May 11, 2004 - It's been four long years since Nintendo unveiled its Space World 2000 demo of Legend of Zelda. The realistic take on the action-adventure franchise, which showcased a brief fight sequence between an older, meaner Link and a downright evil looking Gannondorf, was shelved less than a year after its unveiling so that Nintendo could instead pursue the cel-shaded Wind Waker style. But Nintendo fans never forgot about that brief trailer that showed so much promise.

And, as it turns out, neither did Nintendo. Today at its pre-E3 event in Los Angeles, Nintendo dropped a earth-shaking bomb. Not only has it secretly been working on a brand new Legend of Zelda title inspired by its famous Space World 2000 demo, but the game is very far along and looks absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

As the lights dimmed and the brief trailer for the game rolled, press on hand seemed unsure about what to expect. But when the music kicked in -- an homage to the 1998 Ocarina of Time movie spot -- the crowd went wild. (The new Legend of Zelda trailer actually features the same song from composer Basil Poledouris, who orchestrated Conan The Barbarian.) What followed was an awe-inspiring display of cutting-edge graphics and an overall crowd reaction that approached a pure state of euphoria.

The footage showcased a detailed adult Link as he rode his horse across an expansive Hyrule, did battle with a number of different enemy types including a Moblin, Bokoblins and multiple Lizalfos. In one stunning scene, the sun set as dark riders advanced over the horizon. In another, Link battled against a gigantic fire boss. He also explored the forest, seemed to solve puzzles in a dungeon and more. The visuals, featuring what is hands-down the best Link model ever designed and a host of impressive technical feats such as advanced lighting and shadow effects, crisp textures, and impressive draw distance, to name a few, made Nintendo fans' eyes roll in their heads.

After the display ended and the crowd settled, Nintendo designer and director Shigeru Miyamoto took the stage with Master Sword and shield in hand and addressed lucky attendees. "I am not Link, but I do know him!" he joked. "Even after 18 years the Legend of Zelda never stops changing and this game is no different. We are now taking you to a world where Link has grown up -- a world where he will act different and look different. In order to grow, Link must not stand still and neither will I. Thank you and goodbye." With a few more sword swings, Miyamoto stepped off the stage.

The game, simply titled Legend of Zelda (and not Wind Waker 2), is set for release on GameCube sometime next year.

IGNcube will have footage and screens of the game available for download very soon. Because we love you.

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