Zelda !

Chada

Hi there,

Im currently in my final year and part of it requires that I create an "alt to ZeldatroN" (basically a 2D zelda clone which was developed soley in C++ using SDL).
What I need is different opinions of what you think the main factors of Zelda are.

Sounds like a simple question but I'm required to have mutliple feedback and I would really like to hear any of your ideas big or small, to see if you have thought of something I have not.

Basically what makes the Zelda series enjoyable for you? (particularly the 2D versions) Are there any features you especially liked in any of the games?

Any input great or small is greatly appreciated

dan

donkey 2002

Just keep the sheild pointing towards the screen then all you have to build is two feet and a cap. thats the lazy way. Long live 8-bit

Retr0gamer

There's lots of factors. Mostly that it's just pure fun. Control system is perfect. Also there is the sense of achievement. You could be walking around the world map for hours tyring to find were to go next and there is an enormous sense of achievement when you get a little further. And while you are searching you are always finding secrets. See Super Metroid as well. The dungeons are alwyas great. They are always designed well and the puzzles are great as well. Bosses are also well designed.

GhostInTheRuins

has to be the great dungeons. plus everything retrogamer said, but cant forget the minigames and trading adventures, they really added something to the zelda games.

Darnell13

Right, i don't know anything about game design, so i don't know if this'll be any help to you, but anyway....

For the record this is written with A Link to the Past in mind, mostly.

*I always loved the music. A different distinct tune for each different area, from the lovely homely soft tune of the village, to the fearsome music on Death Mountain, to the regualr music of wandering through the fields of Hyrule. Loved the sound effects, too. You know, the fanfare when you open a good chest etc.

*The graphics were clear and pretty. Obvious, i guess, but there was a graphical style that was very attractive, giving the game an instant appeal.

*The controls were very responsive. At no stage were you screaming at the tv cos you couldn't turn around, or aim a weapon.

*The story kept me engrossed from start to finish. The more it went on, the more i wanted to clear feckin dark world, and bring Hyrule back to the good side of the force (or whatever it was called).This must be very tricky to get right but it was done to perfection. Also the mixture of main story and little sub plots was seamless.

*The weapons/items were introduced well. There was a satisfaction from getting a new one, and it brought with it the excitement of new possibilities and perhaps the ability to reach new areas of the map.

*The world map was varied and detailed (you know, a bit of desert, a bit with lake, an enchanted forest etc), all of which was crying out to be explored.

*Excellent boss design

Anyway, it should be clear that i loved that game, and these are some of the reasons why. Hope it helps. Even if it doesen't it gave me a good chance to remember how much fun I had playing it! Half an hour well spent, I think.

Let us know how it goes, eh? Sounds like a fun project.

Now, back to work, I guess.......

Retr0gamer

Discovering a second world which is in most Zelda games is always satisfying.

Chada

excellent feedback guys, keep it up

Exactly what I'm after!

Happy halloween btw!

Cheers again!

Dan

BarryH

Iwata - I see. Miyagi-san, what do you think is the essence of a Zelda game?

Miyagi - This is a question that I have also struggled with. I even once asked this question to one of the most senior developers in the company who has years of experience with Zelda. You know what I got for an answer? "If the Zelda staff made it, it's Zelda!" (laughs)

Iwata - It's like a Zen riddle! (laughs)

Miyagi - I remember being very perplexed! (laughs)

donkey 2002

Soon after its release..

According to an interview at Gamepro with VP George Harrison, The Legend of Zelda will feature "downloadable content such as additional levels".

Here's hoping that the downloadable content is either free or dirt cheap!

evad_lhorg

'fraid not unfortunately
http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=9718

donkey 2002

Ah Crap!!! but hail the Wii anyway

Rabies

A Link to the Past had nice simple but catchy music and sound effects.