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Zelda Director Apologizes For Ocarina Water Temple, Hints At Link Taking Flight
It's almost impossible for any gamer to dispute the development mastery that brought the classic 2D Zelda gameplay to the third dimension. It set the standard for all 3D action/adventure games to come, and introduced genre standards like lock-on aiming (touted as "Z-targeting" back then). However, if you asked gamers to name one thing they disliked about it, you'll most likely hear the same answer from most - the Water Temple. It was a pain to constantly raise and lower the water levels, and even more of a pain to keep putting on and taking off the Iron Boots. Director Eiji Aonuma seems to agree with this sentiment, apologizing in a recent interview.
"I am most sorry that it was not easy for you to put on and take off the heavy boots, that all the time you had to visit the inventory. I am very sorry about that. I should have made it much easier to switch to the heavy boots," Aonuma said.
Most gamers probably won't have a problem accepting his apology, considering the reverence Ocarina is still given today. Later in the interview, Aonuma drops a possible hint regarding Link's mode of transportation in the new Wii Zelda:
"I have an eight-year-old son myself at home, and quite recently he started playing The Phantom Hourglass for DS, because when the software first hit the market he was too young. When he started playing with the boat, I told him: 'In the next Zelda, you are going to be able to ride on the train.' He answered: 'OK, Dad, first boat, and then train? Surely next time, Link is going to fly in the sky...'" Aonuma continues, "I just don't know. If many people make many speculations...some of them might be correct. Right now, I have to refrain from commenting on anything."
What do you think? A subtle hint at a future ability for Link, or just a simple anecdote about his son?
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