Game Reactor recently had the chance to interview Eiji Aonuma, who is overseeing development on Zelda U, coming later this year. He had a couple of interesting statements regarding both the Wii U and an open world in Zelda.
“A huge, seamlessly unfolding world is something that can’t be achieved if the hardware isn’t advanced enough.”
Aonuma made mention that hardware dictates the software limitations and expansion; each Zelda title has strived to be an open world: “A huge, seamlessly unfolding world is something that can’t be achieved if the hardware isn’t advanced enough. Ever since we made the very first generation of 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.”
Aonuma then went on to say, “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.”
In addition to the open world concept, Aonuma briefly touched on the thought process behind the map in the upcoming title. In the reveal video from last year, the map was shown on the GamePad, and will most likely be a huge part of the adventure in Zelda U. Aonuma likened it to his smart phone. “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. 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.”
You can read the full interview in the latest issue of Game Reactor, which is out now.
