ZELDA: INTERVIEWS Home - Story - Preview - Interviews - Pictures FAMIMAGA’s INTERVIEW with Shigeru Miyamoto Part IV: Miyamoto talks about the game design and the completion of the title Q: Does Link's shadow-like alter ego appear? Miyamoto: That idea was last minute when I made it (laughs). However, it won't be in this scenario. Q: What is your favorite monster, Mr. Miyamoto? Miyamoto: I haven't shown a screen shot yet, but it's something I'm working on that's neither friend nor foe. I'll tell you about it when it's done. Q: What kind of equipment is there in the town? Miyamoto: There are of course inns and tool stores. But this isn't a shopping game (laughs). It was difficult to display the atmosphere of the town in 3D. Please be patient! There's only one town, but its an enjoyable town. Q: Is Link human? Miyamoto: No, he's an elf. Q: Is Link's costume that of the Kokili? Miyamoto: Yes it is. The Kokili all wear similar costumes. Q: Is Link wearing a pair of culottes (a divided skirt)? Miyamoto: This would be a cultural difference such that if you asked Link this question, he'd say "What's a skirt?" It's a regular jacket. He's wearing tights underneath (laughs). Q: Has the formal title been decided? Miyamoto: It's already been decided [for Japan: Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time]. Q: What about the 64DD version? Miyamoto: It hasn't been scheduled yet, but I'd like to make a 64DD version as well as a cartridge. We could make the 64DD version from what we have now. It's undecided, but if we can do it right, I think I'd like use the Zelda cartridge with the 64DD offering backup data. I don't want to have a game solely for the 64DD that you can't enjoy on a cartridge. We're investigating it right now. Q: Are there lots of riddles to solve? Miyamoto: This is still a secret. Wait and see (laughs). Q: Are there riddles to solve involving the Rumble Pack? Miyamoto: I'm thinking about it. There should be riddles that everyone can solve, even if they don't have a Rumble Pack. Q: Are there any other means of movement besides the horse? Miyamoto: Just the horse for now. There will be other ways of moving like warping or through magic. Q: Could you tell us about the opening movie? Miyamoto: It will be a completely realtime movie! I'm thinking about which are the best performances and cuts to use. It will be a lot of fun to make. Q: Link's nose has become smaller, hasn't it? Miyamoto: Certainly. It was bigger a long time ago, but now that we're using polygons, it would look deformed if it was kept the same size. Q: Why are Link's ears long? Miyamoto: Because he's an elf. This was decided from the beginning. Q: Who was used as the model for Link? Miyamoto: No one in particular. Q: Were there any parts that were difficult to create? Miyamoto: No matter how much I work on it, this game seems to have no end. I'll create one world, and no matter where I'd have to check the details . . . it was really difficult work. Q: The graphics must have been tough too. Miyamoto: The controls were more difficult than the graphics. Q: So basically everything was difficult? Miyamoto: Shooting a scene for the movie, for example, requires different techniques for each scene. Whether or not to deal with the camera for narrow and wide places, things like that. Even though machinery and materials have been completely prepared, it took a long time . . . That was the difficult part. Q: Could you tell us about the imagery for the songs? Miyamoto: The songs' imagery is close to "Environmental Music." Like the murmuring of a stream. Plus orthodox classical music. And Western full orchestra. Q: Does Link have a girlfriend? Miyamoto: If it was Princess Zelda, it would be great. However, this time Navie [the fairy] is jealous of Zelda. So within the story, Navie feels something for Link. Q: What percent of the game has been developed? Miyamoto: 90% of the system is complete. Since this is the only thing almost done, that's the only thing I can talk about. After that, you've got to create the data and put on the finishing touches. Altogether, I'd say it's 70-80% complete. Q: Will this complete the series? Miyamoto: By no means. If I want to do a sequel, I will. Q: Have you formulated an idea for the next title? Miyamoto: I haven't really thought about it . . . Q: Are you anxious about when it will go on sale? Miyamoto: I won't reveal the release date until development is complete. That's my rule. Sorry. Q: If you had your wish, when would it be released? Miyamoto: I'd love to have the development finished within the year, and to start debugging the game by New Year's. Debugging is quite laborious, so there's no telling how long that will take. Maybe 1 or 2 months. It will definitely NOT be done by December. Sorry. Interview conducted by Famimaga 64. Translated by IGN.

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