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Legend of Zelda for Gamecube Preview

Stephen Leyton

00/12/0000

We take a look at one of the most important titles at the show, Link is back with a new look!!!

Like it or not, The Legend of Zelda GCN looks like a cartoon. Fortunately its been carried out with the same level of care and attention to detail that any of the top animation houses would pay to their finest multi-million dollar productions. The animation and OTT facial expressions create a game with more charm and humour than has ever been seen in a videogame before.
As with Super Mario Sunshine, the E3 demo allowed you to play through varying levels each showing the different gameplay styles on offer. Firstly you had a chance to take Link through his home village, getting accustomed to movement and interaction with other characters. The game starts with Links 12th birthday, unlike most 12-year-old boys thereâs no Pokemon toys, instead Link receives a brand new tunic, the green suit that weâve become so accustomed to. In this mode the game plays exactly the same as Zelda 64, using the same interface and targeting system, replacing Z-Trigger targeting with the L Shoulder button. This demo introduced us to a few of the characters, and more importantly Links sister, who gives Link a new toy in the way of a telescope which can be used to scout the environments and zoom in for detail. Before Link can thank her, a rather large and charismatic bird grabs hold of her and flies off into the horizon. So Link sets off to save his sister and rescue the day. The next mode introduced as to one of the games temples, showing off the games combat. Fans of Ocarina of Time will recognise it instantly, using the same Z-Targeting and button combinations to slash and dodge. Interestingly you can now pick-up weapons from creatures that youâve killed, we saw Link with an oversized blade and a staff, whether these play an important role in the game is unknown as of yet, however itâs a neat introduction and like everything in the game is carried out with a level of style that isnât seen in other videogames. Pick up the oversized blade and laugh as sweat drips down his forehead and he wobbles all over the place as he struggles to carry the weapon. The level also featured the old-time favourite, the Grappling Hook, used to the same effect as in Ocarina of Time; itâs set to be a pivotal item in Linkâs adventure.

An end-of level boss confrontation featured next, Link enters a room tinged with an orange glow emanating from the lava pool that sits in the centre. The door from which Link enters quickly locks, the traditional Zelda tunes kick in and you know itâs time to whip some cell-shaded butt. A rather large and visually striking fire demon bursts from the lava, leaving you questioning whether this is one demon too many for Link. We donât want to ruin too much for you (to tell you the truth we couldnât work out how to kill it), suffice to say the boss encounter is as impressive as those featured in previous Zelda titles.

Behind closed doors we witnessed a new addition to the Zelda gameplay, stealth levels. These levels saw Link avoiding searchlights, by hiding in barrels and making use of the new slide ability to hug walls Metal Gear Solid style. It adds a great element to the traditional Zelda faire, whilst seeing Link tiptoe his way around in a barrel is extremely funny.
The final level that we saw was a mini-game featuring Link aboard a boat collecting as many rupees as possible. Itâs fair to say that a variety of mini-games will feature in the full game; splitting up the explore-dungeon-boss formula that Zelda games have always gone by.

Interestingly the game looks set to feature GBA connectivity, possibly with the all new GBA title, The Legend of Zelda: Four Blades. Bringing up the inventory screen revealed a little GBA icon, whether this will allow you to play on the GBA or just act as a glorified map is as of yet unknown.
So Zelda may well be the most important title at the show, itâs certainly attracted the most attention, be it positive or negative. We love the new look, its unique charm and individualistic style gives a sense of humour, through the use of over the top facial expressions and movements, that couldnât have been produced had realistic visuals been used.