The new Legend of Zelda game for Wii U has “really taken shape,” according to producer Eiji Aonuma. He says in the latest Famitsu issue that he’s been “busy” and suggested that development is coming to a close, as he referenced feeling something similar to when production was wrapping up on Skyward Sword. He also mentioned that he hopes the game can have the kind of impact 1998’s Ocarina of Time did.
“When we did Skyward Sword for the Wii, at the end stages of development, I was in charge of the characters’ dialogue and the in-game text,” Aonuma said, as reported by Kotaku. “And, now as well, it’s like it was then. I had to work on text today, too.”
He added: “But, the game has really taken shape, and things have gotten easier. That means things are progressing well.”
Also in the interview, Aonuma said Nintendo hopes to deliver “something new” and surprising with the Legend of Zelda game for Wii U. He mentioned that Ocarina of Time–the first 3D entry in the RPG series–as being “the base of our secret sauce.”
Continuing the food analogy, he said about the new game, “But this time, the change in flavor will be like going from Japanese food to Western-style food. Perhaps, players will be surprised.”
“Please look forward to it, because I think we’ll be able to make ‘something new’ like Ocarina of Time was.”
According to a recently substantiated rumor, The Legend of Zelda for Wii U is planned to launch this holiday season. Perhaps more interesting is that a version of the game for Nintendo’s mysterious NX system is also planned, and could launch this year as well, according to that report, which has not been confirmed.
Officially, the untitled Legend of Zelda game is due out for Wii U sometime in 2016. One likely place for Nintendo to discuss it further would be at E3 in June, though this is not confirmed.
