Nintendo has been tight lipped as usual about the new zelda game, however I guess there are little leaks here and there. I wasn't sure weather to report this one or not, because there really isn't much meat to it, however Producer Eiji Anouma recently commented to a French publication called Liberation that he is currently, "200% committed to the development of the new Zelda game. Shigeru Miyamoto's protege was slim on details about the game though. "The next episode in the Zelda series for GameCube is already coming, but I can't say absolutely anything about it," he explained. "You know the deal -- even the title and theme are still secret." This falls in line with Nintendo's official policy regarding it's first party titles. We really don't know much until the very end. But you would think they would at least release some more prerelease shots, so many games are doing that these days too keep fans happy.

A little bit about this game's connetion to the timeline was revealed when he said, "The next grand Zelda game, which follows chronologically after the Wind Waker, will be released at the end of 2005 in Japan," Aonuma admitted. The late 2005 release date in Japan would indicate that a simultaneous launch in the US could be planned. Quizzed for more specifics on the game, Aonuma held firm, but did say: "I can reveal one lone secret: it'll be very, very beautiful."

Aonuma also commented on a probable Legend of Zelda title for Nintendo DS. "There's no doubt about a Zelda game for the DS," he said. "In fact, know that our ideas for Four Swords have greatly contributed to the concept behind the DS." The producer also noted that his work on the GBA-based Four Swords influenced the direction of the DS. "The gameplay ideas we came up with for Four Swords provided examples on what kind of games would be possible on the Nintendo DS and what kind of advantages the double-screen would enable. It was all theoretical, but today we realize it's a pity -- a real shame -- that we haven't created a demonstration of a real, great Zelda game for DS."

Aonuma spoke briefly about his career additionally. The 40 year-old producer revealed that he had never touched a video game before he began work at Nintendo as a designer some 17 years ago. "My first experience playing a game was Zelda: A Link to the Past. A great memory that still influences me to this date." So what does the man who helped shape the Legend of Zelda series think of its faithful hero? "Link reminds me a lot of the little boy I just had: always happy, playful, and talented enough to get himself out of every situation."

THE ODYSSEY OF HYRULE