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SPECIAL ZELDA ANNIVERSARY ISSUE MCV has joined forces with to celebrate all things Zelda, including a look at the upcoming Skyward Sword, a history of the franchise and industry opinion

EVERY BUYER EVERY BRANCH EVERY WEEK Monday November 7th 2011 £3.25 Happy Anniversary to a Legend Nintendo celebrates 25 years of the greatest games franchise on earth with new games and Orchestral concert by Christopher Dring popular this concert has been certainly helps, and it has 25 YEARS ago a Legend made me very happy to see.” was launched in Japan – and Zelda is best known for its with it the most acclaimed critical performance. Ocarina series in gaming was born. of Time is the highest rated Since then there has been game ever, with a 15 main titles, with a 16th – score of 99. And every home : console Zelda game since Skyward Sword – out next has scored 95 or above. week on November 18th. The series has sold well over 50m units globally, and the last two games have been Over the 25 big UK sellers. 2006’s Twilight years of Zelda, Princess has sold 441,603 units to-date, while 2007’s there’s always Link’s Crossbow Training has been a surplus of shifted 315,857 copies. And Nintendo has been new ideas. celebrating the fact, with a Eiji Aonuma, Nintendo slew of new products and a Symphony Concert, which “What we’ve always aimed reached Europe last month for is not about fitting one for a live performance particular game genre, but featuring the London to keep providing unique Philharmonic Orchestra. experiences that people can “We’re always trying to enjoy,” said Zelda’s producer craft music that stays in the Eiji Aonuma. Both Eiji Aonuma (right) and (far right) celebrated 25 years mind and is associated with “Of course there are of The Legend of Zelda at a special London concert last month memories,” said Koji Kondo, certain techniques and Zelda’s acclaimed composer. basics that are similar offer a new world for people Zelda and we’ve always had “As I rarely see the people throughout the series, but to enjoy and to experience. a wealth of ideas, which I playing the games, it is hard really what we are striving to “Over those 25 years, think is what has kept us know how they respond. How do with each new Zelda is while we’ve been working on going all these years.”

IN THIS ISSUE 05 THE ‘REAL’ ZELDA 06 ZELDA MOMENTS 09 HISTORY OF ZELDA 12 SKYWARD MARKETING 13 RECOMMENDED We speak to ’ The UK games industry shares A guide to all the brilliant Nintendo’s Langford discusses We detail the latest Zelda daughter Zelda, who is named its favourite Zelda moments games that make up the the plans for Skyward Sword titles, including Skyward after the elfin princess through 25 years Zelda franchise and the 25-year celebrations Sword and Ocarina of Time 3D NEWS

Skyward Sword is ‘a triumph’ Huge marketing campaign planned for Nintendo’s ‘deepest and richest game ever’ Game secures impressive press coverage and review scores Online ad push will be one of Nintendo UK’s biggest

NINTENDO has prepared a major marketing blitz for its biggest Zelda game yet. Skyward Sword has already racked up major press coverage in Metro and The Independent, plus it received the Front cover of The Guardian Guide. It has also scored impressive review scores – including a 10/10 in Edge, only the fourteenth time a game has obtained such a result in the magazines 18-year history. Skyward Sword And now the platform is one of the holder is spending big to ensure the game is a major deepest game unique combat system. For Nintendo has also taken Christmas seller. experiences launch we also have a bundle Skyward Sword on-tour with “Skyward Sword is one of containing an exclusive gold appearances at GAMEfest, the deepest and richest ever produced Plus. Expo, plus a game experiences ever by Nintendo. “We are confident that takeover at GameCity. produced by Nintendo, existing fans and those new On top of that, there are taking more than 100 staff Roger Langford, Nintendo to the franchise will enjoy 60- and 40-second TV ads members over five years to Skyward Sword.” that will showcase the game, produce,” said Nintendo’s The game’s marketing plus Nintendo is planning junior product manager campaign has already one of its biggest ever online Roger Langford. begun, kicking off with MPUs campaigns for launch, taking “For the first time in a in September running across over all major game sites Zelda game you can use Wii major gaming sites, as well plus IMBD and Sky Sports. MotionPlus technology to as print ads in specialist The Legend of Zelda: precisely control flight and publications including Edge, Skyward Sword hits shelves experience a distinctly GamesTM and GamesMaster. on November 18th. Industry hails top Zelda moments

THE UK games industry’s most essential a bustling and vibrant town “There was always this trade has united in video games – even after market had stood, it occurred massive anticipation of praise for one of the 25 years. to me then that this game everybody waiting to buy greatest video games “When I entered the was something special. It is the next version,” he said. series of all time. Temple of Time to take hold no surprise at all that the “Everything stopped for Key media, publishing, of the Master Sword and Zelda Franchise celebrates Zelda. The Legend lives.” development and retail left seven years later as the its 25th birthday when it is Meanwhile GAME Group figures have highlighted fully grown Hero of Time, able to conjure up remarkable CEO Ian Shepherd their favourite Zelda words failed me for the first moments like this.” highlighted watching his kids moments, whilst time ever whilst playing a Even David Reeves, play Ocarina of Time 3D on celebrating the video game,” said Ubisoft’s current COO who their Nintendo 3DS, 13 years series’ UK marketing director worked in opposition to after he originally played the remarkable Murray Pannell. Nintendo at PlayStation for game on the N64. “Proof achievement of “As I took in the ruin and many years, had nothing positive,” he said, “that great remaining one devastation that but warm words about game design is timeless.” of the surrounded me where once the franchise. Proof indeed.

4 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com NEWS

LEADER THE GREATEST GAMES SERIES ON THE PLANET

THE LEGEND of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was the first Zelda game that I played. It was the dying days of 1998, and I wasn’t all that in to video games. I had shared a Super Nintendo with my brother, but it was really his machine. I liked my books. But on December 25th, 1998, nestled under the Christmas tree was a new and a copy of Ocarina of Time. I still had to share these with my brother, but this time it was really my machine and my game. In the years that followed I have played and loved every Zelda game released before and since. Yep, even black sheep Zelda II. It’s easy to forget that when it is not busy expanding the games industry’s audience, Nintendo is the most gifted developer on the planet. And The Legend of Zelda is the platform holder at its talented Meet the real Zelda and creative best. Acting legend Robin Williams named his “Each new Zelda game is greeted by critical daughter after herself. Here, acclaim. The 10/10 Edge gave to Skyward Sword Zelda Williams shares her thoughts on the series wasn’t just impressive. It was inevitable.”

Why did your parents name It was also quite a dark game. All of the main home console Zelda adventures released since A you Princess Zelda? ZW: Yeah, incredibly. It was Link To The Past have a Metacritic score of 95 or above. It is a Zelda Williams: It was brought similar to a Tim Burton film. remarkable of consistency and fans expect that degree of up by my older brother Zach and his best friend. they were Have you played the new excellence with each new release. like five at the time, and they Skyward Sword? The 10/10 Edge gave to Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword isn’t just ran in as my parents were ZW: I have played it a little bit. expected. It was inevitable. discussing baby names for me. I have fought a couple of the And what a game Skyward Sword is shaping up to be. A lovely They threw in their two cents bosses. But it was one of visual style that looks unlike anything else on the and my of parents loved it. those things where I played market, plus full Wii MotionPlus support for a They love the games and it is what was at . What I played more accurate combat experience. And a great name for a girl. was really beautiful, fun and really vibrant. Everything looks according to Nintendo this is also the biggest It’s nice to see a celebrity bejewelled. It is a much more Zelda so far. Friday, November 18th just cannot back something they are whimsical, which I think is come soon enough. genuinely a fan of. going to be amazing. 13 years on since Ocarina of Time and here I ZW: I think Dad has only done am, writing and working in the games a commercial once before and If kidnapped you, who industry. Telling you that the game that was in the 1980s. We would you like to come changed my life may sound like the kind don’t really do that kind of thing. rescue you? And the only reason why we ZW: Oh God. There are a group of hyperbole you always hear when did this time is because the of four guy friends I have in LA people describe Ocarina, but I games do mean a lot to us. that are like my big brothers. genuinely mean it. And they are always chomping Now it’s Skyward Sword’s turn to What’s your favourite Zelda? at the bit for chivalrous inspire a new generation of ZW: Majora’s Mask.There are a moments. I think they’d come youngsters – perhaps those who lot of Zelda fans that think it is running. And I’d be thoroughly have yet to experience Wii outside Zelda game. And there entertained by that. are a few that think it is the But if I was going to go with of Just Dance or . A new worst. In terms of how involved the creative answer… well I generation of designers, writers I got, that one was by far my wouldn’t want dad to rescue and developers. favourite. The new one is me, that would be strange. So happy anniversary Princess Zelda, probably going to come really Ok, I’ve got it. In the movie and here’s to another 25 years of the close to that. I am a very visual version of Zelda where I get greatest game series of all time. person as well, and Skyward kidnapped, Garrett Hedlund (of Christopher Dring Sword is so pretty. Tron fame) would be Link.

www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 5 ZELDA MEMORIES: RETAIL, PUBLISHING, MEDIA, DEVELOPMENT

Industry’s magic moments The UK games trade shares its favourite Legend of Zelda moments

MURRAY rushing in, and in the end PANNELL it’s all swept away – UK Marketing something that seemed to Director, signal a new beginning for the Ubisoft Zelda series whilst also paying Thinking back touching tribute to its iconic motifs. on my first playthrough of JON ROOKE The Legend of UK Marketing Zelda: Ocarina of Time brings to Director, mind a number of moments that left THQ me in awe. From the first time I So many to entered the Great Deku Tree as a choose from Ocarina of Time 3D is small child to much later in the but for me I game when I leapt to freedom with think it would proof positive that great Epona to escape from Lon Lon have to be the game design is timeless. Ranch; rarely has a game captured first time that you get Epona in Ian Shepherd, GAME Group so many charmed and emotive Twilight Princess and take a ride out moments in a single experience. over the fields. There’s not many However, one moment stands out games that get horses that right. for me as one of the greatest in the LAURA YATES history of video games. When I ANDREW Marketing entered the Temple of Time to take THOMPSON Games hold of the Master Sword and left Head of Planner, seven years later as the fully grown Games, HMV Hero of Time, words failed me for Asda Personally I the first time ever whilst playing a My favourite think the use of game. As I took in the ruin and Zelda moment ‘Legend’ in its devastation that surrounded me has to be the title couldn’t be where once a bustling and vibrant release of a more appropriate word to describe town market had stood, it occurred Ocarina of Time on the N64. I was this game. For me Ocarina of Time to me then that this game was working at HMV Birmingham High on the Nintendo 64 will always be something special. It is no surprise Street at the time, and not only was my favourite version, though I never at all that the Zelda franchise the game one of the greatest home could quite nail Zelda’s Lullaby. celebrates its 25th birthday when it console releases of all time, but is was Here’s to another 25 years. is able to conjure up remarkable a huge sales success. It came out late moments like this. in December 1998, and I remember STEVE selling out all copies at £60. There HOGARTY KEZA was a huge shortfall in supply and I Deputy Editor, MACDONALD reckon we could have sold it for £100 Official UK Editor, and still sold out. What a game. I was working at Nintendo IGN Magazine Zelda is a IAN HMV during Ocarina Nabbing Epona series full of SHEPHERD of Time. I remember from Lon Lon moments – CEO, Ranch as picking just one GAME Group selling out of copies grown-up Link remains my favourite is close to My favourite at £60, but there moment. Like being thrown the keys impossible. But the descent into Zelda to your grandad’s battered old ancient Hyrule on the sea bed of experience was such a shortfall I Fiesta, the horse represented Wind Waker’s brave new world is, has – like many could have sold it for unfettered freedom and the ability for me, one of the most beautiful old fogey to easily explore the game world. moments in gaming. When Hyrule gamers – been watching my kids £100. What a game. Leaping the fence and giving a Castle reanimates, rescued from its play Ocarina of Time on 3DS so Andrew Thompson, Asda figurative two fingers to the corrupt suspended animation when Link many years after I played it on the ranchmaster was a real air-punching once again pulls the Master Sword N64. Proof positive that great game moment. Few moments in games from the stone, the sea comes design is timeless. have felt so immediately liberating.

6 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com DAVID REEVES CRAIG fabulous action packed trailer and all Chief OWENS the whooping and hollering from the Operating Games Editor, crowd – it’s my favourite Zelda Officer, Edge moment of all time. Capcom My favourite My lasting Zelda moment JON BURTON memory of is the first time I Founder, Zelda, and it is walked around Traveller’s true to this day, Clock Town on Tales is that despite having worked on the the third night of Majora’s Mask. The In recent years other side of the fence at PlayStation third night basically repeated I’ve played and now at Capcom, there was Ocarina’s trick of showing you a world through Zelda always this massive anticipation of you’d failed to save, but on a more with my kids – everybody waiting to buy the next intimate scale. There’s a kind of darkly from Twilight version. Everything stopped for surreal carnival atmosphere, with the backwards to Ocarina – and came Zelda. The Legend lives. citizens drowning their sorrows in the to admire what amazing games they Milk Bar, and the soldiers outside are, but at the time they were MAX BUTLER staring up at the moon’s grinning released I couldn’t understand what General face. It captured a fairy-tale horror. all the fuss was about. Manager, Advantage CRAIG JOHNNY Distribution MCNICOL MINKLEY Zelda is the JAMES BINNS Managing Editor, original RPG, Head of Edge Director, Eurogamer TV and is one of International, Koch Media Zelda’s most the longest- Future As I sat down memorable standing brands in the history of I came late to for the moment is games – you don’t survive that long, the party… 18 Nintendo E3 found in its pushing towards 20 releases, without years ago when Conference in greatest game: consistent sales. Retail continues to I clocked on as 2004 I was unaware that Nintendo Wind Waker. It’s when Link have faith in the brand, and with that staff writer on were just about to unleash the best retrieves the Master Sword and the sales history, who wouldn’t? I‘m unofficial Nintendo magazine Total. E3 presentation I’ve ever seen with black and white underworld, frozen confident that Skyward Sword will be I got my hands on the Twilight Princess being the in time, comes vividly to life with a in high demand this Christmas. Every game Legend of Zelda: Links centrepiece – Miyamoto being the flood of colour. The artistic pre-order campaign and release is Awakening. A little game that looked surprise on stage guest, donned with highpoint in the most strikingly my favourite Zelda time for me. simple, but I discovered was epic. the Master Sword and shield. The beautiful game I’ve played. www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 7 ZELDA MEMORIES: NINTENDO

My Zelda

Nintendo’s UK team shares their favourite memories from The Legend of Zelda

JAMES press the crest against the sea ANDY YATES, HONEYWELL, chart in the Ocean Temple had me Sales Director Marketing stumped for quite a while. UK & Ireland Manager When I first My favourite NEIL joined moment was SCHOFIELD, Nintendo back when I was National in 1995 I hadn’t playing The Account really been Legend of Manager aware of Zelda Zelda: Link to that Past and I My favourite to be honest. However, in 1998 warped to the Dark World (as a pink Zelda moment when Ocarina of Time launched I rabbit) and realised just how much is remembering experienced my first play and more there was to explore. the people became an advocate. I remember going onto to GameMaster and Link travelling through time and BEN TAYLOR, having trouble getting past level navigating various dungeons and I Even the original Head of Trade two, only to be ridiculed by particularly remember the music Marketing Patrick Moore! playing an important role within the Ocarina of Time Giving the fish game. Just talking about it again like packaging exudes as a sacrifice to DAWN PAINE, this brings back so many quality with its black Lord Jabu Jabu Assistant fond memories. I might to enter his General even get my N64 out of and gold box. belly in The Manager & the loft and have Andy Yates, Nintendo Legend of Marketing another crack at it – Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Director even the software My favourite packaging ROB LOWE, Zelda memory exudes quality Marketing came during with its black Manager Twilight Princess when I entered the and gold box. When you Twlight realm and was transformed make Darunia into a wolf! It allowed you to see dance by whole new areas and track scents, playing your opening up a whole new aspect to Ocarina – one the game. of the only times I've ever laughed out loud SAM with joy at a video game. PIERSON, Marketing ROGER Administrator LANGFORD, There are Junior Product plenty Manager moments The whole within the experience of games that I Ocarina of could say were my favourites. Time on N64 However, what topped it for me was a magical happened outside of the games. one and I throughly enjoyed re- As a relatively new employee at visiting it on 3DS. The Zelda series Nintendo, arriving at the has always been at forefront of Symphony concert, seeing the gaming in terms of controls. I whole thing come together thought that Phantom Hourglass and the incredible Zelda fan and Spirit Tracks on DS showcased turnout – it was simply this brilliantly. The bit on Phantom amazing. I felt so proud to be a Hourglass where you had to part of something that so physically close and open the DS to many people love.

8 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com BRIEF HISTORY OF ZELDA

A Legend is born Through 25 years Zelda has delighted millions with its mix of exploration, action and puzzles. Over the next three pages we take a look at the story so far

IT IS 1985, and is hard at work on two games for Nintendo’s Famicom system (NES). The first game needs no real introduction. It was Super Bros, which was a big success worldwide. The other was designed to be a more immersive experience. A game that players could save and come back to. It was The Legend of Zelda. The game was a unique hybrid of genres, combining puzzle gameplay with action, exploration and even a basic RPG leveling up system. It also introduced fans to the boy hero Link, the evil Ganon, the princess Zelda and the land of Hyrule – characters and worlds that would go on to define the series for 25 years. From here on out the series would grow in popularity, often changing in tone and graphical style. A year later came the side-scrolling sequel, Zelda II, but it would be five years before gamers got a third title. 1993’s A Link To The Past on the SNES was critically lauded and introduced the two-world concept, something which would become a staple of future Zelda titles. It was at this time that Nintendo took Zelda portable in Link’s Awakening. Despite being 8-bit and with a monochrome pallet, it still retained all the charm and innovation of its console big brother. There was then a further five-year hiatus before Zelda reached another series high point – Ocarina of Time. The N64 classic is regarded as one of the greatest games ever. What followed was the darker Majora’s Mask, the lighter Wind Waker, a string of successful portable adventures, two multiplayer-based games, the Wii and GameCube hit Twilight Princess and a handful of spin-offs, too. And next up is Skyward Sword, a game that’s already been greeted to rave Zelda’s look and style reviews. Including a 10/10 from Edge. has gone through Turn over the page for our run- many changes during its 25 year history through of every key step in The Legend of Zelda history. www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 9 BRIEF HISTORY OF ZELDA

1987 1988

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA ZELDA II: The groundbreaking NES THE ADVENTURE OF LINK original introduced gamers One year later the first sequel to the boy hero Link in his arrived, with Link on the hunt bid to find the , defeat for the Triforce of Courage. the evil Ganon and save princess The game included side-scrolling Zelda. It is available to download gameplay and is available over via the . the Wii Virtual Console.

2000 2001

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA’S MASK ORACLE OF SEASONS Ocarina of Time’s sequel was a & ORACLE OF AGES darker and more intimate affair, These two Capcom-developed with a moon on a collision course Zelda games for with the land of Termina. It is could be played in any order, but available to download now via the then linked together for the final, Wii Virtual Console. ultimate showdown.

2006 2007 In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series, we take a look back through the franchise’s 25 year history to discover how it has evolved

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS PHANTOM HOURGLASS Link must discover his inner Wind Waker’s 3D cel-shaded beast and hero in this adventure. visuals returned for Zelda’s DS This GameCube and Wii title debut. Using intuitive touch featured a more mature visual screen controls, players style. It is available now on Wii as must travel the Great Sea to part of Nintendo's Selects range. save Link’s friend Tetra.

10 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com BRIEF HISTORY OF ZELDA

1992 1993 1998 1999

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST LINK’S AWAKENING OCARINA OF TIME LINK’S AWAKENING DX The iconic SNES game returned Heralded as one of the greatest Widely accepted as the To launch the Game Boy Color, to the first game’s top-down portable games ever, Nintendo greatest game ever, Ocarina of Nintendo remade its hit Link’s view, and featured two managed to squeeze the Zelda Time rendered Link in 3D for his Awakening in full colour and works – light and dark. It is formula onto a Game Boy cartridge. N64 debut. It’s been re-released a with an extra dungeon. also available to download via Link must wake the Wind Fish to few times and can be downloaded It is available to download the Wii Virtual Console. escape Koholint Island. via the Wii Virtual Console. now via the Nintendo eShop.

2003 2003 2005 2005

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: WIND WAKER A LINK TO THE PAST FOUR SWORDS ADVENTURES THE MINISH CAP This acclaimed GameCube game & FOUR SWORDS Four Swords’ sequel was a Finally Zelda fans could find out boasted beautiful cel-shaded Four Swords was the first GameCube release. Up to four how Link got his iconic green hat. visuals. In the adventure Link took ever multiplayer Zelda game players could use the Game Boy Our hero shrinks down to to the seas to save his sister, and and was introduced as part of Advance as a controller and a miniature size in a game that discovered the lost kingdom of the remake of A Link To The second screen to defeat Shadow acted as a prequel to the Hyrule in the process. Past on . Link and the real villain, Ganon. two Four Swords games.

2009 2011 2011 2011

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SPIRIT TRACKS OCARINA OF TIME 3D FOUR SWORDS: SKYWARD SWORD Zelda’s body has been taken, The 1998 classic is back on ANNIVERSARY EDITION The biggest Zelda game ever leaving just her spirit behind. Nintendo 3DS. Fans and This game is an updated version will include Wii MotionPlus Link must team up with the newcomers can rediscover the of the original Four Swords. controls when it is released on princess in this sequel to epic adventure in remarkable 3D, It is available to download November 18th. It acts as a Phantom Hourglass, which with improved visuals and the for free via the Nintendo prequel to Ocarina of Time and swaps boats for steam trains. addition of the Master Quest. eShop for both DSi and 3DS. boasts fully orchestrated music.

www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 11 INTERVIEW: ROGER LANGFORD, NINTENDO

Sky’s the limit Nintendo has been celebrating Zelda’s 25 years with re-releases, remakes, a symphony concert tour and an all-new blockbuster adventure. Junior product manager Roger Langford runs us through the celebrations

Who are you targeting with your of Four Swords Anniversary Edition. Is it getting a suitably big most anticipated Zelda game ever is Zelda celebrations? This offers everyone a chance to play marketing push? out on November 18th. We wanted to ensure that every fan one of the rarer Zelda titles. Simply log Skyward Sword has been hotly could experience the celebrations in onto the DSiWare store on your 3DS anticipated since its initial reveal at You have also taken Zelda on tour, some way. The 25th Anniversary or DSi console and download. E3 2010 and since then excitement how has that been received? also offers the chance for newcomers for the game has been building. We We gained nothing but positive to experience the The Legend of What makes The Legend of Zelda: started the marketing activity in feedback about our 25th Zelda franchise for the first time. Skyward Sword so special? August coinciding with the launch Anniversary stand from GAMEfest, It represents one of the deepest date announcement, including Eurogamer Expo as well as our In what way do the celebrations and richest game experiences ever takeovers across all major gaming Zelda 25th Anniversary takeover at offer newcomers a chance? produced by Nintendo, taking more websites to herald the release date GameCity. It is important to give The re-release of Ocarina of Time on than 100 staff over five years to build. and also inform fans of the Limited fans a chance to experience 3DS gives fans an opportunity to Skyward Sword lets players guide Edition Gold Wii Remote Plus. Skyward Sword as early as possible experience one of the greatest games Link on a journey that blends Since then we have continued our so we can get the positive word of ever all over again with enhanced intense ground- online push with MPUs running mouth out there. graphics and improved controls. based adventures from September, across all major The culmination of the anniversary with breathtaking gaming sites. We have also had a What were your thoughts of the celebrations is of course the release exploration above host of print ads in all major gaming Zelda concert last month? of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward the clouds. publications such as Edge, The 25th Anniversary Symphony Sword on Wii. This all- For the first GamesTM and GamesMaster. was a magical experience for those new adventure time in a Zelda For the launch we’ll be broadening that were lucky enough to attend. takes players to game you can use out the campaign with 60- and 40- To have the Royal Philharmonic the start of the Wii MotionPlus second TV ads. The ad will be in the Orchestra performing such iconic Zelda timeline technology to most prominent of TV spots from themes was amazing to witness. Mr. to learn experience a the week of launch for two weeks. Aonuma and Mr. Kondo also being how these unique combat We also have one of our biggest in attendance was a treat for adventures system. At launch ever online campaigns for launch, everyone. We had over 80 media came to be. we have a limited which will include taking over all attend from various outlets across Everyone can edition bundle major gaming sites as well portals Europe, which will translate into join in with the free containing a gold such as IMDB and Sky Sports to some excellent PR coverage for the DSiWare download Wii Remote Plus. ensure that all gamers know the event and the Zelda franchise.

12 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com RECOMMENDED Your retail product guide to the latest and upcoming Zelda releases, including Skyward Sword

p14 THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD The biggest ever Legend of Zelda is finally here

16 OCARINA OF TIME 3D The 1998 classic returns with new visuals and the Master / Quest mode on 3DS 10 10 17 TWILIGHT PRINCESS The 2006 smash hit epic is back on Wii as a part of “A triumph” Nintendo’s Selects range

17 DOWNLOADABLE GAMES Link’s Awakening, Four Swords: Anniversary Edition and more are available to download

www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 13 RECOMMENDED: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD

NINTENDO’S most beloved franchise makes its triumphant return to consoles. After a number of successful handheld quests, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is Link’s first Wii adventure since Twilight Princess, which debuted alongside the Wii in 2006. Now, gamers can return to the land of Hyrule in the most immersive Zelda to date. Using the Wii MotionPlus add-on, Skyward Sword grants fans direct, one-to-one control over their sword, bow, boomerang and more. Every strike, every shot and every motion will depend on the player’s skill. “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword shakes up the tried-and-true formula and marks a turning point for the franchise,” says Nintendo’s UK junior product manager Roger Langford. “The introduction of full motion controls enabled by Wii MotionPlus technology synchronises player movements with Link’s actions while offering the most intuitive play control in the series to date.”

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Skyward Sword takes Link and Zelda on a brand new quest that sets up the events of the critically acclaimed Ocarina of Time. The pair start in the mystical Skyloft, a town that floats above the cloud. When Zelda is kidnapped, Link must scour the world below in order to rescue her. His journey will take him through deep forests, across scorching deserts and into the series’ trademark puzzle-laden dungeons. Nintendo also says it is the biggest Zelda to date. As if the substance of this new Zelda game wasn’t enough, Skyward Sword is a beautiful game. It is presented in a glorious watercolour-esque art style, blending the cel shading of The Wind Waker and the realism of Twilight Princess. The Legend of Zelda: Already the critics are raving about Nintendo’s new adventure. Edge called Skyward Sword ‘A triumph,’ awarding the title a rare Skyward Sword 10/10 score. And with huge demand and a big marketing campaign in the works, The smash-hit franchise returns in this striking new Wii adventure retail can expect Skyward Sword to be the most legendary Zelda yet.

14 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com RECOMMENDED: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD

[INFO]

Released: November 18th

Formats: Wii

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo

Distributor: Open LEGENDARY BUNDLE Contact: Nintendo has prepared a special 01753 483700 bundle for Zelda fans. The SKU features a copy of the game and a golden Wii RemotePlus, which also bears a Zelda-themed decal. The initial production run will also include the 25th Anniversary Symphony CD.

ZELDA: THE PREQUEL Skyward Sword acts as a predecessor to the world’s greatest game – Ocarina of Time. The original N64 classic was remade earlier this year for Nintendo 3DS and reached No.2 in the Chart-Track Top 40. You can read more about it on page 16.

CRITICAL LOVE Already The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is receiving huge critical praise. Official Nintendo gave the game a 98 per cent, while Edge awarded the title a 10/10– only the fourteenth time the publication has ever awarded a perfect score. www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 15 RECOMMENDED: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME 3D

[INFO]

Released: The Legend of Zelda: Out now Formats: 3DS

Publisher: Ocarina of Time 3D Nintendo Developer: The greatest game of all time is available now on Nintendo 3DS Distributor: Open

Contact: 01753 483700

LEGENDARY STATUS Ocarina of Time is widely seen as ‘the greatest game of all time,’ but Ocarina of Time 3D is no pale imitation. The game is the highest rated 3DS title with a 94 Metacritic score. Eurogamer awarded the 3DS title 10/10 saying that it “is one of the greatest things that video games have ever achieved.” Official Nintendo Magazine went with 98, saying “It is nothing short of magical.”

WHEN WRITING about a game “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of considered to be one of the greatest Time 3D takes one of the greatest of all time, it’s easy to hark on about games ever produced and adds a sales and ignore the finer details. host of new features, making it an But to do that to Nintendo 64’s incredible experience for fans as 1998 release Ocarina of Time would well as the perfect entry point into do the game an injustice. Whether the world of Zelda for newcomers.” its riding a horse across the field of Hyrule or pulling the Master Sword STANDING THE TEST OF TIME from its stone, the game is full of The original Ocarina of Time was magical moments that make it a Christmas No.1 and has the true action adventure spectacle. highest ever Metacritic Gameplay is a blend of sword- score of 99. based combat, exploration, puzzle- Ocarina of solving and collecting, with an array Time 3D has of weapons to discover – including a followed in that game’s footsteps, Hookshot that launches protagonist selling over 1m units by the end of Link up to out-of-reach ledges. its first month and boasting a Earlier this year Nintendo brought Metacritic rating of 94. It debuted Ocarina of Time to 3DS with revised at No.2 in the Chart-Track All 3D graphics, touch screen and Formats Charts, with 20 per cent of functionality, as well as the handheld’s userbase buying Challenge and Master Quest game in its first two days. modes for more experienced players Still going strong, even after 13 – all running at 30 frames per second. years, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Nintendo UK junior product of Time 3D is an essential purchase manager Roger Langford tells MCV: for any 3DS owner.

16 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com RECOMMENDED: TWILIGHT PRINCESS & DOWNLOADABLE GAMES

FREE UNTIL FEB 20TH The Legend of Zelda: Downloadable games Publisher Nintendo has a range of Zelda titles available Twilight Princess over its downloadable services

The iconic Wii launch title returns at a new lower price FOR THE online savvy Zelda fan, Released: Nintendo has a range of titles Out Now TWILIGHT PRINCESS remains one Released: available to download. Out Now Publisher: of the best Wii games. Via the Wii Virtual Console Nintendo Released as both a launch title for Publisher: gamers can get their hands on the Wii releases and the swansong for Nintendo first five home console Zelda Developer: Nintendo GameCube, Twilight Princess adventures – The Legend of Zelda, bowled over critics. Its Metacritic Developer: Zelda II, A Link To The Past, Ocarina Nintendo Distributor: score is 95. Eurogamer called it “an of Time and Majora’s Mask. Nintendo eShop incredible game, with so many peaks Distributor: And this year Nintendo has added and so many magic moments.” Open two more to the collection for 3DS The adventure boasts a more Contact: and DSi – The Legend of Zelda: Four realistic visual style to its predecessor 01753 483700 Swords: Anniversary Edition and the – the equally excellent Wind Waker, hit Game Boy title Link’s Awakening. and features horseback combat for Link’s Awakening is a faithful port the first time. Link can also of the Game Boy Color remake, transform into a wolf, with the Wii which boasts an extra dungeon and edition boasting motion functionality colour palette. Meanwhile Four for aiming weapons and combat. Swords is an updated version of the The story centres on a young original GBA hit. farm boy named Link, who ends up Players must either control two on a quest to rescue Hyrule from an heroes in single-player, or team up evil darkness. He has to travel to the with up to four friends to defeat Twilight Realm and scour the land the evil Vaati. with the help of a mysterious ally, a This Anniversary Edition features girl named . a range of new stages and modes, Nintendo has now brought the including levels based on previous classic back to retail as one of its Zelda games in ‘The Realm of titles. Players who Twilight Memories’, and fans can also test Princess is missed out first time, and who have their skills in ‘The Hero’s Trail’. now part of had their interest piqued by the Nintendo’s Best of all the game is free until 25th Anniversary celebrations, can value-priced February 20th 2012, so is an added Link’s Awakening is available exclusively pick up the game from around £14.99. Selects range reason for fans to pick up a 3DS or DSi. on 3DS via Virtual Console www.mcvuk.com November 7th 2011 17 OFF THE RECORD

Nintendo takes The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword on tour, first to GAMEfest and Eurogamer Expo, then to the Golden Joystick Awards, before joining in the celebrations at the 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert in London

ZELDA ON TOUR Nintendo has taken Zelda on tour this year, visiting consumer shows such as GAMEfest and Eurogamer Expo (pictured). As you’d expect from the avid fans, many turned up in Link and Zelda garb to play Skyward Sword and Ocarina of Time 3D. They could even win their very own Ocarina (of Time), although playing it didn’t let them travel forwards in time until Skyward Sword’s launch day, despite their efforts (right).

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC Following a worldwide tour, the Zelda 25th Anniversary Concert reached its climax at the London Hammersmith Apollo last month. Thousands of THE GOLDEN DEKU STICKS dedicated (and dressed up) fans Green hats, a Zelda exhibition, demo queued for hours to hear Koji Kondo’s pods and a Link statue were the star epic scores performed by the London attractions at the Golden Joystick Philharmonic Orchestra. Kondo after party last month. Most unusual himself performed a piano solo, was the wall of steam attendees had celebrity fan Zelda Williams presented to walk through, which had a Skyward the event, while Eiji Aonuma also Sword trailer projected onto it. made an appearance.

18 November 7th 2011 www.mcvuk.com