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Wii

Harrison Speaks at Camp Hyrule

by Steven Rodriguez - August 16, 2006, 3:26 pm EDT
Total comments: 38 Source: Camp Hyrule

More Virtual Console secrets to come, and GameCube controllers will not work with the Wii version of Twlight Princess.

Camp Hyrule is Nintendo's yearly gathering of Nintendo fans from all across the Internet. Each year they grab one of the Nintendo higher-ups and thrust him or her into a chatroom, to take questions from the common gamer. This year, George Harrison drew the short lot. He's Nintendo's VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications, and knows quite a good deal about what's going on inside everyone's favorite game company.

The chat session bore some news of interest. First up, there was a question asked about Virtual console:

Q: Do you think that many people will utilize the Virtual Console to buy their old favorites?

Harrison: Certainly, we hope many people will take advantage of the virtual console games that they love from the past., but we also hope that people who have never experienced these games will enjoy them for the first time. Remember, there are other secrets of the virtual console that we won’t reveal until we get closer to launch.

Second, and probably more important for those looking forward to the game, Mr. Harrison was asked something about Zelda: Twilight Princess that a lot of people have been wondering about:

Q: What is up with the release status of Twilight Princess - is it coming out on GCN everywhere, or just here? Also, will we be able to use the GCN controller for the Wii version?

Harrison: Zelda TP will be releasing on both GCN and Wii on the same day as the launch of Wii. The GCN controller will be able to play the GCN version on the Wii console, but will not be able to play the Wii version.

That's confirmation straight from Nintendo: Twlight Princess Wii can only be played with the Wii remote controller. Those hoping to use a GameCube pad for the new Zelda may have to settle with the GameCube version, which will release simultaneously with the Wii SKU and the Wii console itself, some time before Thanksgiving.

Thanks to ant1532 from NeoGAF for the heads-up!

Talkback

Bill AurionAugust 16, 2006

I'm now wondering if those rumours of being able to customize certain VC games have some credence to them...

AcefonduAugust 16, 2006

I planned to get the Wii version one way or the other, but this is depressing. Though, the only REAL change in the controls involve the bow, and some sword mechanics it seems. Movement will still be analog so it's not like Wii users will be cluncking around everywhere, similar to many disapointed by the DS Mario 64.

WindyManSteven Rodriguez, Staff AlumnusAugust 16, 2006

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Originally posted by: Acefondu
I planned to get the Wii version one way or the other, but this is depressing. Though, the only REAL change in the controls involve the bow, and some sword mechanics it seems. Movement will still be analog so it's not like Wii users will be cluncking around everywhere, similar to many disapointed by the DS Mario 64.


We don't know that for sure. What was shown at E3 was running on not-final hardware, was using a controller that wasn't completely finished, and even the game itself was far from complete. I'm confident that Nintendo has been doing more than make the game look pretty with that extra year of development time.

AcefonduAugust 16, 2006

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Originally posted by: WindyMan
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Originally posted by: Acefondu
I planned to get the Wii version one way or the other, but this is depressing. Though, the only REAL change in the controls involve the bow, and some sword mechanics it seems. Movement will still be analog so it's not like Wii users will be cluncking around everywhere, similar to many disapointed by the DS Mario 64.


We don't know that for sure. What was shown at E3 was running on not-final hardware, was using a controller that wasn't completely finished, and even the game itself was far from complete. I'm confident that Nintendo has been doing more than make the game look pretty with that extra year of development time.


When was I discussing graphics?

WindyManSteven Rodriguez, Staff AlumnusAugust 16, 2006

You weren't. What I was saying that Nintendo haven't been spending the past year working on making the game look better... they've been working on the Wii controls. There's going to be more Wii stuff than what was seen at E3.

AcefonduAugust 16, 2006

Ah, well I agree. But I wish they wouldn't be so tight lipped about everything.

NeodymiumAugust 16, 2006

I need the Wii version, if for no other reason, than for the 16:9 display. I'm not too upset by the lack of HD, as long as I can see the games in beautiful visual 16:9.

PopeRealAugust 16, 2006

Quote

Originally posted by: Acefondu
I planned to get the Wii version one way or the other, but this is depressing. Though, the only REAL change in the controls involve the bow, and some sword mechanics it seems. Movement will still be analog so it's not like Wii users will be cluncking around everywhere, similar to many disapointed by the DS Mario 64.


I don't understand why that matters. Even if you ditch your GameCube, just buy the GC version and play it on your Wii with the GC controller if that's the way you want to play it.

SvevanEvan Burchfield, Staff AlumnusAugust 16, 2006

Let's just say I'm disappointed by this news, but I will reinvestigate the Wii controls once the game is released. The only thing that will make me buy it without playing it again is if Jonny absolutely loves Wii control, but heh, that's a pretty long shot, if you catch my drift (LONG SHOT LIKE FROM ZELDA).

bigdingus06August 16, 2006

I don't understand...why does it matter? If you wanna play the Wii version with the gamecube controller, it's the same thing as playing the gamecube version with the gamecube controller. the entire difference is based on the freaking controller! the only other difference will be slightly improved visuals. i doubt it's much more than a little upgraded.

steveyAugust 16, 2006

I wonder what the secrets of the VC are NeoGeo, CD system, 64DD games downloads or maybe super cheap game under $3? and about zelda controller I think it because a lot of the code needs to be change like the Ai need to be harder and attack faster to make up for faster aiming which isn't as easy as changing button placement on a classic controller so it make sense why they dont throw gc controll in but still nintendo now getting an extra $50 from all the true zelda fan...

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Originally posted by: PopeReal

I don't understand why that matters. Even if you ditch your GameCube, just buy the GC version and play it on your Wii with the GC controller if that's the way you want to play it.



I would have liked the option of trying out the Wii controls. If I liked them I would stick with it, if I didn't it would be nice to be able to use conventional controls without buying another SKU.

KnowsNothingAugust 16, 2006

Try it out at a demo kiosk. If Nintnerdo are smart they'll set up tons of demo stations so you can try out TP on the Wii.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Wii version because as of right now we know it will have better visuals (however small), 16:9 aspect ratio (it makes a big of difference, high def or not), and some sort of online functionality (probably simple Connect24 stuff, but it's something). However, if the controls suck, those things mean nothing and I'll be getting the GC version. Either way I'll be putting the disk into my shiny new Wii :cool:

I've got a good feeling about it though, I think the Wii version will be refreshing and fun.

Smoke39August 16, 2006

Even though the graphical changes may be small, I'd still prefer to play the Wii version for the improvement, though I'm slightly anxious about the controls. I hope they get them working nicely, 'cause they sounded kinda awkward at E3.

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusAugust 16, 2006

Sometimes Nintendo infuriates me, it is inexcusable to not have the gamecube controls in the Wii version. Honestly it sounds like Nintendo is just trying to squeeze every penny possible out of people. The only thing that would disprove that simple fact to me is if they release a double disc set with both the GC and the Wii version for a reasonable price. As a programmer I see absolutely nothing that should've hindered the inclusion of GC controls.

Shin GallonAugust 16, 2006

Well, I'd been leaning toward the Wii version of Zelda, but only on the condition that I could play the game with a Gamecube controller.
Looks like now, my Twilight Princess copy will be the Gamecube version, and I may even put off buying the Wii itself until Smash Bros. Brawl hits, too.

AnyoneEBAugust 16, 2006

Mr. Jack: Programmatically, GameCube controller support may not be a problem, but balance-wise it may be. The Wii version probably has a ton of minor differences to account for the fact that the player is using a different control method. Although, I am not sure if the game would be made easier or harder (if you were using a GCN controller, I mean).

KDR_11kAugust 16, 2006

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------

Wasn't there talk about Europe getting the GC and Wii versions in one box?

mantidorAugust 16, 2006

The already lame wii version just got lamer, but I dont care as long as I get my GC original. Although to be honest at this point Im very doubtful of the quality of the game. First it seemed just like some tacked-in remote functions, the main game apparently wasn't altered, but that was because most of us were deluded thinking the game was near completion, the truth is the game has never been close to that, and this split in focus can only mean both versions will be not as good as expected. Ocarina took nearly the same development time and it was just one control scheme they had to keep in mind, and anyone who has played Ocarina knows the game gravitates around the N64 controller, from simple gameplay mechanics to even dungeon level design. I have no clue how they expect to surpass what Ocarina did with this two versions which unfortunately all they do is to limit or hurt the other one.

Just making more dungeons and increasing playing time doesn't make it a better game, I used to think Nintendo was smart enough to know that.

KnowsNothingAugust 16, 2006

I used to think you were smart enough to play a game before you judged it.

mantidorAugust 16, 2006

Im not judging it, Im only doubtful, hands-on impressions weren't that good to begin with, certainly they were far from Ocarina's level of enthusiasm, which is what Nintendo keeps saying, how much they want to surpass that game... well, so far it doesn't look like that.





Shin GallonAugust 16, 2006

Considering I consider Ocarina and Majora's Mask to be the low points of the Zelda series, surpassing OoT isn't going to be hard for me, Wind Waker did that in the first 5 minutes as far as I'm concerned, and OoT never equalled Link to the Past in the first place.

couchmonkeyAugust 17, 2006

FURIOUS WORDS!!!!

Ah ha ha ha! It's Nintendo, I am a wee bit worried about the Wii controls, but I have enough faith that they will be good to go ahead and buy the Wii version. I also suspect that if the controls are even a tiny bit worse than the regular controls, it will get blown way out of proportion, but I'll enjoy the game anyway.

I'm surprised how many people actually believed Nintendo was going to include a GameCube option here...they'd have to have two different graphical user interfaces, two different control mappings, and people playing with the ordinary controller would miss out on the experience of super-awesome-Wii-controller fishing. Plus, this means Nintendo is working it's butt off to make the Wii version play really well, instead of adding Wii controls as an afterthought.

KlapauciusAugust 17, 2006

I have been planning to buy the GCN version of Twilight Princess always... I am not convinced AT ALL by the Wii version's controls. The GCN controller is much more suited, in my opinion, to a game like Zelda. It was great for Wind Waker and will be great for Twilight Princess.

So this new bit of news changes nothing for me. ^_^


Quote

The already lame wii version just got lamer, but I dont care as long as I get my GC original. Although to be honest at this point Im very doubtful of the quality of the game. First it seemed just like some tacked-in remote functions, the main game apparently wasn't altered, but that was because most of us were deluded thinking the game was near completion, the truth is the game has never been close to that, and this split in focus can only mean both versions will be not as good as expected. Ocarina took nearly the same development time and it was just one control scheme they had to keep in mind, and anyone who has played Ocarina knows the game gravitates around the N64 controller, from simple gameplay mechanics to even dungeon level design. I have no clue how they expect to surpass what Ocarina did with this two versions which unfortunately all they do is to limit or hurt the other one.


I think the GCN version was some way to completion. They had the engine in and the graphics were there, and it looked like the early areas of the game were complete at least. I wouldn't worry about how complete the game is... it is easier to develop for Gamecube than on N64, and the Wind Waker engine must have helped cut down on development time too.
It is unfortunate about releasing two versions, as it does split opinion between the two - rather than concentrating on the one game and its greatness.

MarioAugust 17, 2006

Man, TP is such a god damned failure now. The worst part about this is that it was shaping up to be the BEST GAME OF ALL TIME. Now it's just a gimmick game to make Nintendo a quick buck and even more money from some people buying both versions. How could Nintendo do this? I'll never understand this as long as I live. If the GC version isn't released here (it probably wont be) i'm boycotting this for real. Such a shame.

They should have either gone all out and made it for Wii to stop it from being a gimmick or just kept it on the GC and we could be playing it already and looking forward to the real Zelda Wii. The reason the Wii version will be a gimmick is because it literally is just a GameCube game with a different control scheme shoehorned into it, it's outclassed by games like Rayman and Wii Airplane both visually and control wise, it gives off the aura of a shareware game made from a limping team of 50 year old developers who can code websites and live with their parents. Now with these tiny "extra features" with visuals or Wii Connect or whatever that degrades the GAMECUBE version as well, so EVERYONE LOSES. Gamers will NEVER EVER be able to get the "full" Zelda TP experience, it's either this or that, when it doesn't even HAVE to be. It's pure greed from Nintendo, FULL STOP.

People say stuff like this about a lot of Nintendo games but they are ACTUALLY DOING IT with this. Absolutely disgusting.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorAugust 17, 2006

So I'm at E3 right? Day 1 and Day 2 go by. I don't get to play TP...

All I listen to is how everyone hates the Wii controls. Finally, literally a half hour before they kick us out of the booth on day three, I get my chance to play it. I was incredibly impressed. I thought it played extremely well. I shot the guys with the bow and arrow with no issues. I aimed my boomerang with no issues. I loved the freaking game.

I just wanted to point out that not all who played it thought the controls sucked, but everyone is open to their opinion.

LouieturkeyAugust 17, 2006

Sounds to me like they want both versions to sell. If they included GC controls in the Wii version, there would be no point for the GC version at all. To me, this is Nintendo throwing a bone to all the loyal GC owners who don't want to or can't upgrade yet.

Bill AurionAugust 17, 2006

Oh, I must have accidentally come to PLANET WHINECUBE by mistake...

wanderingAugust 17, 2006

Planet WhineCube? I hear they bitch about EVERYTHING over there.

Anyway. I will wait to hear from people who have put several hours into both Zelda versions before I decide which one to get.

As far as the Wii controls go, I'm not worried about aiming (people's main complaint seemed to be that it was 'too hard.' But when some designers wanted to make it easier, Miyamoto apparently turned them down because he wanted it to feel like you were actually aiming a bow, which takes skill.) What I AM worried about is using the nunchaku for spin attacks and the like, which, according to some reports, could wind up being as finicky as Dr. Kawashima's hearing. But we'll see.

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Although to be honest at this point Im very doubtful of the quality of the game.

ARRRRGGGHHHH.

NinGurl69 *hugglesAugust 17, 2006

HEY, that must be the new site name!

cunferm/denie?

PopeRealAugust 17, 2006

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Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Oh, I must have accidentally come to PLANET WHINECUBE by mistake...


I was thinking the same thing. I just don't understand why people are upset that Nintendo is giving them two ways to play this game. If you want your old school Ocarina of Time conrols you got it, if you want something a little different, you got it. What exactly is the problem?

ArbokAugust 17, 2006

Quote

Originally posted by: PopeReal
I was thinking the same thing. I just don't understand why people are upset that Nintendo is giving them two ways to play this game. If you want your old school Ocarina of Time conrols you got it, if you want something a little different, you got it. What exactly is the problem?


Some were hoping for both in the same package. It's like someone selling a foreign film dubbed in one DVD release, and selling a different one subtitled at the same time. Most will probably want one or the other, some would like both though without having to buy each of them.

Personally, this news doesn't really effect me much, but I can see why some are disappointed.

GoldenPhoenixAugust 17, 2006

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Originally posted by: PopeReal
Quote

Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Oh, I must have accidentally come to PLANET WHINECUBE by mistake...


I was thinking the same thing. I just don't understand why people are upset that Nintendo is giving them two ways to play this game. If you want your old school Ocarina of Time conrols you got it, if you want something a little different, you got it. What exactly is the problem?


Well I think some (not me) think that including the Wii controls somehow detracted from the refining of the games gameplay. To me, that sounds to be a flawed argument because the Zelda TP team is quite large and there is no reason why they couldn't have dedicated people to controls while others refined the gameplay. If I recall, TP has been in development longer than Zelda: OOT and is using the Wind Waker engine. Combine that with the fact that the GC is easier to develop for, I do not see how gameplay is going to suffer!

CericAugust 17, 2006

I think it's ok between the two. Deep down I know that I will consider WW to be the GameCubes Zelda. I'll probably not consider TP to be any systems Zelda. Just a good Zelda game like Four Swords. Especially if we get the one totally intended for it. I reserve the right to change my opinion. I will more then likely get the Wii version of this game but not until after Christmas. Why? Well I have a heavy course load and there are a fair amount of shorter less involved games that I like to play. You guys can tell me all about it till then. I have faith that this will turn out fine. You don't dedicate an E3 to a game and then Nerf it.

EasyCureAugust 21, 2006

this is one of those threads that makes you want to pull your hair out...

to all ranters:

did you really expect them to put gc controls into the wii version of TP? why did you think they made two seperate versions anyway, if it was that easy they would of just had a fwd compatible GC game that would allow for motion controls when loaded into the Wii. we didnt get that, they told us they'd have two sku's and that the wii version would have motion controls. they've told us numerous times that Wii games wont use the gc controllers. i dont see how any of you could actually of believed you could simply by the wii version of TP and use your GC controller. what would be the point of making two seperate sku's for the game?

and if you bother reading up to this point before replying back with "well brawl will use the GC controller, and so will DBZ!" keep in mind that those games are still in development and are using gc controllers with their dev kits. they could very well end up using the retro-controller. remember, wii runs in two modes: gc mode and wii mode. when in wii mode the system doesnt even acknowledge whatever peripherals you have plugged into it (ie gc controllers, wavebirds, memory cards, even the gba link). with that said, you'd technically be wrong anyway so dont bother.

nintendo is doing you the favor by even releasing the GC version at this point. they said themselves they were keeping their promise that its a gamecube game, but also giving players the option of trying out the title with a new control scheme for those who are able and ready to jump into their new generation of video games. if all you want to do is play it on the gc, thats ALL you have to do. buy that version and play it on your gamecube, or Wii and use the gc controllers. just because theres a second version out there, that you probably had no interest in from the beggining, doesnt mean that the version you want is flawed, it doesnt doom the series, and it wont bankrupt nintendo. so stop being babies

GoldenPhoenixAugust 21, 2006

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Originally posted by: EasyCure
this is one of those threads that makes you want to pull your hair out...

to all ranters:

did you really expect them to put gc controls into the wii version of TP? why did you think they made two seperate versions anyway, if it was that easy they would of just had a fwd compatible GC game that would allow for motion controls when loaded into the Wii. we didnt get that, they told us they'd have two sku's and that the wii version would have motion controls. they've told us numerous times that Wii games wont use the gc controllers. i dont see how any of you could actually of believed you could simply by the wii version of TP and use your GC controller. what would be the point of making two seperate sku's for the game?

and if you bother reading up to this point before replying back with "well brawl will use the GC controller, and so will DBZ!" keep in mind that those games are still in development and are using gc controllers with their dev kits. they could very well end up using the retro-controller. remember, wii runs in two modes: gc mode and wii mode. when in wii mode the system doesnt even acknowledge whatever peripherals you have plugged into it (ie gc controllers, wavebirds, memory cards, even the gba link). with that said, you'd technically be wrong anyway so dont bother.

nintendo is doing you the favor by even releasing the GC version at this point. they said themselves they were keeping their promise that its a gamecube game, but also giving players the option of trying out the title with a new control scheme for those who are able and ready to jump into their new generation of video games. if all you want to do is play it on the gc, thats ALL you have to do. buy that version and play it on your gamecube, or Wii and use the gc controllers. just because theres a second version out there, that you probably had no interest in from the beggining, doesnt mean that the version you want is flawed, it doesnt doom the series, and it wont bankrupt nintendo. so stop being babies


Yeah but,but,but Nintendo put all their resources in the TP Wii control and decided that gameplay was no longer a priority. TP has been in production longer than OOT but it will still be the sucks because they included Wii controls and that also means the GC version is the sucks.

sycomonkeyAugust 21, 2006

I still think they could have added Wii functionality in software to a Gamecube centric disc, much in the way that the Zelda Oracle series detected it when you played the game on a GBA instead of a Gameboy Color. But they didn't, so we'll deal.

Regardless, considering how fantastically awesome Wind Waker was, if all TP turns out to be is a longer version of WW with more dungeons and Ocarina stylization, I'll still be completely overjoyed.

As one of the few thousand people or so who actually played TP at (the last real) E3, I can say with complete confidence that as long as the Wii has sensitivity settings, we should be looking at the finest Zelda game since Ocarina of Time.

Athrun ZalaAugust 22, 2006

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Originally posted by: sycomonkey
I still think they could have added Wii functionality in software to a Gamecube centric disc, much in the way that the Zelda Oracle series detected it when you played the game on a GBA instead of a Gameboy Color. But they didn't, so we'll deal.
not really, because the controls are radically different, thus the overall difficulty of the game changes (some things are easier to do with the Wiimote than the GC controller and viceversa)

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