With the hype surrounding Majora’s Mask 3D finally being a reality, we as fans are starting to learn a little more behind the scenes information regarding a fan favorite title.
Speaking with Game Informer, The Legend of Zelda series producer Eiji Aounuma expanded on the concept of the 3-Day system implemented in Majora’s Mask, that was hit or miss with some fans.
It certainly was a big move to go to this three-day cycle as opposed to a more traditional Zelda, but we felt it was going to be different and very stimulating for people who had played Ocarina. However, we were also concerned about possibly confusing players who were new to the Zelda series. That was always on my mind. We knew we were facing a very short development cycle for this game – it was really only one year from start to end. We wanted to make sure that we were bringing out a new vision – something that was very different, rather than working on a short development cycle to just rehash older game-play concepts. That was something very important to me and why I felt we needed to make a big move.
Game Informer also posed the question to Aonuma regarding how he got his start in video game design. Aonuma cites A Link to the Past as a driving force behind his desire to make his own games, having previously worked as an artist for Nintendo.
When asked how he ended up in charge of the Zelda series, Aonuma stated that he had directed a few Japan-only games that were similar to Zelda. It wasn’t until a conversation with series creator Miyamoto where Aonuma learned Miyamoto had noticed his work and said to him “You know – if you want to make a Zelda game, maybe you should just come over to that team and make a Zelda game.”
Though most of us fans are busy enjoying the updated Majora’s Mask 3D, we’re still eagerly awaiting what Mr. Aonuma and Mr. Miyamoto will present to us with the upcoming Zelda Wii U.
On a personal note, I find it fascinating that Mr. Aonuma started at Nintendo as only an artist and has worked his way up to being a producer of my favorite series. He is someone I appreciate for sharing the same passion for The Legend of Zelda and providing a new fantasy adventure every few years.
What are your thoughts about the 3-Day system fans? Still hate it? Tell us in the comments below!
