Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Link's dad on Zelda

We catch up with Link's legal guardian on his past, present and future

In a recent an interview, Mr. Miyamoto said that Twilight Princess would be the "last Zelda of its kind." We were wondering if you would be willing to elaborate on that?

Eiji Aonuma: That's the first time I've ever heard that! (laughs) Making Twilight Princess was a bigger challenge than anyone imagined - by the end of the process, we were all really, really exhausted! That may have been something that he muttered under his breath because of that!

The basic Zelda formula hasn't changed much - you explore, find the dungeon, find a new piece of equipment, defeat the boss and repeat - will there be any plans to change that basic formula?

Aonuma: It's tradition in Zelda, but there's a reason I take that approach. When a player starts a game, it's better for them to start simpler. The Link character doesn't really have anything, and doesn't even have a sword sometimes. As the player progresses through the game, their skills increase as they experience the game, so as the player grows, he learns to master the various skills. When the player enters the dungeon and acquires an item, by the time he reaches the boss, he's really learned how to use that item well. It's really the development of the character, and the player as well. We're sure that there are other ways that we could do that same thing, without using that same formula, and we're always exploring new ideas.

When and where is Phantom Hourglass set in relation to Wind Waker?

Aonuma: It's the sequel to Wind Waker. At the end of Wind Waker, you see Link and Zelda sailing off. The story that's covered in Phantom Hourglass is about something that happens where they're headed.