Iwata Asks - Spirit Tracks: Parts Five and Six
In the last two parts of the series, Iwata and co. discuss what the essence of Zelda is and the multiplayer design of Spirit Tracks.
In the final two parts of Iwata Asks, very little is discussed of particular interest, but Aonuma, Iwata, and Iwamoto all discuss what they feel the essence of Zelda is.
Amongst the team, two major themes are discovered about the series' essence. Both the sound effect that plys upon the discovery of something new, as well as the feeling of success when completing a challenging puzzle.
The team agreed that though the game provides some challenging puzzles, they always feel as if they are within reach of the player, constantly encouraging another try.
Aonuma also revealed that a huge inspiration for him in the development of any Zelda game is a comment made by Miyamoto shortly after the release of Ocarina of Time. According to the legendary developer, so much of Ocarina of Time was done simply because no one else had done anything like it before. They tried new things in order to push the boundaries of a game and set it apart from possible imitators.
In Spirit Tracks, the development team took this to heart and the inclusion of the train is there solely because it is something unlike anything ever done before.
This carries into the puzzles as well. "Science Puzzles" are now a part of the game and according to Aonuma "they really do make you use your head in different ways."
Finally, the team also revealed that they think Spirit Tracks will appeal strongly to women, just as Phantom Hourglass did.
The last topic the team discussed was the multiplayer design. After Phantom Hourglass came out, it quickly became obvious that online, only the best of the best were playing. In response, Spirit Tracks has an altered design.
Players can now enjoy local four player single-card multiplayer. Though it wasn't distinctly stated, the general premise of the mode seems unchanged from Phantom Hourglass, but the team felt it would be more enjoyable in a local setting.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks will be available in just two days on Tuesday, December 8.
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