Friday, 26 Jul 2024

Aonuma On Remaking Zelda Games and the Exciting Possibilities for Fans

Link's Awakening Remake

Legend of Zelda fans were pleasantly surprised earlier this year when the announcement of a remake of Link’s Awakening was made. This Game Boy classic may have seemed like an unlikely choice, but as fans delved into the reasons behind the decision, it became clear that it was a perfect candidate for the remake treatment. Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma, who shared his insights into the philosophy behind remaking Zelda games.

Aonuma’s Personal Connection with Link’s Awakening

According to Aonuma, Link’s Awakening had a profound impact on him, even more so than other games in the series like A Link to the Past. He confessed, “Link’s Awakening was a game I was not involved with in terms of development; I was just playing it as one player. But it left a very strong impression on me. The original Game Boy version was released 26 years ago, making it a little bit hard to get your hands on these days. That’s why I’ve always wanted to reimagine it.”

Embracing the Possibilities of Remakes

Nintendo has not shied away from re-releasing older games on modern devices, but full remakes or enhanced remasters are rare. However, the Zelda series has been an exception, with games like Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and now Link’s Awakening receiving the remake treatment. Aonuma shed light on this trend, explaining, “I think the reason Zelda games get remade or remastered or ported a lot is because there’s no one game style or art style. Every time, there’s a different art style or different gameplay. There’s so much variety. So when we remake these games, we can incorporate new elements and introduce new gameplay or new excitement. With each remake or reimagining of a Zelda game, I always strive to incorporate something new or fresh.”

The Fresh Element in Link’s Awakening Remake

In the case of Link’s Awakening, the fresh element comes in the form of the ability to create your own dungeon. Aonuma revealed, “When we were brainstorming ideas for this game, we always wanted to give players the opportunity to do some kind of arranging on their own. The idea of dungeon arranging seemed like a perfect fit for Link’s Awakening, especially with its dungeons. So we decided to incorporate that into this new, reimagined game.”

The Future of Zelda Remakes

When asked about the possibility of more Zelda remakes, Aonuma emphasized the need for new mechanics or features in order to consider a remake. He stated, “Currently, I don’t have plans, but if there is a title where we can incorporate new elements or new features that would be a perfect fit for a remake, then maybe we’ll consider it.”

Motion Controls and Skyward Sword Remake

Fans have longed for a remake of Skyward Sword without motion controls. However, Aonuma has a disappointing response for them. When asked about the possibility of removing motion controls, he responded, “So you’re saying control it all with buttons? That’s a little hard! I think it might be close to impossible!”

Conclusion

While the dream of a Skyward Sword remake without motion controls may not be feasible, fans can rejoice in the upcoming launch of Link’s Awakening on Nintendo Switch on September 20. With Aonuma’s commitment to incorporating new elements in remakes, the future possibilities for the Zelda series remain exciting. For more insights from our conversation with Aonuma, be sure to check out everything he shared about the newly announced Breath of the Wild sequel.

FAQs

Q: Are there any plans for more Zelda remakes in the future?
A: Currently, there are no specific plans for Zelda remakes. However, if there is a title that can benefit from new elements or features in a remake, it may be considered.

Q: Can we expect a Skyward Sword remake without motion controls?
A: Unfortunately, controlling Skyward Sword purely with buttons is highly unlikely, according to Aonuma. Motion controls are an integral part of the game’s design.

Q: When will Link’s Awakening be released?
A: Link’s Awakening will be released on Nintendo Switch on September 20, offering fans a reimagined version of the classic Game Boy adventure.