The Authoritative Dragon Mechanic

No, I'm serious: Every single excuse to have Dragon Riders have been used at least once.

No, I don't like the dragon Idea...

It's too Eragon-ish.

A roc. Eh I don't know. An owl would make far more sense in that regard.

Originally Posted by Fulcon

No, I'm serious: Every single excuse to have Dragon Riders have been used at least once.

Nope. We just haven't thought of the next one quite yet.

Originally Posted by Fulcon

I think I would prefer an item that allowed Link to fly. Why?

Because Dragons are the single most over used beast in Fantasy and Sci-Fi.

THIS. IS. ZELDAAAA!

The Zelda series has never had a flying mount before; or a dragon that you can actually control.

I don't care if it's overused, it sounds like an awesome idea. but since it's overused we can try going for a Kargaroc. >.>

How can you say something like this would not be extremely cool

Actually Sgt Pepper, I was thinking something along the lines of this.



I whipped this very rough sketch up in about half an hour. I didn't draw Link quite right, but what the hey. It's my general idea, at least.

Remember this is just an idea...a starting point. It has so much to develop. Or, it could be scrapped for something else.

Originally Posted by MissZeruda

THIS. IS. ZELDAAAA!

The Zelda series has never had a flying mount before; or a dragon that you can actually control.

I don't care if it's overused, it sounds like an awesome idea. but since it's overused we can try going for a Kargaroc. >.>

Or, you know...just use and item.

Originally Posted by Fulcon

Or, you know...just use and item.

I would love if link had an item that sprouted him wings rather than some sort of mechanical/magical flying machine.

Even if it does remind me of Aion.

You could fly in TP. Does anyone remember this?
...


That's pretty dragon-like if you ask me.

But with an item, it'd be even better!

Well, there you have it!
We have already gotten a flying mode of transportation in Zelda

@SgtPepper: Maybe Link can plug into the dragon with his long hat.

Originally Posted by MrBaconsock

@SgtPepper: Maybe Link can plug into the dragon with his long hat.

...

...

...

...*snickers*

...*ROTFLMAO*

Originally Posted by MrBaconsock

Well, there you have it!
We have already gotten a flying mode of transportation in Zelda

@SgtPepper: Maybe Link can plug into the dragon with his long hat.

Hahaha that would be intense.

I really think the "dragon" could basically serve the same purpose as Epona in other games, and I hope some sort of flying mechanic could be used in a dungeon.

^They would need to make it usefull within dungeons, otherwise it would be a useless mechanic.

Originally Posted by AzraelBlack

^They would need to make it usefull within dungeons, otherwise it would be a useless mechanic.

They would have to completely re-work they're dungeons, expand on several mechanics...I like it.

Exactly. But let's not equate dragon with flying. It's a complete character that you have the potential to work with to solve complex puzzles requiring the skills of the pair. Working together with a character that has just as much influence as Link is very fun and adds a level of depth to the game-play that Link simply can't achieve on his own. (As we saw in ST)

Plus, if you have a dragon that grows over the course of the game, then eventually, you will get into dungeons of a massive overworld-ish scale. I would love that. And, the growth in itself provides the perfect transition. You start in a small dungeon to re-learn the basics and get your footing, and then you take off near the second half. (literally).

I don't understand what this has to do with zelda seeing as link will be riding in a balloon craft

Pardon me? Did Nintendo announce that?

This entire section of the forum is speculation and ideas for the future. Anything is...well...fair game.

Besides, take a look at what a dragon could potentially bring to the series.

Steed for Flying and Gliding (No…really?)
Steed for traveling the ground, too
Breath Fire in numerous ways, such as a standard flame, whip, long-distance fireball that slowly fizzes out the farther it goes…you name it.
Other breaths, such as ice or light (think the arrows)
Tallon, Tooth, and Tail physical combat for him/herself
Aerial combat for both itself and Link
Digging (Why not?)
Gusts of wind and potential shield (via wings)
Hold down big switches (Ok, so it’s not the most impressive trait, but I’ll bet you will use it)
Take down big obstacles that bombs just can’t handle
Climb up certain wall surfaces
Work in one area of a dungeon while Link is in another (This is a big one)
Be a huge plot point
I’m sure you can think up many more as well.

So to sum it up, a dragon is a powerful Steed, Fighter, and Ally, and introduces a montage of puzzle/dungeon mechanics- much more than pure flight would, at least.

And while I'm at it, why might Link decide to team up with a dragon? Maybe that dragon holds the spirit of Din inside him/herself (check the pic, specifically at the tail), and there are actually two others representing the other goddesses. Link might have paired up with the one of Courage, but that dragon was captured/killed, the villain thinking Link would use that one in some sort of prophecy. So, Link pairs up with a much bolder companion.

That’s one theory. Let’s see what else we can come up with, shall we?

No media at GDC - but something. That is what I predict.