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[Aquamarine]

For reference:

Legend of Zelda Game Directors:

Zelda NES - Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka
Zelda 2 NES - Tadashi Sugiyama, Yoichi Yamada

Link to the Past SNES - Takashi Tezuka
Link's Awakening GB - Takashi Tezuka
Ocarina of Time N64 - Shigeru Miyamoto
Majora's Mask N64 - Eiji Aonuma, Yoshiaki Koizumi

Oracle of Seasons / Ages GBC - Hidemaro Fujibayashi
Link to the Past / Four Swords GBA - Yoichi Yamada, Hidemaro Fujibayashi
Wind Waker GC - Eiji Aonuma
Four Swords Adventures GC - Toshiaki Suzuki
Minish Cap GBA - Hidemaro Fujibayashi

Twilight Princess Wii - Eiji Aonuma
Phantom Hourglass DS - Daiki Iwamoto
Spirit Tracks DS - Daiki Iwamoto
Skyward Sword Wii - Hidemaro Fujibayashi

Ocarina of Time 3DS - Shun Moriya, Mikiharu Ooiwa, Hiroyuki Kuwata
Wind Waker Wii U - Daiki Iwamoto

 

[DaBoss]

In Koizumi, I trust.

 

[Lightning Lord]

Look at what happened when Aonuma wasn't a director. We got Skyward Sword, the weakest 3D entry yet. I still think Aonuma has it, just needs to get back to his creative roots that inspired MM.

Skyward Sword was directed by the same person who brought us the Oracle games and The Minish Cap, which many people love. I really don't think you can simply blame all of this on one person, especially since there are plenty of people who do like SS.

 

[Shikamaru Ninja]

Pikmin 3?

Nope. Probably something from the GameCube or N64 era. Although he really worked by managing and making decisions even in that era.

 

[gngf123]

This is a delicious thought. Aonuma Mario in return perhaps.

IIRC, Koizumi and Aonuma actually discussed this idea before. The conversation basically went like this:

Koizumi: Maybe we could swap roles one day. I make a Zelda game and you make a Mario game.
Aonuma: No way (firmly).

Someone might be able to track down the Iwata Asks I remember that from.

 

[Valjean Lafitte]

Aonuma has yet to make a bad Zelda game, and based on a lot of what we've seen/read i think he's got a great vision for it, really looking forward to details on this one



ah, didn't realize he'd done both...yeah, i'm down for that! loved the crap out of them.



whycantwehaveboth.jif
for real, if you want one without the other, play another series. those elements are exactly new.

Yes, I'll do that. I'll just abandon the Zelda series completely and not even replay anything post-Majora, least of all Twilight Princess which actually didn't have any overly cutesy colorful elements and was incidentally one of the best selling Zelda games. How dare I wish 3D Zelda to be steered closer to its roots.

 

[Muchi Muchi Pink]

Nope. Probably something from the GameCube or N64 era. Although he really worked by managing and making decisions even in that era.

I was soooo sure it's Miyamotos baby. Interesting.

 

[Brera]

Nintendo need to get this dinosaur away from the games and young blood as soon as possible. He was a legend but he's clearly lost his way.

I year for the guy that did Mario World, Yoshi's Island, LttP etc.

That dude died with 2D :-(

 

[evilromero]

So, just like every 3D Zelda game ever.

I don't really recall there being ANY controversy with OoT.

 

[Brainiac 8]

Damn, you don't play many games do you, lol.

Or maybe he just liked Skyward Sword that much. C'mon son.

 

[Acosta]

We need Koizumi, and we need him now.

It won't happen now he is producer and chained to Mario forever.

 

[Berordn]

I don't really recall there being ANY controversy with OoT.

"It's just ALTTP in 3D."

 

[Aquamarine]

Nintendo need to get this dinosaur away from the games and young blood as soon as possible. He was a legend but he's clearly lost his way.

I year for the guy that did Mario World, Yoshi's Island, LttP etc.

That dude died with 2D :-(

Takashi Tezuka was a beast back in the day. Just look at these credentials:

Super Mario Bros. (1985) — Assistant Director, Game Designer
Super Mario Bros. 2 (The Lost Levels) (1986) – Director, Game Designer
The Legend of Zelda (1986) — Director, Game Designer, and Writer
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) — Director, Game Designer
Super Mario World (1990) — Director
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) — Director
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993) — Director
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995) — Director
Super Mario 64 (1996) — Assistant Director

I just wish he'd come back and direct more titles today, instead of staying perched as a "general producer."

 

[mugurumakensei]

I don't really recall there being ANY controversy with OoT.

In truth, OoT was a bit too safe. It was essentially Link to the Past in 3D.

 

[Valjean Lafitte]

Nintendo need to get this dinosaur away from the games and young blood as soon as possible. He was a legend but he's clearly lost his way.

I year for the guy that did Mario World, Yoshi's Island, LttP etc.

That dude died with 2D :-(

Harsh, but maybe partly true. I somewhat doubt that the Miyamoto of today could make another Yoshi's Island (but that doesn't mean that there isn't anyone else at Nintendo who could).

 

[The Boat]

In truth, OoT was a bit too safe. It was essentially Link to the Past in 3D.

Safe? Jesus Christ, you realize how ambitious the game was? It shares many ALttP's traits, but it was in no way safe.

 

[L~A]

You're wrong Miyamoto. Aonuma still needs you. He needs you to get him working on something else than Zelda for once. More than 15 years non-stop working on the same series... I hate when a developer is stuck like that. And I'm not blaming him or anything, I just much prefer when a developer can work on what they want to, instead of what they need.

 

[trinest]

For reference:

Legend of Zelda Game Directors:

Zelda NES - Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka
Zelda 2 NES - Tadashi Sugiyama, Yoichi Yamada

Link to the Past SNES - Takashi Tezuka
Link's Awakening GB - Takashi Tezuka
Ocarina of Time N64 - Shigeru Miyamoto
Majora's Mask N64 - Eiji Aonuma, Yoshiaki Koizumi

Oracle of Seasons / Ages GBC - Hidemaro Fujibayashi
Link to the Past / Four Swords GBA - Yoichi Yamada, Hidemaro Fujibayashi
Wind Waker GC - Eiji Aonuma
Four Swords Adventures GC - Toshiaki Suzuki
Minish Cap GBA - Haruki Suetsugu

Twilight Princess Wii - Eiji Aonuma
Phantom Hourglass DS - Daiki Iwamoto
Spirit Tracks DS - Daiki Iwamoto
Skyward Sword Wii - Hidemaro Fujibayashi

Ocarina of Time 3DS - Shun Moriya, Mikiharu Ooiwa, Hiroyuki Kuwata
Wind Waker Wii U - Daiki Iwamoto

So we need Hidemaro Fujibayashi and Daiki Iwamoto away from Zelda.

 

[evilromero]

In truth, OoT was a bit too safe. It was essentially Link to the Past in 3D.

I'm not sure if either of you were alive when OoT actually came out, but none of the reviews I read at the time criticized the game for being too much like aLttP.

 

[Gunpei]

Eiji doesn't need you, Shigsy. Problem is, you need him.

 

[Valjean Lafitte]

Safe? Jesus Christ, you realize how ambitious the game was? It shares many ALttP's traits, but it was in no way safe.

Indeed. A "safe" 3D Link to the Past would look more like Link to the Past 3DS and not have the dynamic camera angles, revolutionary targeting system, etc..that OoT has. The similarities pretty much begin and end with the Dark World/Light World/time travel comparisons and that both games have Kakariko Village.

 

[LeleSocho]

Out of interest, what was the last game that Miyamoto was 100% in charge of? I know he keeps an eye on pretty much everything these days, but it feels like it's been a while since I've played a 'Miyamoto game'.

Super Mario 64 was the last time Miyamoto is listed as Game Director after that it's only Producer/Supervisor. Yes even in Ocarina of Time.

 

[Muchi Muchi Pink]

You're wrong Miyamoto. Aonuma still needs you. He needs you to get him working on something else than Zelda for once. More than 15 years non-stop working on the same series... I hate when a developer is stuck like that. And I'm not blaming him or anything, I just much prefer when a developer can work on what they want to, instead of what they need.

Maybe he loves Zelda as much as Kojima loves MGS.

 

[NewGame]

I am... I...

I think this is OK?

I mean, I'd like to see Zelda with a new spin. But like this?

 

[mugurumakensei]

I'm not sure if either of you were alive when OoT actually came out, but none of the reviews I read at the time criticized the game for being too much like aLttP.

I am aware. I have a pre-ordered copy of the N64 release (gold cartridge.) I'm looking at it retrospectively in comparison with other 3D Zeldas. It's definitely the safest. It had amazing scope, but mechanically and story wise it's very very safe.

 

[Brera]

For reference:

Legend of Zelda Game Directors:

Zelda NES - Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka
Zelda 2 NES - Tadashi Sugiyama, Yoichi Yamada

Link to the Past SNES - Takashi Tezuka
Link's Awakening GB - Takashi Tezuka
Ocarina of Time N64 - Shigeru Miyamoto
Majora's Mask N64 - Eiji Aonuma, Yoshiaki Koizumi

Oracle of Seasons / Ages GBC - Hidemaro Fujibayashi
Link to the Past / Four Swords GBA - Yoichi Yamada, Hidemaro Fujibayashi
Wind Waker GC - Eiji Aonuma
Four Swords Adventures GC - Toshiaki Suzuki
Minish Cap GBA - Haruki Suetsugu

Twilight Princess Wii - Eiji Aonuma
Phantom Hourglass DS - Daiki Iwamoto
Spirit Tracks DS - Daiki Iwamoto
Skyward Sword Wii - Hidemaro Fujibayashi

Ocarina of Time 3DS - Shun Moriya, Mikiharu Ooiwa, Hiroyuki Kuwata
Wind Waker Wii U - Daiki Iwamoto

So basically we need less Miyamoto and Aonuma and more Tezuka

 

[Valjean Lafitte]

Maybe he loves Zelda as much as Kojima loves MGS.

Kojima would hate the first Metal Gear game if that comparison were true. Luckily for Metal Gear fans its not.

So basically we need less Miyamoto and Aonuma and more Tezuka

.

Spoiler

And Koizumi, of course

I am aware. I have a pre-ordered copy of the N64 release (gold cartridge.) I'm looking at it retrospectively in comparison with other 3D Zeldas. It's definitely the safest. It had amazing scope, but mechanically and story wise it's very very safe.

If a "safe' story involves a basic story of a princess being kidnapped by an evil wizard and a kingdom being thrown into despair then maybe Zelda needs more safety.

 

[Acosta]

So we need Hidemaro Fujibayashi and Daiki Iwamoto away from Zelda.

Fujibayashi directed one of the finest Zelda there is it, so no. We need him back to handheld Zelda instead of the big behemoth.

 

[evilromero]

So basically we need less Miyamoto and Aonuma and more Tezuka

He did make TP and MM, so he's been doing fine. It's just the director of the DS games and SS that needs to go.

 

[trinest]

My theory is that the people who dislike Skyward Sword the most are the ones that want the series to return to the "swords n' sorcery" style of games like Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time.

More this and this

than this and this

More bad-ass, less lame-ass. Its not so hard to not put useless and off-putting cutesy crap in a series that's largely about saving a princess from a demonic pig wizard.



Yup. Now if only someone had the balls to tell Miyamoto that..

The issues on Skyward Sword are not based on characterisation. The issues come from the fact its a badly designed game. Who ever had final say on the overworld been a dungeon game design idea needs to be sacked. It was a very underworked rushed idea, which deprived the games universe of any spunk and imagination.

That and motion controls where a hit and miss for some things.

 

[EmCeeGramr]

Kojima would hate the first Metal Gear game if that comparison were true. Luckily for Metal Gear fans its not.

Kojima's pretty much retconned the entire story from MG1 and MG2 except for their basic plot outlines and has said that he really doesn't want to revisit or remake them.

 

[Brera]

He did make TP and MM, so he's been doing fine. It's just the director of the DS games and SS that needs to go.

OoT was borderline acceptable but every Zelda since has been worst.

So I dont know how he's doing better.

 

[The Boat]

The issues on Skyward Sword are not based on characterisation. The issues come from the fact its a badly designed game. Who ever had final say on the overworld been a dungeon game design idea needs to be sacked. It was a very underworked rushed idea, which deprived the games universe of any spunk and imagination.

That and motion controls where a hit and miss for some things.

No. No. No. Just no. Everything about this is wrong.

OoT was borderline acceptable but every Zelda since has been worst.

So I dont know how he's doing better.

Oh Brera, never change.

 

[Valjean Lafitte]

Kojima's pretty much retconned the entire story from MG1 and MG2 except for their basic plot outlines and has said that he really doesn't want to revisit or remake them.

Then I stand corrected. Its a shame he did that, they're still really great games.

No. No. No. Just no. Everything about this is wrong.

Oh Brera, never change.

Wait what? You're saying it was a good idea to ditch the overworld in favor of a hub?

 

[Aquamarine]

So we need Hidemaro Fujibayashi and Daiki Iwamoto away from Zelda.

Directors have a MASSIVE say in the creative design and execution of a product.
Producers can be more involved at times, but they're more the rubber stamp than the ideas guy.

So yes, I agree. Daiki Iwamoto is not the right fit for the Zelda franchise.

Take a look at this:

Iwamoto felt that Spirit Tracks should not be too "The Legend of Zelda-like", citing an argument that occurred that the train was not a good fit for the series. This argument had several people wondering if the train should be changed to something else. However, Iwamoto and others convinced the staff to stick with this idea.

 

[jwhit28]

So basically we need less Miyamoto and Aonuma and more Tezuka

Tezuka has been busy with the 2D and 3D Mario.

I think the setting and transformations in Majora's Mask are cool, but the dungeons (what few there were) were subpar. The Stone Tower was the only high spot. Wind Waker's weren't much better, but Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword's have been great. I'd like to see them keep heading down the course they are on.

I know there are a lot of people that see dungeons as the boring part though.

 

[CentralScrutinizer]

The issues on Skyward Sword are not based on characterisation. The issues come from the fact its a badly designed game. Who ever had final say on the overworld been a dungeon game design idea needs to be sacked. It was a very underworked rushed idea, which deprived the games universe of any spunk and imagination.

That and motion controls where a hit and miss for some things.

The motion controls were fine. The world design decisions was bogus. SS was great, but the world felt like separate levels, not something to organically discover through exploration, which is what Zelda is about.

 

[Acosta]

Tezuka is the general manager of EAD, he is not going to go down to the trenches to design a new Zelda in a million of years.

 

[evilromero]

OoT was borderline acceptable but every Zelda since has been worst.

So I dont know how he's doing better.

I would be sad if we didn't get something like MM or TP again.

 

[Valjean Lafitte]

BS Iwamoto said

Oh fuck this guy if he said that. And here I was wrongly placing all the blame for that crap on Aonuma.

 

[trinest]

No. No. No. Just no. Everything about this is wrong.

I like the idea, don't get me wrong. But the execution was a disaster.

The motion controls were fine. The world design decisions was bogus. SS was great, but the world felt like separate levels, not something to organically discover through exploration, which is what Zelda is about.

My issues with motion controls are far and few, and more "oh this didn't work for Y or X" rather then the whole system been a disaster.

But yes I think you get my issue with the overworld design idea. Zelda should be about a strong mythology and exploration. Skyward Sword had the setup, but no execution.

 

[IrishNinja]

Aquamarine with the super-helpful post! i wish i remembered more of those names in threads like this, thanks for that

Yes, I'll do that. I'll just abandon the Zelda series completely and not even replay anything post-Majora, least of all Twilight Princess which actually didn't have any overly cutesy colorful elements and was incidentally one of the best selling Zelda games. How dare I wish 3D Zelda to be steered closer to its roots.

tingle's been around for ages. you're talking about a game where an elven boy is often followed by a fairy, and is routinely attacked by armies of chickens for disrespecting their people. did the animals in Link's Awakening somehow ruin the experience for you?

if there's something you don't like about SS, i'm guessing it's larger than an oversized penguin thing you deal with for a total of like 15 minutes of the game. i mean, your "roots" comment implies far more than you're singling out here.

Oh fuck this guy if he said that. And here I was wrongly placing all the blame for that crap on Aonuma.

also, why would experimentation - especially on the handheld titles - be bad? you realize one of the fan complaints is how things got formulaic, yeah?

 

[Brera]

Takashi Tezuka was a beast back in the day. Just look at these credentials:

Super Mario Bros. (1985) — Assistant Director, Game Designer
Super Mario Bros. 2 (The Lost Levels) (1986) – Director, Game Designer
The Legend of Zelda (1986) — Director, Game Designer, and Writer
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) — Director, Game Designer
Super Mario World (1990) — Director
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) — Director
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993) — Director
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995) — Director
Super Mario 64 (1996) — Assistant Director

I just wish he'd come back and direct more titles today, instead of staying perched as a "general producer."

Turns out he was the ace in the hole not Miyamoto! Those are the games that made Nintendo for me!

All this time I was yearning for Miyamoto to go back to his SNES glory days when really it wasn't him at all!

Koji Kondo needs to do more music! Galaxy had the best soundtrack in a Nintendo gae ever though!

 

[Ein Bear]

Super Mario 64 was the last time Miyamoto is listed as Game Director after that it's only Producer/Supervisor. Yes even in Ocarina of Time.

Damn, has it really been that long? Cheers for the info, I thought he's been directing games up through to the original Pikmin at least. That's crazy.

 

[TwEE-N-Toast]

My theory is that the people who dislike Skyward Sword the most are the ones that want the series to return to the "swords n' sorcery" style of games like Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time.

More this and this

than this and this

More bad-ass, less lame-ass. Its not so hard to not put useless and off-putting cutesy crap in a series that's largely about saving a princess from a demonic pig wizard.



Yup. Now if only someone had the balls to tell Miyamoto that..

That's a huge part of it for me. Seeing those goofy looking Crash Bandicoot mole men was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.

 

[khaaan]

Then I stand corrected. Its a shame he did that, they're still really great games.



Wait what? You're saying it was a good idea to ditch the overworld in favor of a hub?

Nothing wrong with a hub, it just needs more life to it that what Skyward Sword had.

 

[Sendou]

Miyamoto bashing is even more amusing right now than usual considering that we're coming fresh from Pikmin 3.

 

[IrishNinja]

RUINING MY MATURE ZELDA EXPERIENCE SINCE '93

 

[manueldelalas]

Good thing he doesn't need Miyamoto, now fire Aonuma please.

 

[Brera]

You mean the game that saved the WiiU?

Pikmin changed nothing!