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3DS

Link to the Past Sequel Coming to 3DS

by Danny Bivens - April 17, 2013, 7:44 am EDT
Total comments: 59

Some original Zelda love coming to the 3DS this holiday season.

The Legend of Zelda, an original title for the Nintendo 3DS, is making it’s way to the Nintendo's handheld in winter 2013 in the West and in 2014 in Japan. The game features a top-down view in 3D environments, looking similar to the Wind Waker remake screen shots from earlier in the year. The Legend of Zelda also features a unique ability that allows Link to portray himself on a wall to resemble a painting. This allows players to reach many different areas and opens a variety of options for puzzles.

Images

Talkback

DanteZXApril 17, 2013

Gotta say I love the new mechanics that nintendo came up with. I just hope dungeons don't become extremely hard now. Ugh, I'm getting water temple flash backs all of a sudden. >.

AVApril 17, 2013

This looks amazing ! What's left for E3?

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 17, 2013

How happy am I that this wasn't another remake? Super duper hyper happy. Top down, nice art style and interesting mechanics looks to make worthy new Zelda. Can't tell for sure but looks like there is no Phantom or Tracks touch controls either, yay!

DanteZXApril 17, 2013

The only thing left for E3 is to focus on the Wii U, and get this train rolling again.

NbzApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Mr.

This looks amazing ! What's left for E3?

Exactly what I'm thinking! They really have such massive momentum with 3DS right now, I guess all the E3 announcements will be Wii U based.

broodwarsApril 17, 2013

This is a pretty big announcement, but I'm going to wait on more details before I decide whether I'm getting it. It just feels kind of desperate to name-drop Link to the Past so readily in that Nintendo Direct.  Sure, I liked Link to the Past (albeit not as much as some here), but I'm not exactly overwhelmed by the idea of possibly returning to that world again.  I would have preferred a new Zelda set in its own world (which this could still be).  Still, I'm sure it'll be a good game if you can actually use the sticks & buttons this time, unlike Nintendo's last few 2D perspective handheld Zelda titles.

ShyGuyApril 17, 2013

Dang that looks HAWT

tendoboy1984April 17, 2013

Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks were still 3D games with an isometric perspective. This new Zelda is entirely top-down.

tendoboy1984April 17, 2013

Wait, North America gets it before Japan? Weird. That would be like Japan getting Halo 5 before America.

ejamerApril 17, 2013

I would've rather seen an announcement for Majora's Mask, since I still haven't finished that game due to limited TV access. Playing it on a portable, with enhanced graphics, would be a dream for me.

But Zelda games are always fun (even the touch-based DS releases) and this game could be interesting with the switch between an overhead 3D character and the flat painting aspect. Hopefully they don't water down the puzzles too much to appeal to the masses.

tendoboy1984April 17, 2013

From the trailer Nintendo uploaded, the puzzles look fine. I wonder if Anagnim is coming back.

Hero_of_time113April 17, 2013

Oh man this looks great!

TJ SpykeApril 17, 2013

Quote from: tendoboy1984

Wait, North America gets it before Japan? Weird. That would be like Japan getting Halo 5 before America.

We got Twilight Princess before Japan.

ejamer, im glad the pro-MM fanboys at Zelda Informer were wrong in worshipping that unknown Spanish retailer. Besides MM not being a good game IMO, there was no chance of 2 Zelda remakes in a 3 month period. Plus, Aounuma said the 3DS would get a new Zelda game before they even considered any more remakes for it.


I'm not a big fan of ALTTP, it was OK. So i'm not that excited about this news (EarthBound coming to the North American Virtual Console is much bigger news to me), but im new games is never bad.

CericApril 17, 2013

Quote from: tendoboy1984

Wait, North America gets it before Japan? Weird. That would be like Japan getting Halo 5 before America.

Not really.  Zelda has slowly but surely been shifting to a series that is more believed in the West.

The general art style is a little to clayie for me and the Camera seems a little overly zoomed.  Still looks interesting but the Camera thing could stop me from getting it.

ejamerApril 17, 2013

Quote from: TJ

...
ejamer, im glad the pro-MM fanboys at Zelda Informer were wrong in worshipping that unknown Spanish retailer. Besides MM not being a good game IMO, there was no chance of 2 Zelda remakes in a 3 month period. Plus, Aounuma said the 3DS would get a new Zelda game before they even considered any more remakes for it.
...

Majora's Mask was certainly different and I can understand why some people wouldn't like it, but I liked it a lot. In fact I thought it was more interesting than Ocarina of Time. Unfortunately, timing has just never worked out that I could sit down and play through to the end on either the N64 or Virtual Console.


Hopefully a remake will still happen at some point in the future - that way the people who want it will be happy, and those who don't can play this cool new Zelda game instead. Everyone wins!

tendoboy1984April 17, 2013

I just thought Majora's Mask was boring, and the 3-day time limit killed any chance of exploration.

AdrockApril 17, 2013

The title (Link to the Past 2) lacks creativity, but I still came. Besides Zelda II, the games have never been numbered.

I was hoping a new 2D Zelda would use sprites, but I'm not upset. This is awesome news.

tendoboy1984April 17, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

The title (Link to the Past 2) lacks creativity, but I still came Besides Zelda II, the games have never been numbered.

I was hoping a new 2D Zelda would use sprites, but I'm not upset. This is awesome news.


That sounds weird coming from a gamer...

AdrockApril 17, 2013

It didn't sound weird coming from your mom.

tendoboy1984April 17, 2013

Lame. Anyways I really hope Anagnim comes back as the villain.

Ian SaneApril 17, 2013

If there's normal controls (they can keep the crappy touchscreen controls as an option if they want), then I'll get this when I buy a 3DS for Pokemon X/Y.  But if it plays like the DS games I won't.  Spirit Tracks is the only Zelda game I don't own and it's because Phantom Hourglass's controls drove me up the wall.  I was seriously figuring that crappy touchscreen controls were the future of 2D Zelda.  If this controls normally then it's great that Nintendo doesn't feel the need to force the touchscreen when it isn't needed.  The 3DS has lots of options and features and Nintendo should be confident in that.  Flexibility is a great selling point, forced usage is not.  The value is that the touchscreen is there if you need it.  Both the 3DS and Wii U have lots of control options and the wide variety of OPTIONS is the great thing there.

Realistically I felt like Minish Cap was pretty much like playing A Link to the Past 2.  LttP ain't just some Zelda game, it is arguably THE Zelda game.  Associating a new title directly with it really raises expectations and Nintendo better understand that.  This will not be able to get away with being merely a decent Zelda game.  Because it directly references an earlier title I can't help but wonder if this is going to be New Legend of Zelda.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 17, 2013

You know what I just noticed? This isn't WW Link or any of his latest 3D console designes, this Link looks like classic Link from the first few games.

AdrockApril 17, 2013

I noticed that too when I watched the short clip. I wouldn't have minded the game using Wind Waker art since it suits the 2D Zelda, especially after Four Swords Adventures. The colors could stand to be a bit more vibrant like Wind Waker. They look kind of drab.

Evan_BApril 17, 2013

The colors look drab? It looks like the exact palette from the SNES game.

I'm so surprised at all the negativity coming from this board post-Direct. I thought you guys would be more excited.

AdrockApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Evan_B

I'm so surprised at all the negativity coming from this board post-Direct. I thought you guys would be more excited.

Quote from: Adrock

The title (Link to the Past 2) lacks creativity, but I still came. Besides Zelda II, the games have never been numbered.

I was hoping a new 2D Zelda would use sprites, but I'm not upset. This is awesome news.

http://i.imgur.com/ux4BjEH.jpg

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 17, 2013

Aside from the dungeons I'm seeing photo comparisons of this game and Alttp and the over world is almost exactly the same. Not sure how I feel about that so far.


http://i.imgur.com/xocR1cC.png

Fatty The HuttApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Caterkiller

Aside from the dungeons I'm seeing photo comparisons of this game and Alttp and the over world is almost exactly the same. Not sure how I feel about that so far.


http://i.imgur.com/xocR1cC.png

Nintendo stated in the Direct that the game is set in the same world as ALTTP. No surpises, then.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 17, 2013

Yeah your right. I guess I just kind of assumed it was the same world but... completely different? But the dungeons and story are all new so that's what really matters I suppose.

DrizztApril 17, 2013

Can't wait, LTTP was one of my first videogames and easily one of the best zeldas. Wonder what news e3 will bring.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorApril 17, 2013

Not the exact pallet.

Link doesn't have pink hair.

Pixelated PixiesApril 17, 2013

This looks awesome. I consider myself a bigger fan of the 3D Zelda games, but no one can deny the quality of A Link to the Past. Based on the little that we've seen, this looks to be the sequel we never got. What a neat little surprise.

AdrockApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Pixelated

...but no one can deny the quality of A Link to the Past.

Where insanolord?

Evan_BApril 17, 2013

I think the added power of the 3DS will mean we'll see some differences in the Overworld. Plus, there's bound to be some new content if the Dark World doesn't exist anymore.

Sorry, Adrock. I was just looking through some of the other topics and seeing "Nintendo must be desperate", "this game looks terrible", etc etc.

Ian SaneApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Quote from: Caterkiller

Aside from the dungeons I'm seeing photo comparisons of this game and Alttp and the over world is almost exactly the same. Not sure how I feel about that so far.


http://i.imgur.com/xocR1cC.png

Nintendo stated in the Direct that the game is set in the same world as ALTTP. No surpises, then.

I interpreted "same world" to mean Hyrule in general and the same timeline and such as LttP, not like literally the same level structure.  But then how do you even make a new Zelda game with the same overworld layout?  The world is all connected.  Do they close up the old dungeons and have secret passages to new ones as if they were really in the SNES game but we lacked the right equipment or knowledge or whatever to access them (actually that sounds kind of cool)?

TurdFurgyApril 17, 2013

I don't see this being controlled like the two DS games what with all the action accruing on the top screen.

CericApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Ian

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Quote from: Caterkiller

Aside from the dungeons I'm seeing photo comparisons of this game and Alttp and the over world is almost exactly the same. Not sure how I feel about that so far.


http://i.imgur.com/xocR1cC.png

Nintendo stated in the Direct that the game is set in the same world as ALTTP. No surpises, then.

I interpreted "same world" to mean Hyrule in general and the same timeline and such as LttP, not like literally the same level structure.  But then how do you even make a new Zelda game with the same overworld layout?  The world is all connected.  Do they close up the old dungeons and have secret passages to new ones as if they were really in the SNES game but we lacked the right equipment or knowledge or whatever to access them (actually that sounds kind of cool)?

Well WW is undeniably the same world as OoT so ... Take that as you will.  I'm sure they'll do what they want Story be Darned. 

I have mixed feelings.  While the new style is fundamentally better I reather have the crispness of the old style.  Though it migh just be the pictures.

Quote from: Adrock

Quote from: Pixelated

...but no one can deny the quality of A Link to the Past.

Where insanolord?

I didn't even notice what he said until you pointed it out, but yes, I do hate Link to the Past. With this coming out I'll give the original another chance, though.

SarailApril 17, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: tendoboy1984

Wait, North America gets it before Japan? Weird. That would be like Japan getting Halo 5 before America.

Not really.  Zelda has slowly but surely been shifting to a series that is more believed in the West.

The general art style is a little to clayie for me and the Camera seems a little overly zoomed.  Still looks interesting but the Camera thing could stop me from getting it.

Exactly. This same polygonal art style is being used in the new Yoshi's Island (and the New Super Mario series uses it, too). I'm absolutely looking forward to this game, but I do not understand Nintendo's inability to come up with crazy, unique art styles. I would have killed for this game to have deeply 2-D graphical, hand-drawn approach like Rayman Origins/Legends, but alas...oh well.

Also, yes. That camera needs to zoom out just a little bit more to satisfy my tastes - and to equal aLttP in representation.

LandStalkerNigelApril 17, 2013

Damn. While Lttp is a great game and a seeing a direct sequel is awesome, I was still hoping for that Majora's Mask remake instead

Mop it upApril 17, 2013

Looks good. I guess they were serious when they talked about revisiting Link to the Past. I'm just relieved that it's a sequel and not a remake. The transforming into drawings things looks neat.

SarailApril 17, 2013

I'm calling it now...

The Legend of Zelda: The Wall Clinger

Yes, I realise it's actually A Link to the Past 2.

Ian SaneApril 17, 2013

Regarding the graphics, what if they are the way they are simply because they needed to do it this way for the 3D effect to work well?  I want sprite graphics but what the hell would that look like with the 3D cranked up?  I think we all kind of forget about this feature but Nintendo considers 3D a selling point and would take that into account when designing a game's graphics.

Spak-SpangApril 17, 2013

I don't know if Nintendo sold me a Nintendo 3DS on this announcement or didn't.  Link to the Past is one of my favorite games of all time.  And I love all that they showed...except the Paper Link. I am not a big fan of that mechanic. 


I actually do not think the dungeons will be harder but easier...because I see the paper mechanic giving more options to solve puzzles. 


I think if Nintendo releases a revision to the 3DS and a price drop I will try to buy one. 

DrizztApril 17, 2013

I think you're right Ian. I downloaded the 3D trailer on the e-shop and the art style makes the 3D more dynamic I can't wait to play it.

steveyApril 17, 2013

For A Link to the Past sequel, I don't like how the colors and design of objects differ too much from the originals as well as how Nintendo complete forgot THE defining aspect of alttp...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y267/n64/Why_No_pink_hair.png
They better change his hair color back to pink before E3 (and link better still turn into a pink rabbit when he enters the dark/golden world) if they want to call it alttp2.

That said, I loved how alttp used 3D puzzles and would love to finally see a Zelda game expand on that mechanic.

Wasn't the transformation a result of the Dark World curse, though?

MagicCow64April 17, 2013

"except the Paper Link. I am not a big fan of that mechanic. "

Fun fact: there's an extremely similar, if briefly used, mechanic in Season 3 of Telltale's Sam & Max games.

azekeApril 17, 2013

Quote from: MagicCow64

"except the Paper Link. I am not a big fan of that mechanic. "

Fun fact: there's an extremely similar, if briefly used, mechanic in Season 3 of Telltale's Sam & Max games.

Also in this game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZONasVi7usk (CGR Undertow Derek warning!)

I like this mechanic, seems like a neat idea.

Check out 3d trailer from eShop everyone, it looks more impressive and you do get a feeling that it's meant for 3d.

Quote from: Racht

Also, yes. That camera needs to zoom out just a little bit more to satisfy my tastes - and to equal aLttP in representation.

I can be wrong (never played LttP) but i think scale of the world and Link on a screen is closer to Link's Awakening.

Chad SexingtonApril 18, 2013

A Link to the Future™

FjurbanskiApril 18, 2013

Traditional controls: around 2:44


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejSCq_fgwOo


It was pretty obvious based on the ND footage alone, but now you can rest your weary hearts.

azekeApril 18, 2013

Quote from: Chad

A Link to the Future™

You and Zelda are fine, Link. It's your kids!

Chad SexingtonApril 18, 2013

Quote from: azeke

Quote from: Chad

A Link to the Future™

You and Zelda are fine, Link. It's your kids!

A Link 2 the Past™ :(

Ian SaneApril 18, 2013

Quote from: Fjurbanski

Traditional controls: around 2:44


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejSCq_fgwOo


It was pretty obvious based on the ND footage alone, but now you can rest your weary hearts.

:D

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterApril 18, 2013

Quote from: Ian

Quote from: Fjurbanski

Traditional controls: around 2:44


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejSCq_fgwOo


It was pretty obvious based on the ND footage alone, but now you can rest your weary hearts.

:D

I was just about to post that video for Ian. I'm happy for traditional controls with the map down below. As far as I'm concerned its the only way to play monster hunter.

LouieturkeyApril 18, 2013

Quote from: Chad

Quote from: azeke

Quote from: Chad

A Link to the Future™

You and Zelda are fine, Link. It's your kids!

A Link 2 the Past™ :(

2 Link 2 Past

pokepal148Spencer Johnson, Contributing WriterApril 18, 2013

will we get sequels to the cdi games? ;)

azekeApril 18, 2013

Quote from: Louieturkey

Quote from: Chad

Quote from: azeke

Quote from: Chad

A Link to the Future™

You and Zelda are fine, Link. It's your kids!

A Link 2 the Past™ :(

2 Link 2 Past

Link in the Past: Gerudo Drift.

classicgamerApril 18, 2013

Im so glad they chose to do this over that garbage mm im sorry im a gamer as much as the next man and that game sucked but this game link to the past 2 is the right game and if some nintendo fans get mad oh well
MM was not chosen Deal with it

Pixelated PixiesApril 18, 2013

Quote from: classicgamer

Im so glad they chose to do this over that garbage mm im sorry im a gamer as much as the next man and that game sucked but this game link to the past 2 is the right game and if some nintendo fans get mad oh well
MM was not chosen Deal with it


-1 for so many reasons.

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