier character to use.

So that's the first reason. My original goal was that I really wanted to use Mario in a lot of different games. So, for example, in the original Punch-Out! you'll see Mario and Donkey Kong in the audience. You'll see Mario is the referee in Tennis [a 1984 Nintendo Entertainment System game]. And then it became taking Mario and Luigi both and putting them in different situations in various games, and was the direction that I decided to take.

T: Do you see yourself as Mario?

SM: [laughs] Yeah, I'm a little embarrassed but Mario is sort of my doppelg�nger.

T: On that note, it was obviously a big evolution was when Nintendo went to 3D graphics with Super Mario 64. What was the hardest part about that transition? Did you have to play-test it differently and educate the design team about how the ideas might work?

SM: For Nintendo, Mario 64 was a big leap for us. Of course, 3D technology had been used in movies and other arenas, but not in any interactive arena. And so, our focus was "How can we take this 3D environment and implement it in a way that works in our world?" And I told people that there are other people working with these 3D environments but, as far as games, we are the pioneers. This is the frontier for us. Another thing that we considered when we were going into the 3D environment was that, of course, people were used to the familiar, side-scrolling Mario territory.

Anyone could pick it up and play [Super Mario Bros.] And everyone knew what they were getting into. But, when it moved into the 3D realm, of course, the perception was that things had changed and that it might be difficult to play. And so, it seemed that we were going to lose some customers who might just think, "I don't know what that is." That was too much for me to bear.

And so we really focused for many years on doing this in a way that's accessible. We've always had that focus and I think the pinnacle of our efforts right now is [Super Mario] Galaxy 2. That game was the result of a lot of focusing on how can we make a game that is challenging and familiar yet accessible and playable by everyone? We did that by lots of focus testing and keeping that [accessibility] at the forefront of our minds when moving forward. And I myself played it over and over and over.

T: Do you have favorite parts about the re-mastered editions of the older games?

SM: Well, I look back and play some of these games and there are a lot of places where, to be honest, I'm a little embarrassed. I look at Super Mario 3, and was like, "This was it?! This is what we thought was good enough?" That being said, I do have new understandings of that work. The balance in that game is what it needed to be at that time. It really was. And so, even seeing all the limitations, I'm very happy with what we created and I wouldn't change it.

T: It's like a jazz musician. You write a song, and other people may not play it. But when other people do play it, you know that you must have something good there. You're wearing Mario playing a saxophone on your shirt. I really liked Wii Music, because I like jazz a lot. I don't know how to play an instrument, but it made me feel like I almost could play an instrument. But given that you said you always start with Mario in thinking of a game design, why wasn't that a Mario music game? He's kind of the base of the formula, after all.

SM: It's a good question. And that's not to say if there's another Wii Music, Mario wouldn't make an appearance. If we get more people to understand what's going on in the game concept, then he might appear in the game. I don't know. But, mostly, Mario is really action-oriented.

In most of his games, it's about the player's actions on the screen or the player being able to experience the actions of Mario. He doesn't seem to fit that role of a musician for us right now. With the Mii characters that players create to represent themselves appearing in different games� again, like Mario does�I thought that idea of using Miis was a good fit. And so the user could feel that they were there playing the music....

T: Which makes them more connected. Yeah. OK.

And there's a lot of potential still in Wii Music, I think. Because we're going to change it up, a new interface is coming, and all of that.

T: How does it make you feel to know that these games you've helped produce are something that families connect over or that they share with each other? Not everybody who makes a game is lucky enough to be in that position. Do you feel honored? Or is there a responsibility?

SM: Well, yeah, there's a bit of responsibility. I'm a player too. So I'm always thinking about the player and how the player is enjoying their experience in the game. The goal is something that's accessible to all ages, of course, and all experience levels. With New Super Mario Bros. Wii last year, we were able to bring in a bunch of new people as well as satisfy some of our existing base.

With Wii Party, that's another game that's going to be something that's going to be played by a lot of different people. And so we're always wanting them to have fun, and we're always thinking about the user experience, and that's a Nintendo basic concept.

How are we appealing to the consumer? Because we're gamers as well. And personally, I want to create something that makes me look cool while I'm playing it. When I'm playing as Link in a Legend of Zelda game, that's something where I feel like I'm cool because I'm that guy.

T: Seeing as how we're at the 25th year anniversary of Super Mario Bros., what would you like to see in the next 25 years? Mario is obviously very connected to you. How would you like to see the torch passed on? Is other people creating Mario something you can think about?

SM: Whoa, I'll still be here in 25 years! [laughs] I mean, there are a lot of people at Nintendo who really get Mario. A lot of people I'm working with really understand who and what Mario is. Because Mario, as we've spoken about earlier, evolves with technology, it's hard to say where he's going to be in 25 years.

Nintendo Filed for Trademark on 'It's on like Donkey Kong.'

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:59:58 -0400

In honor of the upcoming Nov. 21 launch of Donkey Kong Country� Returns for the Wii� console, Nintendo has filed a request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the pop-culture phrase 'It's on like Donkey Kong.� For those unfamiliar with the term, 'It's on like Donkey Kong� is an old, popular Nintendo phrase that has a number of possible interpretations depending on how it's used. In addition to Nintendo's use, it has been used in popular music, television and film over the years, pointing to Donkey Kong's status as an enduring pop-culture icon and video game superstar.

Donkey Kong� is one of the oldest and most recognizable video game characters. He has been a pop-culture icon since the launch of his 1981 self-titled arcade game. Donkey Kong again rose to prominence in the 1994 Super NES� game Donkey Kong Country. His new game, Donkey Kong Country Returns, marks his triumphant return in a new side-scrolling adventure with new challenges amid a beautiful setting. The game features the first simultaneous cooperative game-play mode for the series, with one player controlling Donkey Kong and the other controlling his agile pal, Diddy Kong�.

On Nov. 21, It's on like Donkey Kong�!

For more information about Donkey Kong Country Returns, visit http://donkeykong.nintendo.com/.

PR Email

USA Today Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto!

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:26:51 -0400

A portion of a USA Today interview with Shigeru Miyamoto...

Q: What is it about Mario that resonates so well with players?

SM: When we create games, the gamer really is the main character. In that regard it may not really matter who the main character is onscreen. But you know, Mario is someone who has become very familiar and I think it is that people are comfortable with becoming Mario. ... Mario really has grown and changed and evolved with the evolution of digital technology. The new technology is fresh and exciting and the next thing you know it becomes familiar and Mario follows that. He's a familiar character, but he is also fresh because he is always doing new things based on what the technology allows him to do.

Q: Mario is Italian. Or we assume he is Italian, was there something behind that?

SM: As a kid, I was a big comic fan and I liked foreign comics as well. So I drew some characters that had more western type features with a little bigger noses and what not. Now with Mario, I think with Mario Bros. we had a setting of course that was underground, so I just decided Mario is a plumber. Let's put him in New York and he can be Italian. There was really no other deep thought other than that.

Q: What is your most favorite Mario game and why?

SM: Super Mario World (1993) is something that included of course all the action you saw in Super Mario Bros. but it also had the map features, so it also had that element of players having to think about where they were going and what they were going to do next. I also think that it is a game that developed a large number of staff people who became producers and directors.

Q: So I assume we have not seen the last of Mario. Can you say anything about his future adventures on the Wii or Nintendo 3DS?

SM: Of course, we are working on a Mario product for the Nintendo 3DS, I can tell you that. One of the things we have looked at, you know when you are in a 3D world but on a 2D screen it is difficult sometimes to tell distance, whether an object you are looking at is in the foreground, in the background, is the object above you? Sometimes it's a little bit harder. So it's going to be really exciting for us to make that easier for the player to understand using the Nintendo 3DS technology. And for the first time ever Mario will be on a handheld system with an analog stick for controls. That's new.

Q: And is there anything more you can say about the upcoming Zelda game?

SM: We haven't prepared any press releases since the last one so there is nothing I can reveal that is new other than to say we are working on it and it is going along like gangbusters.

Iwata/Miyamoto on 2D/3D Mario titles on 3DS!

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:30:45 -0400

Iwata/Miyamoto on 2D/3D Mario titles on 3DS, innovative titles that change the gaming on 3DS:

One of the first discussions we had as we started developing Nintendo 3DS was the issues that we were not able to solve in our process of "gaming population expansion" and in the progress of how Nintendo DS and Wii were expanding in the market. More specifically, when we developed Nintendo DS and Wii, we prioritized on points other than the most gorgeous-looking graphics or the highest possible processing power, so these systems were not able to fully cater to the needs of the consumers who had been looking for more beautiful graphics and more processing capability. As a result, the current global market is not driven by a single, most-expanded hardware platform. In each market (Japan, the U.S. and Europe), consumers' interest in the hardware are being diversified to a certain extent, even though the user compositions are different in each market.

Nintendo has been trying to expand the gaming population. When it comes to the difference between veteran players and novice players, or new entrants, we do not believe there is any clear wall separating them, such as, "Up until here are the games for novice players and beyond this line are the games for the players with gaming proficiency." There is no clear-cut distinction point between these users. However avid players they may be today, they were beginners at the outset. For the sound growth of the video game industry, it is important for new consumers to enter into the market one after another. Because each consumer has his or her own taste, and the time and the energy one can spend on any one form of entertainment varies, we think it would be ideal if we could offer an entertainment system that could be enjoyed by each and every different consumer in his or her own way according to individual needs. However, when different platforms are needed to cater to different gaming needs, it becomes difficult to create a healthy cycle.

For this issue, Nintendo's people in the Licensing Department and other relevant departments have listened to many comments from our publishers and developers, such as, "While the sheer installed base of Nintendo DS is attractive, with the specs as they are, we can't make the software that we really want to make." We developed Nintendo 3DS in order to respond to these needs of the developers and, at the same time, to make it so that this device can offer something attractive even to those consumers who have never played video games before.

And, you said that you are yet to see the software lineup for Nintendo 3DS which can be compared to representative titles for Nintendo DS such as "nintendogs" and "Brain Training" that were announced around the time of the launch of Nintendo DS, which were originally not conceived as games. In fact, however, I think that we have already shown you a glimpse. For example, "AR Games" (temp; direct translation from the Japanese) that we showcased at Nintendo Conference 2010 is one of our new trials in such endeavors. How such new trials shall be materialized in the form of packaged software is something which will become important in the second phase of Nintendo 3DS proliferation. By now, because more Nintendo 3DS software which will cater to the needs of avid game fans has had a lot of public exposure, you may hold the impression that our Nintendo 3DS software lineup currently lacks such software (which has the potential to change the definition of video games). The company, of course, has been paying attention to such software. On the other hand, for those who seldom play video games, the fact that they can see 3D moving images on Nintendo 3DS itself must have a tremendous impact. I understand that those who have had hands-on experience feel the same way. So, Nintendo 3DS will probably be appreciated first with such functions, and then, as the next step, we will need to launch software that can expand the users.

I know your next question will be, "So, what will such software be like, exactly?" I'm sorry but if I were to answer such a question, other publishers could launch similar software before we do. So, please understand that I have to refrain from answering this question. With that, let me ask Mr. Miyamoto to talk about Mario in 2D and 3D.

Miyamoto: This is not confined to Mario games, but when a game is made in 3D, we can make the players feel that the game is more alive, and the developers are able to incorporate more tricks for the players to enjoy. For its ability to provide the players with more choices or freedom in the gaming world, 3D is more suited.

On the other hand, there are also people who can't stand even the slightly more complicated looks of 3D. In fact, with 3D games, game-play control has to become more complex. When the developers include all the functions in order to cater to the anticipated demands from the players who, as they gradually progress deeper into the 3D world, will want to do more and more, the game in the end inevitably will look extremely complex for the novice players. I mean, even though players will realize that the games are not complex when they actually play them, 3D games look complicated for those who see them for the first time.

From that perspective, as you indicated in your question, the consumer base of the "Super Mario" series has narrowed from when we launched "Super Mario 64." However, we've been striving to make 3D games which can enable you to have the "I'm actually in the game field now" feeling and which can provide you with more fun options to choose from in the game field and, at the same time, which can be played by anyone. We've been developing the "Super Mario Galaxy" series with such a mission in mind. By launching "Super Mario Galaxy 2," we have invited a number of people who didn't use to play any 3D games to the world of 3D Mario, I think. Simultaneously, we have been making 2D games because leveraging upon and making improvements on 3D games alone cannot satisfy all the game players. We have made "New Super Mario Bros." for Nintendo DS and "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" with such an objective. These 2D games are easy to understand and accessible to anyone. Even if the players only play for a short time, they can feel satisfied. After all, video games are not only about conquering all the stages. What is more important is the fun the players can feel as a result of the play. The 2D games have the advantage of delivering that sensation more easily to the players.

As for Nintendo 3DS, of course, we'll be making both types of games. It's not the issue of which is more attractive because each one has its own appeal. In the past 3D "Mario" games, and 3D "Zelda" games for that matter, if there were several floors at the same height, it was hard for the players to tell if each one of them was located with the same distance between them or if just one was further away and higher than the other floors. On Nintendo 3DS, you can readily understand the height and distance of the next floor in front of you. You can feel the difference by switching between the 2D and 3D modes. You might have had a hard time trying to jump on a stump or to hit a floating question-mark block in 3D Mario until now, but you will be able to do so easily on Nintendo 3DS. In addition, Mario and Link will both have more vivid presences. When I make games, I take great care of such details as the body weights of the players' characters. When the character jumps, can the player feel the weight? When the character lands, does the land feel like it is acting as a cushion? How long should the character stand still in order for the player to feel the weight of the character's body? I think about a number of such details. By making 3D games on Nintendo 3DS, such minute details can be felt, and the players can feel as if the world exists.

Talking about 2D games on Nintendo 3DS, those who have played 2D Mario so far can understand that the developers were unable to do a lot of tricks which made use of the depth of the screen. For example, when "Wiggler" or "Bullet Bill" fly towards you from a distance, if the developers try to incorporate the depth of the screen, you cannot tell if and when these characters hit you. But such tricks shall be available on Nintendo 3DS.

We have tried many things, including when we made games on Virtual Boy. We have some ideas for a "Mario" game which has depth in the screen. So, for both 2D and 3D games, we are excited to be able to make new tricks on Nintendo 3DS.

Another Songbird Ocarina Live Stream!

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:00:58 -0400

The people over at Songbird Ocarina are putting on a live stream. View it below.

Nintendo: Zelda Merchandising Could Not Beat Mario!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:13:57 -0400

The following comes from a recent Iwata Asks where the NES platform and Mario series was discussed.

Imanishi: 'I think another big factor was the birth of the character business. Super Mario Bros. truly was the start of that. At the time, we didn't have a department for licensing, so general affairs handled all that. Countless companies came with licensing requests � so much so that the person in charge couldn't do anything else. But at the time, Yamauchi-san told me it was okay to license Mario, but that we mustn't license Zelda. He said even if you license Zelda, there's no way it could beat Mario. That's why he said we shouldn't license Zelda. So we only licensed Mario back then.�

Iwata: 'That is a direct manifestation of Yamauchi-san's idea that in entertainment, people's popularity centres around just one thing. Nothing could come of having Mario and Zelda compete with each other in the character business.�

Imanishi: 'But that's how popular Mario was. One of the things that struck me when I first heard about Super Mario Bros. was how few pixels he was made out of. It would have been impossible to show his hair, so they had to make him wear a hat. In order to hide his mouth, they gave him a big nose and moustache. And made his clothes overalls."

Iwata: "The entire design is based on function, like making it easy to tell which direction he is facing.�

Imanishi: 'That's the way it was at first, but even as games' visual capacities have increased, those basic lines have never changed. I think that may be why, even after 25 years, everyone still loves Mario.�

So as you can see, Nintendo did not think that Zelda merchandise could compete with Mario merchandise.

A Link to the Past: Metalrized!

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:46:46 -0400

While searching around YouTube earlier, I found an excellent the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past themed song. It is performed by a group called Powerglove. They have several video game oriented songs that are of superb quality. Well, I hope you enjoy this metal mix of some A Link to the Past tunes.

New Addition to Forever!

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:14:24 -0400

We have Part 23 for our Fan Story, Forever, for your viewing pleasure today. It continues to help advance the story and we hope you enjoy it as much as you did the other parts. Below is an excerpt:

The rain lashed at their skin like ice the moment they stepped outside, quickly soaking their hair and clothing. The wind was bitter and beginning to bear down violently on the forest like an avalanche. Zelda turned to face Link, her golden hair sopping and lashing against her in the dagger-like winds. She couldn't find her voice, the princess afraid and unsure like a lost child. Her hands were clasped together in front of her chest, and she was biting her crimson lips in fear. Her crystalline blue eyes were piercing the young soldier to the very depths of his soul.

So you if liked that preview, click here to continue reading part 23.

Skyward Sword at Paris Games Week!

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:57:49 -0400

It took a few days, but we have found a video of what happened at Paris Games Week. Check it out below.

Songbird Ocarina Live Stream!

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:53:01 -0400

The people over at Songbird Ocarina are putting on a live stream. View it below.

Edit:The stream is now over.

Let's Play Zelda: A Link to The Heavens - Part 4

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:04:57 -0400

You Shouldn't Have Done That

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 22:31:59 -0400

Since September the Zelda community has been buzzing about THE HAUNTED CARTRIDGE! jadusable has created a creepy atmosphere just in time for Halloween and changed the way we look at Majora's Mask forever.

Team Meat dev - Zelda a big influence

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:28:04 -0400

A portion of an MTV interview with Team Meat's Edmund McMillen...

MTV: What game has most influenced you, and why?

ED: The very 1st "Zelda" for the NES probably influenced me most, design-wise. I loved the mystery in the game and the fact that it felt like it was based off the idea of exploring as a child. It was also an extremely well done game technically, its exploration aspects were amazing, dungeons and enemy introduction were very inspired and over all it feels like the perfect game to me, even now.

Zelda World's Link/Mario Crossover Marathon!

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:21:08 -0400

Donation Info:

The raffle was cancelled sadly, but, to grow the site and keep it online, please donate for a new hosting service that can host the upcoming forums. If you can donate, please send the donations to Skermefaten[at]zelda-world.net via Paypal.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword to be on-hand at Paris Games Week

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:10:10 -0400

We have been able to confirm that Nintendo will indeed have a booth setup at the upcoming Paris Games Week event. We know this information since it has been confirmed that Nintendo will be presenting The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword at the event. We are not sure if it will be a new build or a old one, so check back around Oct. 27th when the Paris Games Week kicks off.

Super Mario Bros.' 25th: Miyamoto Reveals All

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:04:49 -0400

Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of the Legend of Zelda, Mario, and several other Nintendo franchises, has recently been interviewed by Famitsu magazine. You will find some highlights below:

- Where did the concept for SMB come from, anyway? "It wasn't an idea that just came out of the blue," Miyamoto said. "It was the culmination of a variety of factors. First, we had a lot of technical know-how built up from games like Excitebike and Kung Fu. Second, the Disk System [a Japan-only attachment] was coming out shortly, so I wanted to make a game that would put a final exclamation point on that era of cartridge games. Third, I wanted to build upon our tradition of what we called 'athletic games' at the time -- games where you controlled a guy and had to jump a lot to overcome obstacles. We felt strongly about how we were the first to come up with that genre, and it was a goal of ours to keep pushing it."

- Fair enough, but why is Mario fighting what's essentially a legion of demonic turtles for this game? The answer lies in the original Mario Bros., the 1983 arcade game. "Myself and [Gunpei] Yokoi were coming up with a gameplay concept for Mario Bros. that took advantages of the different floor levels of the playfield," Miyamoto recalls. "Our idea was that direct contact with an enemy would kill you, but hitting them from below could knock them out. That wound up being too boring, so we settled on the final system where you first knock them off their feet, then jump back up to deliver the final blow. So Mario Bros. made it out, and after we reflected upon it, we realized it made no sense that you could get killed in Mario Bros. when you jumped on a turtle's back. If you did that, the turtle would come out the worst from it, wouldn't it? So we decided that, if we had the chance to make another Mario game, we'd definitely have it so that you could jump on turtles all you want."

- SMB's controls -- A to jump, B to shoot fireballs and run -- seem like instinctual second nature to gamers nowadays. Settling upon that control scheme, though, was less than straightforward for the developers. "During much of development, the controls were A for shoot bullets, B to dash, and up on the control pad to jump," said Miyamoto. "The bullets wound up becoming fireballs later -- we originally thought about having a shoot-'em-up stage where Mario jumps on a cloud and shoots at enemies, but we dropped it because we wanted to focus on jumping action. The sky-based bonus stages are the remnants of that idea, you could say. In the end, we realized that being able to shoot all the fireballs you want while running gave Mario too much of an advantage, so instead we had it so you shoot only one fireball when you start running. That freed up the A button, and we made that the jump button. I really wanted to have A be the action button and make you press up to jump, but it definitely worked out better for Mario in the end."

- Why do you power up by grabbing (and presumably eating) magic mushrooms? "One of the fun things about action games is looking at the game world and figuring out a strategy to deal with it," Miyamoto explained. "The first game prototype we had going wasn't very good because you couldn't see very far ahead of you. People wanted to have more of the world visible onscreen, but I didn't want to make Mario any smaller than he was. So we decided to build the world on the scale of a smaller Mario, then make him larger in the final version. That's the moment we struck upon the idea of starting Mario out small and letting him get bigger later. Since the game's set in a magical kingdom, I made the required power-up item a mushroom because you see people in folk tales wandering into forests and eating mushrooms all the time. That, in turn, led to us calling the in-game world the 'Mushroom Kingdom,' and the rest of the basic plot setup sprung from there."

- Was the infinite 1UP trick, the one that involves kicking a turtle shell against a block repeatedly, included in the game on purpose? As a matter of fact, yes. "We did code the game so that a trick like that would be possible," Miyamoto revealed. "We tested it out extensively to figure out how possible pulling the trick off should be and came up with how it is now, but people turned out to be a lot better at pulling the trick off for ages on end than we thought." What about the famed Minus World? "That's a bug, yes, but it's not like it crashes the game, so it's really kind of a feature, too!"

Zelda World's Link vs. Mario Marathon

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:50:35 -0400

The following is the official post from Zelda World:

It's time to announce the big marathon date!

The date of the marathon is October 22nd at 5:00PM CST. We will start with Super Mario 64, and play to the finish. Then, the next day at 1:00PM CST we will pick up the marathon and play to finish Ocarina of Time. After that, the final battle between Link and Mario will take place in Super Smash Brothers. The time of the battle is tentative, it will be either Saturday or Sunday, it depends on time.

So be there, 5pm CST next Friday!

Zelda Castle Version 1.5!

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:13:41 -0400

Our affiliate Zelda Castle has recently launched version 1.5 of their website. So if you could please give them a check, we are sure they would appreciate it. Well, in other news, there is a auction going on for a Special Edition Ocarina of Time set. The current bid is a whopping $1300, which is surprising given the damage the items have taken through the years.

Source

Unofficial Zelda Review!

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:36:02 -0400

There is a new promising app for all us Zelda fans with iPhones and iPod Touch's called Unofficial Zelda. While it is still in early development, it shows good signs of potential. It features many sounds from multiple games which is something that many fans of the franchise may find nostalgic. Overall, this app is good for anyone that enjoys the Legend of Zelda series.

Site Downtime

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:34:37 -0400

The site is expected to have numerous errors. If you come across one, please email the webmaster at webmaster[at]linkshideaway[dot]com. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to getting the site back up without errors.

Cracked Top Video Game Easter Eggs!

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:37:37 -0400

The people over at Cracked have released their "9 Video Game Easter Eggs That Took Years to Find" article and A Link to the Past took the #8 spot.

Site Maintenance

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:41:28 -0400

Over the next few days, there will be massive site maintenance and the site may go down for a few hours and some errors may appear. We are sorry for any inconvenience's that may occur during this process.

10/4/10 - Due to some technical difficulties, the maintenance has been delayed.

A Pair of Parts for Forever!

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:57:09 -0400

Well, we got parts 21 and 22 for our story, Forever, posted up now. The story continues to bring forth all the passion and adventure that many readers have grown to love and, with the addition of these parts, this path continues.

Here's a brief excerpt from part 21:

'Ha! I feel like I should be at some kind of ball rather than at a lake!�

'Really? Mine's no better!�

The hero and princess soon emerged from the small groves of trees they had been using as makeshift dressing rooms, each stopping in their tracks as they caught sight of the other.

'You...� The Hero stumbled for words as he saw her. A gown of pure, silky white hung nearly to her feet, revealing a pair of soft, light-colored slippers. Her hands were covered with long, ashen evening gloves, and her golden waterfall of hair hung freely to her waist, held out of her eyes by a small crystalline tiara. 'You look beautiful.�

To continue reading, please click here and be sure to check back soon for more updates.

Story of Ganondorf Update!

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:18:57 -0400

We got part 8 of our exclusive fan work, The Story of Ganondorf (Rise and Fall of the Dark King), for you all today. It has been a long time since the last part was posted and this one came in to our surprise.

Here's an excerpt from part 8:

Ganondorf stood silently with his company of thieves, he scoped out the surrounding area looking for some kind of sign to advance him onward toward his objective, but to no avail... He began to doubt his chances of finding his way around here. He looked at the horizon... the sun stood solidly still in the sky. Ganondorf looked at the ground. The grass waved at him like a long lost friend. He smirked and then called out to his thieves. 'GATHER THE GEAR! WE ARE MOVING!� he screamed and his thieves had the gear together faster than ever.

So if you liked that brief excerpt, you can continue reading it here.

New Additions to Forever!

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:54:55 -0400

We bring you parts 19 and 20 to our story Forever today. They are well written and help to continue the love story of Princess Zelda and Link. Below is an excerpt from part 19:

...And so the beautiful Princess saved the Hero from his demise, and the two fled to the only place that they had left: Kokiri Forest.

Night had fallen when the young lovers neared Kokiri Forest. The soldier urged Epona forward slowly, nearly asleep. The only sounds that broke the calming quiet were the light crunch of the leaves beneath the horse's feet, the rustle of the wind through the trees, and the occasional fallen twig or broken branch.

To continue reading part 19, please click here. Also do not forget to check back soon for more parts.

Nintendo 3DS Hardware Specs!

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:10:22 -0400

The people over at IGN have learned of some hardware specs for the upcoming Nintendo 3DS system. These claims are from an unknown source they have with ties to Nintendo. This means that they are not 100% confirmed but with IGN's track record of past consoles, one would bet that these are probably correct.

Nintendo 3DS Specifications:

2 266MHz ARM11 CPUs
133MHz GPU
4MBs of dedicated VRAM
64MBs of RAM
1.5GBs of flash storage

So to put this in perspective, this makes the Nintendo 3DS more powerful then the GameCube and nearly as powerful as the Wii. While we can not speak for the rest of you, the Nintendo 3DS is something that many of us here at Link's Hideaway are looking forward to getting our hands on in the nearing future.

New Parts Added to Forever!

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:02:49 -0400

We left off at part 16 of our story Forever with our latest update to the fan work. Today, we have just added parts 17 and 18. Below is an excerpt from part 17:

The joy that shone from the Princess's face as the beautiful diamond ring was placed upon her finger once more was short lived. The date of the Hero's execution was growing nigh, and the lovers were becoming more and more desperate for answers. But try as they might, they could not find a way to set the Hero free. Now, the final night before the execution had donned upon them... and the Hero seemed to have lost all hope as he hung from those wretched restraints...waiting to say his final goodbyes to the Princess who had stolen his heart...

So, as always, if you enjoyed that excerpt then you can continue reading it here. Please check back for more updates.

The Best of Zelda!

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:32:39 -0400

With the creation of The Legend of Zelda spawning many brilliant games, which are the best? Well, Carl B. (Zeypher) and I have put together a well written article over what we believe is the answer to this question. Below you will find my take on things.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Wind Waker was truly a great game to behold for anyone that's a fan of the series or action-adventure genre. The first noticeable change over the other titles is its use of a cartoon-like artistic style and cell-shaded graphics. While some tried to downplay the visuals, they were beautiful and spawned several other games featuring this artistry. The Wind Waker features a unique storyline that ties heavily with the events of Ocarina of Time. Also notable is the use of a large open map that helps with the adventurous aspect of the title and has many islands that host subquests, ships with extra items, and treasure to find.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Phantom Hourglass is the first game to feature the use of the Nintendo DS' touch screen, and along with the use of the dual screens of the hand-held, proved to be rather interesting in how the controls were set up; this allowed for a good amount of maneuverability that was needed to overcome several of the challenges that the dungeons of Phantom Hourglass posed. One such use is the ability to draw the path for the Boomerang to follow. While certainly not the most all-around difficult title in the series, Phantom Hourglass did present a formidable challenge in the Temple of the Ocean King. We are also introduced to the franchise's first implementation of online multiplayer.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Ocarina of Time was the first Zelda game to feature the use of a fully 3D engine, similar to that of Super Mario 64, when Nintendo could have taken the easy road and made a 3D top-down Zelda title (think 3D Dot Game Heroes). This revolution has allowed for the adaptation of a fantastic targeting system that allowed players to strafe around an enemy during combat. This targeting system was ground-breaking at the time and allowed for the addition of many new challenges not seen before in a Zelda title. A large open map has allowed for the inclusion of several side objectives that are both fun and exciting. The concept of multiple realms returned in Ocarina of Time in the form of time travel; once players reach a certain point they can travel seven years into the future.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Unveiled at E3 2004, Twilight Princess has a far more dark and mature art style than any game in the series, apart from Majora's Mask. This entry also features the inclusion of several special attacks, similar to the ones present in the Wind Waker, and made combat with enemies that much more enjoyable. As with other games in the series, Twilight Princess features a host of new side quests for players to experience and enjoy. The storyline featured a darker plot centered around an evil race known as the Twili. As with several other games in the series, Twilight Princess also makes use of a different realms concept.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past is the third game in the franchise. It has many new mechanics and equipment in it not found in the previous games, such as the Hookshot and Pegasus Boots. It features the introduction of a different realms concept which has since been seen in titles such as Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. The game also sees the reintroduction of the top down style of graphics with beautiful visuals and artistic style thanks to the power of the SNES. A Link to the Past makes great use of a large open map that is host to a plethora of side activities and adventures that everyone can enjoy. With more than four million copies sold, A Link to the Past is a staple of the series which every fan should play.

So there you have it. This is my newest list of what I believe to be the best of the Zelda franchise. Carl B. puts his spin on things over at the site where this article first launched, iNintendo. Please go by and leave your comments here and let us know all of your opinions.

The Madness Continues!

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:12:35 -0400

Today we have parts 13, 14, 15, and 16 of our exclusive story Forever. Here's a small excerpt from part 13:

The King had taken the news much as the Princess had anticipated; a nationwide manhunt for her lover had now commenced in full force. Even Impa had had no idea that their ruler would take the news with such fierceness.

There was a knock at the door. Hara stirred, groaning as she flipped to face the other direction in her bed. 'Who is it?�

'We are Hylian soldiers sent by the King.� Hara shot awake, her heart beginning to race as she listened to the stern voice outside her door.

So if you liked that, please continue reading part 13 here. Also remember to check back for more updates.

Who's Ready for More?

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:31:00 -0400

Here's a sneak peek:

The King sat upon his throne in the darkened castle, staring at the wall across from him sternly.

'Sire...� His gaze broke as he heard the voice, turning slowly to look at the large oaken doors that led into his room.

If you want more, check out our story Forever cause this is an excerpt from part 12. So go on by and check out the other ones also.

Join the Community!

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:35:58 -0400

Link's Hideaway has been out for a while now. The content is growing at a constant speed, the amount of views are increasing, the popularity, the FAME... just kidding, and most of all, the loyal users. We would like to ask all of our loyal users to simply join the forums and help us create a strong and vast community. So please head over to the forums and register. A quick link has been added below, so just follow it.

One Could Only Guess!

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:34:28 -0400

So can you guess what we have for you today? You probably can but in case you can not, here's a hint for you.

'Maybe she got it from someone else, who knows? It might not even be what you think it is, maybe...maybe she found it, or...or bought it somewhere!�

Does that help you out any? Well, in case it did not and you got no clue, we have more parts of the story Forever written by our staff member LinkxZelda for you today. We bring you part 10 and part 11. We hope you enjoy reading them and please check back soon for more updates.

Community Update; Zelda World Version 2.0

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:14:26 -0400

Our affiliate, Zelda World, has just released version 2.0 of their website. It features a stylish new look and overall has a warm Zelda feeling to it. This is not the last planed update to the site though, they have a vBulletin forums upgrade planned for the near future.

Does It End?! More Forever!

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:57:30 -0400

As the title mentions, we are still bringing you more additions to our exclusive fan story Forever. Today, we have parts 8 and 9. They help to continue the story and bring even more enjoyment to the reader. Go by and check them out. I am sure you will enjoy it.

New Additions to Forever!

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:58:23 -0400

Parts 6 and 7 of our fan work, Forever, has been added to the site. These are nice new additions to the story and well worth the read. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did. Please check back soon for more updates.

Expected Site Downtime!

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:33:34 -0400

We will be migrating over to a new better server over the next few days and the site is expected to go down and up but procedures will be taken to try to minimize the amount of downtime we have. Please bear with us through this migration.

Facebook and Twitter

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:29:49 -0400

Be sure to check out the official Facebook and Twitter pages for Link's Hideaway! The goal for Facebook is to get 100 fans by the end of the month.
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Links-Hideaway/118028446878
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LinksHideaway

Legend of Neil Episode 304

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:20:36 -0400

Legend of Neil
Tags: Atom.com,Atom Originals,Atom Blog,Upload Videos

The Legend of Neil episode 304: 40 Acres And A Zol is now released. If you're following the series watch it, if you aren't you can still watch it and all but you won't get it unless you watch episode 101. Some content on this video isn't suitable for children.

Link's Hideaway, a Zelda Wiki Mastermind!?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:07:26 -0400

You heard it right, Link's Hideaway is now a mastermind of ZeldaWiki.org. I personally love having a wiki! We'll be posting updates and featured articles from ZeldaWiki.org as well as helping the wiki.

This is a big step for both Link's Hideaway and ZeldaWiki.org!

Phantom Hourglass Manga Out Today!

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:49:10 -0400

Today is the release of the Phantom Hourglass manga, by Akira Himekawa of course. The price is the same as the rest of the wonderful manga series, $7.99.

More Chapters of Forever!

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:43:18 -0400

Today we bring you chapters 4 and 5 of our exclusive Fan Story; Forever. It is a pleasure to post these new parts and if you liked the others, then you will like the rest of the parts. Please go by and check them out.

Fan Story Update; Forgotten Deities!

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:16:26 -0400

Today we bring you chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the newest Fan Story here; Forgotten Deities. It is a pleasure to post these new parts and if you liked chapter 1 that was posted the other day, then you will like the rest of the parts. Please go by and check them out.

New Fan Story; Forgotten Deities!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:04:27 -0400

It was twilight. A pinkish-red glow shone over the peak of Death Mountain. A haunting breeze blew over my shoulder, brushing my hair back in a small flurry. I took a step towards the edge of the cliff, staring out past the horizon. I had come out here to be alone, and try to relax, but I found myself depressed, thinking about my failed assignment. I sat on the hard ground, layered with soft grass, and thought about the day's events...

Like what you've read so far? Well, check out the source link for the full version.

New Buttons!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:40:45 -0400

We recently added some new and in my opinion, awesome buttons. If you want to affiliate with us be sure to check the Affiliation page. If you want to link to us please check the Link To page. Everyone who is an affiliate can switch buttons for one of the newest buttons of Link's Hideaway if preferred!

Forums are Back!

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:05:33 -0400

The forums are now unlocked and ready for plenty of use, past members login and viewers who aren't members should register!

You'll have tons of fun!

ONM Interview with Eiji Aonuma!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:18:44 -0400

Below is an excerpt from an Official Nintendo Magazine interview with Eiji Aonuma;

ONM: What's the significance of the game's title and how does it relate to the piece of artwork that was released at E3 in 2009?

Eiji Aonuma: Did you happen to watch the trailer? That last scene where Link dives off the big cliff and goes flying through the clouds is a key hint as to the connection between the game and the Skyward Sword title.

Link lives on Skyloft, a series of floating islands that are above the clouds. He's a normal kid living up on these islands above the clouds, but then an incident occurs and Link is forced to travel to the land beneath the clouds. This other world below the clouds has been captured and is being ruled by evil forces. So he has to go down there and start his adventure. The juxtapositon between the two worlds is very important.

What leads Link on this adventure is the Skyward Sword and when that Sword is actively guiding Link, it actually transforms into a feminine figure. I wouldn't say that it's female per se but it's a feminine figure.

ONM: Is this a major reboot for the series then?

EA: It's hard to introduce major changes to the Zelda gameplay, and one of the reasons for this is that we have some traditional elements that we have protected and continued throughout the series. You have a field, you have dungeons and there is a distinction between which area you are in and which style of gameplay you are participating in. So what we've tried to do is to introduce some new elements - this time we have larger fields and there are dungeons that don't really feel like dungeons but will incorporate some of those elements. So we are reimagining some of the traditional gameplay elements.

ONM: Will there be any famous Zelda characters in the game?

EA: I believe there might be! We really haven't decided whether certain characters will re-appear or not appear. One of the things we talked about with our staff is how a character could be used in this game or would it be fun to tie in a connection that the fans would be appreciative of? I am pretty much letting the team decide how and when we implement that sort of thing.

ONM: Is developing for a 3D console more demanding?

EA: One of the things that I want to take up further going forward is how playing in 3D effects things - does it make you tired? Do you want to create a game where players are sitting in front of their systems for a long period of time? Obviously there are things that can be done in 3D but we don't have to shoehorn it in.

If it's beneficial, of course we'll want to use it. So what I would like to do is to take a look at what other people are doing out there, see what the reaction is, then go back and figure out exactly what I want out of 3D.

ONM: Would you ever work on another franchise?

EA: I probably have to at some point! The problem is that when I start thinking about new ideas and new gameplay elements I end up incorporating them into a Zelda title! For me to be able to create a non-Zelda title I might have to take a leave of absence for a year and go away from the company and do it!

Check out the source link for full interview.

New Fan Work; Hero's Destiny

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:45:24 -0400

Today we bring you a poem written by Hero Chosen. It is titled "Hero's Destiny" and is written nicely. Please check the source link for the poem. Also, if you have anything of your own that you would like to share with us, just head on over to our Fan Submission page and we will be sure to give it a chance to be featured on the site.

Some Nintendo Gamescom Footage!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:18:13 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Gameplay!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:03:14 -0400

Nintendo Power - Reader's Most Wanted!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:53:46 -0400

Wii

1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
2. Kirby's Epic Yarn
3. Metroid: Other M
4. Donkey Kong Country Returns
5. Epic Mickey

1. Pokemon White Version
2. Pokemon Black Version
3. Super Scribblenauts
4. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Miniland Mayhem
5. Professor Layton and the Unwound Future

3DS

1. Paper Mario
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
3. Mario Kart
4. Kid Icarus: Uprising
5. Star Fox 64 3D

Skyward Sword 'Stalfos' Gameplay!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:51:20 -0400

Zelda-World.net Game Marathon!

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 07:14:18 -0400

The following is from the official news post over at Zelda-World.net;

"Our Ocarina of Time seven and a half hour race to see if we can finish the game will be held this Sunday most likely at 10:30am CST (confirmation will be on Saturday) streaming via Ustream (with a chatroom of course). The donations will go towards the FORUMS AND THE SITE DESIGN, as well as other site-related needs. IT WILL NOW HAVE A GRAND PRIZE, and some extra perks for all donaters. The HIGHEST DONATER WILL RECIEVE THE GRAND PRIZE. The grand prize is: A STL Rupee Ocarina PLUS a pre-order for the Phantom Hourglass manga! And the perks are to be revealed...now!

Donation Perks (not the prize, keep reading the article for that):

$1- Donater image on rank (in forums)

$5- Donator image on rank PLUS they will be part of a special forum donor group (when the forums open)
$10- First 25 people to donate $25 get an @Zelda-World.net email and are able to join the forums BEFORE it is officially open, the rest get to just join the forum before it's officially open. Plus, all donaters of $25 get the previous perks.

The HIGHEST donator will recieve the grand prize of a STL Rupee Ocarina plus a pre-order for the Phantom Hourglass manga! We will send an email out to the winner."

So be sure to check this out as it should prove to be interesting.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Footage!

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 06:18:59 -0400

More The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Videos

Nintendo's Gamescom Press Release!

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:34:10 -0400

Nintendo will kick off this year's gamescom trade fair in Cologne on 18th August with a mixture of traditional classics and innovative games. Offering something for everyone, Nintendo's booth at gamescom will be dedicated to games that will certainly cater for all tastes. From legendary franchises like Mario and Zelda to the exciting and innovative Wii Party, Nintendo offers a range of titles to get family and friends playing together all over the globe.

Charles Martinet - the voice of Nintendo's plucky plumber, Mario, and many other Nintendo characters for more than 20 years, will be present at the show, where guests can play all of the Mario games that have ever appeared for Wii and Nintendo DS, including the latest cosmic funfest Super Mario Galaxy 2. Visitors to the Nintendo stand will not only be able to get their hands on an exciting range of upcoming game titles � including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Metroid: Other M, Donkey Kong CountryTM Returns, Wii Party and many others � but popular TV celebrity Tim Feldner will be on hand to provide fun and excitement.

In fact, anyone planning on visiting the Nintendo booth in Cologne can look forward to an altogether engaging experience playing some of the most fun and exciting games in motion- and handheld gaming from both Nintendo and third-party publishers on Wii and Nintendo DS. Nintendo-published games available to experience on the showfloor include: Art Academy: Learn Painting and Drawing Techniques with Step-by-Step Training (Nintendo DS) which launched on Nintendo DS on 6th August will give you the opportunity to brush up your artistic talent this summer. Your Nintendo DS Touch Screen will transform into your very own canvas, as you follow the step-by-step lessons. Art Academy offers lessons and art materials to get you started on your initial artistic journey, as well as containing more advanced art courses for more adventurous artists wanting to take their art to the next level.

Metroid: Other M (Wii) is the incredible new Metroid game developed for Wii through collaboration by Nintendo and the world-renowned Team NINJA. Prepare yourself for a Metroid adventure like no other, as stunning action and a moving personal story come together in an unforgettable way across Europe on 3rd September 2010. Playing as Samus, players will seamlessly switch between third-person and first-person gameplay for the first time in a Metroid game. In another series' first, Samus is getting more physical in Metroid: Other M, with a range of melee attacks up the sleeves of her Power Suit.

More than 25 years after the launch of the first-ever Tetris� game, Tetris Party Deluxe (Wii & Nintendo DS) will be launched on 3rd September 2010 across Europe for both Nintendo DS and Wii. This new version of Tetris Party will thrill both old-time Tetris fans and newcomers to the genre, as more than 20 modes, online battles and local multiplayer action have been squeezed into this fun-packed game.

When Wii Party (Wii) launches across Europe on 8th October 2010, there will be something for all generations. Pit your personalised Mii characters against each other in 13 different party game modes and more than 80 mini-games. For the first time, Nintendo is moving gaming out of the TV and straight into the room you're in. In House Party games - one of three modes in Wii Party - you'll need to interact with one another in the real world to get the results you want in the game. Coupled with all that fun, also watch out for the many Party and Pair games which will keep your friends and family entertained for hours.

Step into the latest adventure and enthralling mystery, as Professor Layton and his young apprentice Luke return in Professor Layton and the Lost Future (Nintendo DS) on 22nd October 2010 for Nintendo DS. A brand new storyline and 165 new brain teasers, riddles and logic puzzles are all guaranteed to challenge and delight in the most epic and emotional instalment yet. Follow Professor Layton and his trusty apprentice Luke to seek out and solve puzzles in a future London to help save the city from a terrible fate!

Donkey Kong CountryTM Returns (Wii) is a brand spanking new side-scrolling platformer from Retro Studios, featuring fully rendered 3D environments and launching across Europe later this year. Donkey Kong is back and this time Diddy Kong not only joins the quest, but for the first time the franchise features the availability for two people to play together at the same time - one as Donkey Kong and one as Diddy Kong. Players can navigate the levels separately or as one unit. Diddy Kong can ride on Donkey Kong's back and hop off whenever he pleases, allowing novice players to ride on Donkey Kong's back through more challenging areas of the game.

Golden SunTM: Dark Dawn (Nintendo DS) is a classic role-playing game launching later this year which branches out with a new look, countless adventures and heroic battles. Golden SunTM: Dark Dawn picks up 30 years after the first two games in the series left off, with amazing graphics and beautifully animated summoning abilities that span both Nintendo DS screens.

Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii) caused much buzz and excitement at this year's E3 Expo. Now you too can try out Kirby's first console platform game since the Nintendo 64TM days. Step into Kirby's world of cloth and textiles and enjoy the creative gameplay techniques which are woven directly into the game. In this one-of-a-kind platformer, explore high and low for hidden objects and fun adventure when it arrives in Europe in Q1 2011 for Wii.

Mario vs. Donkey KongTM: Miniland Mayhem (Nintendo DS) which launches in Q1 2011 on Nintendo DS will see players draw red girders and control items with the Nintendo DS Stylus, and play games moving items such as pipes, springs and conveyor belts. The goal is to bring the Mini Toys to the door. Using an intuitive tool kit, players can create new level maps and share them with the public via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Worldwide anticipation continues to build ahead of the upcoming launch of The Legend of ZeldaTM: Skyward Sword (Wii) in Europe in 2011 for Wii. For the first time, the precision of Link's sword movements will be exactly replicated due to the required Wii MotionPlus accessory. Players can also enjoy the beautiful graphics which give you the feeling of walking straight into a painting. With a plethora of new gameplay mechanics, Link's latest adventure has been given a refreshingly different feel from all the past titles in the series.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:34:29 -0400

"Basically what leads Link on this adventure is the Skyward Sword. When that sword is actively guiding Link it actually transforms into a feminine figure. I wouldn't say that it's female per se but it's a feminine figure. It would be kind of nice to keep this a mystery, but I can tell you right now that it is not Zelda." - Eiji Aonuma

Zelda Marathon!

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:09:44 -0400

Zelda Eternity is hosting a marathon kicking off tomorrow at 12 PM US EST!

They will be playing every Zelda game except for Spirit Tracks and Phantom Hourglass. They will also be doing Brawl Match-Ups.

The donations are for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. If a certain milestone is reached they will do a side event, here is what they have to say on that topic:

"Side events are basically an attempt to raise the amount of donors and views. We will be doing something incredibly embarrassing, gigantically stupid, incredibly epic, and all in all hilarious when these points come about. For example, Garrett and I may decide to re-enact the original Zelda commercial after a certain donation goal is met, or dress up as something abominable. (That might have put a few creeper ideas in your head) We have most of the ideas for these events set, though suggestions are admired, and would be much appreciated! (Once again, the E-mail for me, Doublet, is LFdogwalk@hotmail.com)"

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Nintendo Power!

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:19:26 -0400

The following is from an article in Nintendo Power.

...Since the game is partially set in the sky, any chance Epona is a Pegasus?

Aonuma - [Laughs] I hadn't thought of that! You surprised me with that one! Of course, you know, Link does have to travel between Skyloft and the land below, and back and forth, so he's obviously going to have to do that via some sort of conveyance. That being said, I'd like to reveal that at a later time, so I don't want to give away too much other than to say that he is going to be traveling between the two. However, I can guarentee he's not going to be flying around like [Pit from] Kid Icarus!

Nintendo 3DS Price Estimate!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:01:56 -0400

The following is from an interview over at Elder Greek. Check out the source link below for the full interview.

E-G: Do you have an estimated price point for the 3DS?

Steinberg: 'I suspect $249 at initial launch, with the ability to play movies and things making it easier to swallow for the everyday consumer. Keep in mind, they could price at $300, and it will still cheaper than buying a Bravia [Sony's 3D-HDTV line].�

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword WiiMotion Test!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:48:51 -0400

Top 50 of E3 2010!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:43:59 -0400

The list below is Game Informer's Top 50 of E3 2010.

1. Portal 2
2. Dead Space 2
3. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
4. inFamous 2
5. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
6. Bulletstorm
7. Gears of War 3
8. Mortal Kombat
9. Halo: Reach
10. LittleBigPlanet 2
11. Kirby's Epic Yarn
12. Rage
13. Civilization V
14. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
15. Donkey Kong Country Returns
16. Twisted Metal
17. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
18. Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
19. Fable 3
20. Killzone 3
21. Rock Band 3
22. Epic Mickey
23. Call of Duty: Black Ops
24. Medal of Honor
25. Star Wars: The Old Republic
26. Dance Central
27. Fallout: New Vegas
28. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
29. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
30. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2
31. Red Faction: Armageddon
32. Crysis 2
33. NHL 11
34. GoldenEye 007
35. Gran Turismo 5
36. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
37. Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned
38. Batman: The Brave and the Bold
39. Journey
40. Child of Eden
41. Homefront
42. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
43. WWE All-Stars
44. Motorstorm: Apocalypse
45. Dead Rising 2
46. DJ Hero 2
47. Valkyria Chronicles 2
48. Ghost Recon Future Soldier
49. Scott Pilgrim vs the World
50. XCOM

Skyward Sword; More Footage!

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:19:35 -0400

E3 2010: Trailer!

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:40:06 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword at IGN.com

E3 2010: Miyamoto Interview!

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:36:05 -0400

More The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Info

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword!

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:33:43 -0400

More The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Videos

Mega Man Marathon for Alzheimer's Association!

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:31:47 -0400

An excerpt of an email from The Returners;

"My friends and I over at The Returners website (http://returnersgaming.blogspot.com/) are going to be hosting a 72 hour marathon for charity, beginning June 4th at 6:00pm CST (7:00pm EST) and ending on June 7th at 6:00pm CST (7:00pm EST). We will be raising money for the Alzheimer's Association as we play through as many of the games from the Mega Man series (Classic through Zero series, 22 games) as possible in the given time.

The gameplay will be streamed live on our site via Ustream.tv and will be accompanied by a commentary stream and chatroom so that viewers can interact with each other and us. Donations are going to be collected through the ChipIn widget for ease of use and security. Anyone with an active PayPal account or a credit/debit card can donate and all donations are sent directly to the Alzheimer's Association."

We will keep you updated on this event and many others.

Fan Story Update; Forever Parts 2 and 3!

Sun, 02 May 2010 07:08:45 -0400

I have recently posted parts 2 & 3 to our exclusive fan story; Forever. They are just as good as the last instalments, so check back for future updates as many are in the works.

MMM

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:10:24 -0400

Hey everyone, I wanted to give you a sign of us being alive. Don't worry, we will get more content up during the summer. Time for some MMMorshu MMMusic MMMadness!

Miyamoto Talks About Vitality Sensor and Zelda!

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:04:57 -0400

GamesTM: We understand that you won't be revealing specific details about the Vitality Sensor until later in the year but, as a videogame device, do you see it appealing more to traditional gamers or to the sort of consumers who would buy something like Wii Fit or Wii Music?

Miyamoto: You're entirely right that I cannot say anything about the Vitality Sensor right now. But, certainly, whenever we are going to use any new device it is possible to expand the appeal to those who are new to the videogaming world. At the same time, however, it is also fun to think of ways in which we might apply that new technology to existing forms of gameplay just like the way we are working on the new Legend Of Zelda together with Wii Motion Plus. So maybe you might like to ask me to incorporate the Vitality Sensor into Zelda so that as you become more scared, the enemies become even tougher.

Miyamoto Talks About Retirement!

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:00:05 -0400

GamesTM: Since you say that the best is still to come, do you foresee retirement in your future?

Miyamoto: Well, I am one of the company workers and the company has to retire me some time. So from that perspective, yes I may have to retire from Nintendo some day. But when I look around and see how aged cartoonists continue to work on their manga and how movie directors create new movies all the time, I understand that they would never retire. And by the same token, I guess I will still be making games somehow. The only question is whether the younger people will be willing to work with me at that far point in the future.

New Fan Story; Forever!

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:21:29 -0400

Forever is a story by our very own LinkxZelda. It has many parts but only the first couple have been posted so far. It is a very well written piece of work and one that needs exposure. Please check the source link for the link to the story. Also, do not forget to check back soon for more parts to this brilliant story.

GameStop's Placeholder Date for Zelda Wii!

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:42:01 -0400

GameStop has place November 1st, 2010 as the release date for Zelda Wii. Rather this is going to be the actual date or not is not known.

Weekly VC Games!

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:51:58 -0400

1 � Super Mario Bros. 3
2 � Super Mario Bros.
3 � Super Mario World
4 � Super Mario Bros. 2
5 � The Legend of Zelda
6 � Super Mario 64
7 � Pac-Man
8 � Donkey Kong
9 � Donkey Kong Country
10 � Punch-Out!!
11 � Mario Kart 64
12 � Castlevania Rondo of Blood
13 � The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
14 � Super Smash Bros.
15 � The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
16 � Final Fantasy II
17 � Sonic & Knuckles
18 � Galaga
19 � Sonic the Hedgehog
20 � The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

CVG Interview with Miyamoto!

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:03:47 -0400

CVG: What message would you give to hardcore Nintendo fans who feel a bit let down by the last couple of years on Wii?

Miyamoto: This year's going to be really great for the hardcore Nintendo player, especially with Super Mario Galaxy 2. It's action-packed software and when I say action-packed software, it's not just going to show you [pre-set] action movements in the 3D format. Rather, this is action-packed software that you can manipulate with your own will and your own control.

I really want many households to be able to have a hands-on experience of Mario Galaxy 2. I didn't have any involvement in Metroid Other M, but it is on its way. And also we are working on the New Legend Of Zelda for Wii. So from this year to the next, I hope that the hardcore-type gamers are really looking forward to the multiple Nintendo titles on Wii. And also, we are working on the Pikmin.

CVG: We play your games to relax- but how do you turn off when you get in from work? Surely you don't play Nintendo games?

Miyamoto: These days, I make sure I keep my working time to weekdays. On Saturday and Sunday I don't work at all. I take as much time off as possible with my family.

Recently I have been going to the swimming pool every week. I also play musical instruments to relax - I've been playing lots of guitar recently. Actually, I shouldn't say I play them, I'm not good enough to say that - I certainly practise them.

Sometimes at work, I must admit I allow myself to pretend I'm playing my guitar or even swimming at the pool.

Check the source link for full interview.

Colin Sebastian on the 3DS!

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:55:39 -0400

"Given the significant popularity of Nintendo handhelds, its dominant position in the market, and track-record for successful innovation, we expect that game publishers including [Activision, Electronic Arts, and THQ]will back the platform with meaningful development resources. We also believe that a new DS will generate increasing unit sales for Nintendo driven by the new platform. The Nintendo DS line of hardware has sold over 125 million units worldwide. If Nintendo is able to achieve a realistic 3D experience without the need for glasses, we believe 3DS could have broad appeal, and spark a new cycle of innovation within the industry. The 3DS could help reduce the competitive threat from smartphones." - Colin Sebastian with Lazard Capital Markets

Miyamoto Receives a BAFTA!

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

"It is a great honor to receive this award here in London in front of so many fellow developers and industry professionals. When I started my career at Nintendo there was no such thing as video game making at the company. My only wish was to make something to surprise or entertain many people. I was lucky enough to get the job making video games from the dawn of the industry. I am humbled because I cannot develop a video game by myself. Therefore I am receiving the award on behalf of everyone who has worked with me over the past 30 years, and I'd like to thank every single person for their hard work." - Shigeru Miyamoto

Zelda Wii and the Vitality Sensor!

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:03:01 -0400

"Whenever we are going to use any new device it is possible to expand the appeal to those who are new to the videogaming world. At the same time, however, it is also fun to think of ways in which we might apply that new technology to existing forms of gameplay � just like the way we are working on the new Legend Of Zelda together with Wii Motion Plus. As you become more scared, the enemies become even tougher. So maybe you might like to ask me to incorporate the Vitality Sensor into Zelda so that as you become more scared, the enemies become even tougher." - Shigeru Miyamoto

Weekly Top VC Games; Norway!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:57:12 -0400

1 (1) - Super Mario Bros. 3
2 (2) - Super Mario Bros.
3 (4) - Super Mario World
4 (3) - Super Mario 64
5 (5) - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
6 (6) - Super Mario Bros. 2
7 (7) - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
8 (9) - Mario Kart 64
9 (8) - Sonic The Hedgehog (SMD)
10 (10) - Donkey Kong Country
11 (11) - Yoshi's Story
12 (17) - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
13 (20) - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest
14 (13) - Super Smash Bros.
15 (16) - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
16 (15) - Bubble Bobble
17 (-) - Paper Mario
18 (12) - Winter Games
19 (19) - Mega Man 2
20 (-) - Super Metroid

IGN interview with Reggie Fils-Aime!

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:04:12 -0400

IGN: My first impression of Sony's Move controller is that it has a lot of promise, but it's not quite there yet. But for the sake of this interview, let's assume it duplicates the Wii experience -- nails the controls and they work just as well as Nintendo's, if not better. What do you have to worry about then?

Reggie Fils-Aime: The interesting element is that we don't worry about our competitors. Our focus is making sure we execute our game plan the best way we can. That means great products. Licensee support. Continuing to innovate. It's all on us. So there is nothing that they are doing or will do that's going to get us to change our game plan.

IGN: However, I did, of course, read recent comments from Cammie Dunaway in which she very strongly hinted that we would see the new Wii Zelda unveiled at E3 and released before the end of the year. What're your thoughts on that?

Reggie Fils-Aime: E3 -- you'll see what we have. I've learned that it's not to Nintendo's advantage for us to foreshadow what we're going to have at E3 because even the smallest little hint or perspective gets blown out to huge proportions. So you're not going to get any more information about E3.

However, a product like Zelda will launch truly when it's perfect and the best person to answer that question is going to be Mr. Miyamoto. Hopefully, hopefully it's going to be a title that we can bring to market this year. But it's not something that we're going to commit to until we have a much better sense of whether Mr. Miyamoto is going to upend the tea cart and challenge Mr. Aonuma to do new things or whether the development plan is going to stay on track.

IGN: Wii 2 -- got to talk about it. I know you hate it. Seems like this will happen at some point, but I want to get a definitive answer because I've seen some wishy-washiness. Is the next Wii going to be high-definition or not?

Reggie Fils-Aime: [Laughs] Oh, I've never been called wishy-washy. What can I tell you, you know? The way we think about systems -- and it's the beauty of software developers side-by-side with hardware developers -- it's all about when a software developer says, "I've got this wonderful idea, but the hardware doesn't support it." That's when we get serious about the next-generation. And we're not there yet. What that next-generation looks like is going to be dependent on what's going on at the time. What the consumer is ready for. Who knows? Maybe we'll leapfrog this HD generation in its entirety because at some point in the future maybe there's something better going on. All of this is conjecture at this point. The fact of the matter is, when we can't do a great idea, that's when we will work on the next platform. And that next platform will be a 'wow' for the consumer.

Lucky 7! Top Games of 2010!

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:03 -0400

"#1 LEGEND OF ZELDA (Release Date: Q4) You might have questions about Legend of Zelda. Like, what are they really going to call this? Legend of Zelda 16? XVI? Zelda 2010? Nintendo loves keeping this game as cryptic as possible, such as the recently released concept art depicting Link with his shield, but no sword. Where the hell is the Master Sword!? Shigeru Miyamoto, in an effort to screw with us, pointed out this absence but laughed like a little schoolgirl when asked to explain it. IGN speculates that the mysterious figure pictured with Link in the concept art may be the personification of the Master Sword�adding a completely innovative dimension to the franchise. We do know this new Zelda game will incorporate the use of the Wii's new MotionPlus, much to my relief, as it greatly improves the quality of motion play activities. This will likely make sword fighting and archery fun in this iteration. Overall, each Zelda game has always tried to innovate, and works hard to marry fantastic action gameplay and dramatic adventure."

Please check the source link for a full article.

The Returners Zelda Marathon!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:57:13 -0400

Please be sure to visit the source link if you want to donate to the cause. All proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders.

Video clips at Ustream

Top VC Games; Norway!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:02:38 -0400

1 (1) - Super Mario Bros. 3
2 (2) - Super Mario Bros.
3 (3) - Super Mario World
4 (4) - Super Mario 64
5 (8) - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
6 (5) - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
7 (9) - Donkey Kong Country
8 (7) - Mario Kart 64
9 (6) - Super Mario Bros. 2
10 (10) - Winter Games
11 (14) - Sonic & Knuckles
12 (11) - Yoshi's Story
13 (12) - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
14 (17) - Super Smash Bros.
15 (15) - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
16 (13) - Bubble Bobble
17 (-) - Sonic The Hedgehog (SMD)
18 (20) - The Legend of Zelda
19 (19) - Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels
20 (-) - Secret of Mana

Nintendo - Don't Look for Mario on Facebook!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:49:45 -0400

A portion of a Venturebeat interview with Cammie Dunaway;

VB: If Facebook gets really popular, wouldn't it be a good idea to put Mario on it?

CD: (Laughs). I don't know. I think we will continue to save Mario for our own platforms. It's one of the secret weapons we have. Mario and Zelda are intellectual property that is important to us and will only be seen on Nintendo platforms.

Check the source link for the full interview.

Gameplay Elements to bring back from Link to the Past!

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:22:45 -0400

"First, Link to the Past had a couple of non-traditional dungeons. In a Link to the Past, Skull Woods, the 3rd palace in the Dark World, was essentially split into multiple parts. Throughout this dungeon Link needed to find different entrances to the dungeon."

Top 10 (Closet) Annoying Characters in Video Game History!

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:29:51 -0400

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time took the number 2 spot on the list. You would instantly think it's Navi right? Well, it may or may not be Navi. You will just have to click the source link to find out.

Top 10 VC Games of 2009!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:09:12 -0400

Estimated Top Western Downloadable Wii Titles by Revenue, 2009 (Price in USD):

Super Mario Bros. 3 (Nintendo, NES) - $5,000,000 ($5.00)
World of Goo (2D Boy, WiiWare) - $4,800,000 ($15.00)
Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo, NES) - $3,300,000 ($5.00)
Super Mario World (Nintendo, SNES) - $2,900,000 ($8.00)
Super Mario 64 (Nintendo, N64) - $2,700,000 ($10.00)
Tetris Party (Hudson, WiiWare) - $2,600,000 ($12.00)
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the (Nintendo, N64) - $2,300,000 ($10.00)
Pok�mon Rumble (Nintendo, WiiWare) - $2,200,000 ($15.00)
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, the (Nintendo, N64) - $2,100,000 ($10.00)
My Pok�mon Ranch (Nintendo, WiiWare) - $2,000,000 ($10.00)

Legend of Zelda Rap!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:07:43 -0400

Caution - Foul Language

Top VC Games; Norway!

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:04:07 -0400

1 (1) - Super Mario Bros. 3
2 (2) - Super Mario Bros.
3 (3) - Super Mario World
4 (4) - Super Mario 64
5 (7) - The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
6 (5) - Super Mario Bros. 2
7 (8) - Mario Kart 64
8 (9) - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
9 (6) - Donkey Kong Country
10 (10) - Winter Games
11 (16) - Yoshi’s Story
12 (14) - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
13 (12) - Bubble Bobble
14 (N) - Sonic & Knuckles
15 (11) - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
16 (13) - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest
17 (18) - Super Smash Bros.
18 (20) - Final Fight 3
19 (15) - Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels
20 (17) - The Legend of Zelda

GameFly 2009 Q Awards!

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:57:16 -0400

Nintendo DS Game of the Year

First Place: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - Rockstar Leeds
Second Place: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Nintendo
Third Place: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story - AlphaDream

Top VC Games!

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:25:02 -0400

North America
1 � Super Mario Bros. 3
2 � Super Mario Bros.
3 � Super Mario World
4 � Super Mario Bros. 2
5 � The Legend of Zelda
6 � Pac-Man
7 � Super Mario 64
8 � Donkey Kong
9 � Punch-Out!!
10 � Super Smash Bros.
11 � Donkey Kong Country
12 � Mario Kart 64
13 � The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
14 � Sonic the Hedgehog
15 � The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
16 � Tecmo Bowl
17 � Galaga
18 � The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
19 � Super Mario Kart
20 � Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Norway
1 (1) - Super Mario Bros. 3
2 (2) - Super Mario Bros.
3 (3) - Super Mario World
4 (4) - Super Mario 64
5 (5) - Super Mario Bros. 2
6 (7) - Donkey Kong Country
7 (9) - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
8 (6) - Mario Kart 64
9 (8) - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
10 (10) - Winter Games
11 (17) - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
12 (11) - Bubble Bobble
13 (15) - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest
14 (16) - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
15 (19) - Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels
16 (18) - Yoshi's Story
17 (12) - The Legend of Zelda
18 (13) - Super Smash Bros.
19 (14) - Sonic The Hedgehog (SMD)
20 (N) - Final Fight 3

Source

Nintendo Power Awards!

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:15:10 -0400

Nintendo Power Awards
Wii Game of the Year: New Super Mario Bros Wii
DS Game of the Year: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
WiiWare Game of the Year: Castlevania Rebirth
Best Music Game: Rhythm Heaven
Best Retro Revival: A Boy and his Blob
Best Sound: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Best Platformer: New Super Mario Bros Wii
DSi Game of the Year: Mario v. DK: Minis March Again
Best Action Game: Madworld
Best Original Score: Suikoden Tierkreis
Best New Character: Morgan LeFlay (Monkey Island Series)
Best New Idea: Scribblenauts
Best Strategy Game: Little King's Story
Best RPG: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Best Sports Game: Wii Sports Resort
Best Wii Graphics: Muramasa
Best DS Graphics: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Best Puzzle Game: Might & Magic: Clash of the Heroes
Best Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros Wii
Craziest Thing We Saw: ManDarts (MadWorld)
Best Shooter: Dead Space Extraction
Best Adventure Game: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Best Story: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
The Finish Strong Award: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Overall Game of the Year: New Super Mario Bros Wii

The Best of the Decade
1. Super Mario Galaxy
2. Resident Evil 4 (GCN)
3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
5. Super Smash Bros Brawl
6. Metroid Prime
7. Elite Beat Agents
8. Metroid: Zero Mission
9. Mario Kart Wii
10. The World Ends With You

Spirit Tracks Already in the Budget Bin?!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:09:33 -0400

Stores across Japan have already marked down Spirit Tracks as a budget game. It is reported to be the second price drop for Spirit Tracks in Japan. Will this trend continue across the map? Who knows, but it could happen.

Top VC Games; Norway!

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:54:27 -0400

1 (1) - Super Mario Bros. 3
2 (2) - Super Mario Bros.
3 (3) - Super Mario World
4 (4) - Super Mario 64
5 (5) - Super Mario Bros. 2
6 (6) - Mario Kart 64
7 (8) - Donkey Kong Country
8 (7) - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
9 (9) - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
10 (12) - Winter Games
11 (10) - Bubble Bobble
12 (17) - The Legend of Zelda
13 (11) - Super Smash Bros.
14 (14) - Sonic The Hedgehog (SMD)
15 (20) - Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest
16 (18) - The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
17 (16) - Alex Kidd in Miracle World
18 (13) - Yoshi's Story
19 (15) - Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels
20 (19) - Donkey Kong

Link's Awakening Made Zelda 'fun' to Develop!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:27:04 -0400

"I thought it was a tradition for working on a Zelda title for it to turn into a kind of exercise in suffering." - Satoru Iwata

"I remember it was fun working on it (Link's Awakening), and when it was over, I remember us talking to each other about how fun it was." - Takashi Tezuka

"I'm certain it was a breakthrough element in the series. If we had proceeded from A Link to the Past straight to Ocarina of Time without Link's Awakening in between, Ocarina would have been different." - Eiji Aonuma

Link's Awakening Inspired by Twin Peaks!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:21:32 -0400

Link's Awakening was inspired by a T.V. show called Twin Peaks.

Aonuma: Come to think of it, my strategy guide for Link's Awakening has developer's comments in it. Do you remember what you said back then, Tezuka-san?
Tezuka: No.
Aonuma: That's understandable. (laughs) About making the characters for Link's Awakening, you said you wanted to create a world that was inspired by Twin Peaks.
Tezuka: Oh, that's right!

Eiji Aonuma Interview; Official Nintendo Magazine!

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:41:15 -0400

Here is an excerpt of an interview with Eiji Aonuma:

ONM: How did you manage to release another Zelda adventure on DS so soon after Phantom Hourglass?

Eiji Aonuma: First of all, we have two separate teams, one working on the Wii version of Zelda and one on the DS version of Zelda, so it is not the case that now we have finished the DS game we are moving forward to the Wii version. No, we have already been working on the Wii version for some time and right now at Nintendo in Japan they are doing their very best in order to complete the product as soon as possible.

Talking about Spirit Tracks though, when we completed development of Phantom Hourglass, we decided we liked the touch screen system so much that we wanted to use the same scheme once again. Our mission was to try to launch this new DS Zelda game in a very short time period.

ONM: So even when you were working on Phantom Hourglass you were stockpiling ideas that you wanted to use in Spirit Tracks?

Eiji Aonuma: Yes. In fact, when were developing certain aspects of Phantom Hourglass, such as the wi-fi battle mode where Link is fighting against the phantom character, I thought that kind of system would be able to be used in some additional ways, not just for the battle mode. And that's actually what we did for Spirit Tracks.

Twilight Princess Update; Poe Guide!

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:46:57 -0400

There has recently been a Poe guide for Twilight Princess added to the site. It was written by our very own Jonathan Lindstr�m (Hellfire). You may want to note that it is missing two of the poes. If you have any clue which two, please email Hellfire.

Zelda Wii Details!

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:43:03 -0400

The following information is to be taken as rumor because it has not been officially validated. This is not a complete list. Please check the source link for a more detailed article.

You can choose right or left-handed Link.
The gameplay and basic mechanics are complete.
The story and characters are being polished up.
The girl from the original artwork is not the Master Sword. The Master Sword may not even be in the game.
The name of the girl in the artwork is Adelle, Adella, or Aderu.
The girl also will not be with you throughout the entire game.