The Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma recently sat down with Gamereactor to talk about Majora’s Mask 3D’s impending arrival, but also took the opportunity to touch on the Wii U iteration.
He explained how every game in the series has “had as large a world as can be realised with the hardware,” although stated that the Wii U was the first console where players could now explore the world that they have created seamlessly.
“A huge, seamlessly unfolding world is something that can’t be achieved if the hardware isn’t advanced enough,” Aonuma discussed. “Ever since we made the very first generation of The Legend of Zelda games though, we’ve had as large a world as can be realised with the hardware, so you could say it was inevitable that we’ve now done the same with the new Wii U title.”
He continued, “When I first showed off the new Zelda game on the Wii U, it seemed everyone was very excited and started proclaiming that a Zelda game had at last become open world! Zelda games have always allowed you to roam and explore a huge world.
“What’s changed now is that the hardware has progressed to the point that you can now explore this vast world seamlessly; the underpinning of the game hasn’t changed.”
It will be the Wii U GamePad that will allow you plan your route across such an open expanse, with Aonuma reasoning that it echoes real life in many ways.
“Recently, I’ve taken to relying on the map on my smart phone when I’m out walking in a place I’m not familiar with,” he added. “A map isn’t something you keep tucked away in your bag, it’s by holding it in your hand and being able to constantly check it as you move forward step by step that gives you that sense of adventure.”
The Legend of Zelda will release exclusively for Wii U in 2015.
Eiji Aonuma discusses Zelda Wii U’s seamless, vast world
