More Zelda Gaiden info

[08.20.99] » Additional information on Zelda Gaiden's plot and gameplay.

   Yesterday's first full look at Zelda Gaiden offered the best picture of the sequel to Zelda 64, but a new key facts have appeared as well.

   Apparently, the new world in which Link finds himself is a parallel world of Hyrule akin to the Dark World of Zelda 3. Many of the same characters and locations that appeared in Zelda 64, but in altered forms. Former enemies may now be allies, while a once-peaceful town could now be a dungeon.

   The meaning of the new gauge at the bottom of the screen has also been revealed, and it is indeed a sundial that measures the precise time of day. Such a gadget will come in handy, as a much more dramatic difference splits day and night in Zelda Gaiden. The overall passage of time may also play a role in the outcome of the game -- if Link idles too long on his adventure, the descending moon may collide with the planet and end the game abruptly.

   In light of his urgent mission, Young Link receives a beefed-up arsenal. Classic Zelda items such as the hammer, hookshot, and bow and arrows all return, only this time Young Link can wield them as well (in Zelda 64, all three could be used only by Link's adult form). Expect plenty of new weapons as well. New light has also been shed on the powers of another of Link's items: the Deku Mask. When he puts on the mask, Link turns into a Deku Scrub and flies hang glider-style with a giant flower.

   Expect even more on Zelda Gaiden from Nintendo's Space World show next week.