Shigeru Miyamoto recently revealed that Luigi would be in Smash Brothers in a recent round table interview at Spaceworld 2001. Figuring we’d want to know more of what Shiggy had to say, one of our UK readers Chris Yates sent us a transcript. Here are a few choice quotes, regarding the new Zelda, no Mario at launch, GBA/GC connections and even more exciting news/views straight from Mr. Miyamoto himself. Check it out!

CVG: Why such a dramatic direction change in the GameCube Zelda game?

Miyamoto: In the version we showed last year at Space World, we were working on Zelda 'Cube in the 'mature' style. By the time the E3 show came out, we had already changed direction completely on Zelda design-wise, but we kept this under wraps and just showed the same version. So about a year ago we were trying many different experiments with the next Zelda, back when I was working on the GBC version. And I started thinking about what the ideal age for Link would be.

I thought hard if I really wanted to pursue a really grown up Link and Zelda. And I just didn't like the direction this mature Link, with his earring (laughs), was taking the series. Because Zelda is a fairy tale.

There is such a demand for just enhanced R+D and better technology. Where is the demand for taking fun in a new direction? I really hate this trend. That's why I told my staff members to just go out and do whatever they want to try.

We experimented for a while, and I feel that in the Zelda video we have shown this time is the true course for the next in the series. Progress is excellent and we are very happy with the result.

People might have seen the beautiful high polygon model of Link at E3, and might be looking forward to the sophisticated Link figure in that version. I don't want to betray their expectations and feelings.

I am trying to introduce something unique in the new Zelda, because people have to come to expect this from every new Zelda title. I can say that we're ready to make this unique experience happen in the next chapter of the series.

CVG: How do you imagine Link?

Miyamoto: At least at the start of a game I imagined him as more of a child than an adult. That's why when I started to add more polygons and detail to Link as an adult, and add piercing etc, I just started to dislike him. There was less emotional connection for me. So I changed it.

CVG: You showed Koro Koro Kirby for GBA and GC (at Spaceworld). Will GC's version be stand-alone or will you need to buy one cart for each?

Miyamoto: On the GBA side there is no game data at all. The game contents are sent from the GC via the link adapter. In the original Kirby Tilt And Tumble for GBC, the concept was already pretty unique. I thought it would be more interesting if we utilised the GC link in some way to change the experience, rather than just create a GBA version along the same lines just with better graphics.

The final version of Koro Koro Kirby for GC I believe will have more communication elements, although I haven't exactly decided the nature of that yet. The cart itself is just a tilt function and empty RAM. If we sell this cart, then third-parties can use it in their own way too.

CVG: Can you tell us a bit more about the uses of the GC/GBA connection?

Miyamoto: There are infinite applications really, when you think about what you can plug into the GBA. If we don't plug anything in, the focus will be more on communicating data between the GBA and GC, and being able to take the game away from home. Plus you can connect up to four to a GameCube at once, and even connect the GBAs together themselves too. Watch for some pretty wacky announcements from third-parties using this feature soon.

This is also a kind of marketing ploy encouraging gamers to buy two Nintendo systems. But we hope that we can offer something genuinely different form other systems to users who buy both. I think I speak for third-party developers too. There'll be enough software using it (to make it worth buying).

CVG: Are you personally disappointed that there is no Mario for launch this time?

Miyamoto: Actually a lot of my staff were very keen on getting a Luigi game out, even though I was quite keen on Mario Sunshine myself.

It does seem a break from tradition, so yes I'm a bit down about that. But I've been hard at work on Luigi and Pikmin, so please look forward to those as well as Mario and Zelda next year.

CVG: You collaborated with Capcom on your last two Zeldas for GB. Is this going to be a trend?

Miyamoto: I want to encourage more collaboration between game creators.

I like collaborating with Mr. Naka (creator of Sonic) and Mr. Okamoto (of Resident Evil fame), but that doesn't mean that Nintendo is going to collaborate with Sega on software, or that I am going to make a game wit Naka-san.

But continued collaboration will always be the route forward to overcoming the stagnation of ideas and reaching the next age of creativity in games.

CVG: Why hasn't Nintendo made any major announcements on its online gaming strategy?

Miyamoto: We're always aware of the technologies available, like online gaming. But we're very skeptical about the business side of online gaming.

Many people who have said in the past that online gaming is the wave of the future have also has to sit and face the reality now about how to turn this into a viable business.

I'm interested in the future of online gaming. But looking at the situation honestly, I think a lot of the talk is just hype, and isn't backed up by really new ideas on how to use the technology.

However, we're always making preparations for this business. Actually, I am more interested in the broader concept of communication in games, of which the online play aspect is just a part.

Miyamoto also commented that all of his innovative ideas for Mario Sunshine were withheld from the preview shown at SpaceWorld, as always, worried about competitors stealing his ideas. He also said Mario Sunshine may not be the final name of the game. He also commented Metroid is progressing though he's not quite satisfied with the control yet... This is less than half the interview, so UK readers are encouraged to pick up this CVG issue for even more!