Nintendo’s surprise reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes for the Nintendo 3DS was just a month ago at E3, and not much has been heard about it since then. Thankfully, GameInformer had a chance to talk with Hiromasa Shikata, the director of Tri Force Heroes, at E3. Much of what is said in the interviews reaffirms a lot of what is already known, but their conversation does include a number of interesting tidbits.
Timeline Placement
There is often no clear idea of where a Zelda game takes place in the official timeline of the series unless Nintendo clarifies, and Tri Force Heroes is no exception. Last month, however, Julie Gagnon of Nintendo stated that the new title was not a part of the timeline. Shikata’s comments from the interview somewhat contradict her statement, instead suggesting that its inclusion in the timeline is just undecided.
The Zelda timeline is quite complicated if you look at the history of Zelda I think you can see there are three branches. I can’t really designate which one of those branches we’re looking at. […] We haven’t really settled on or said that.
This makes sense as gameplay comes first in Zelda games, and story is often a consequence of the gameplay. The timeline is usually an afterthought. Even seemingly less important Zelda games are a part of the chronology, so Tri Force Heroes may find its way into the canon eventually.
Tri Force Heroes could have been a Four Swords Games
Four players were originally considered for what would become Tri Force Heroes. This suggests that at . That is no surprise, but the reason why they were reduced to three is in part due to the Totem Time mechanic, in which the Links stand upon one another’s shoulders. Shikata believe that a four person totem was simply too tall. This reason was mentioned in the Nintendo E3 2015 Digital Event, but Shikata also makes it clear that Tri Force Heroes exists because he wanted to make a multiplayer; it was not the result of desiring a Four Swords sequel.
The inspiration for the game and the totem ability actual stems form Shikata’s work on The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.
There were times is Spirit Tracks when the Phantom could carry Link in order for him to reach targets and ledges in higher places, so it seems this is where the Totem Time was adapted from.
Why fashion is important
Link can wear a wide range of outfits in Tri Force Heroes. According to Shikata, the idea came from the Maiamai’s ability to upgrade items in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. There are many outfits that will enhance weapons in this new games, too, but there are also ones to provide Link himself with new abilities. the director wanted a way to physically show these upgrades rather than just selecting them, and the fashion was eventually incorporated into the story of the game.
When asked about outfit cameos from “other Nintendo franchises”, Shikata replied,
Like Mario? No. Stuff from the Zelda universe only.
It sounds like a missed opportunity, but perhaps there will be interesting callbacks to other characters throughout the Zelda series. There is already Zelda’s Dress. Maybe Link will get to dress like Tingle, too.
No voice chat
It no surprise that voice chat was left out, like Nintendo often does with its online game modes. Shikata has elaborated on the absence of voice chat, and the explanation is simple: Nintendo did not want more experienced players ordering amateurs around to solve puzzles, concerned that it would dampen the experience. Making voice chat optional may have fixed this problem, but the game will heavily rely on its icons that can be tapped to tell teammates what is needed. There is a variety of icons, so it may be easy to get a message across.
Shikata has not yet played The Legend of Zelda Wii U
At least he had not at the time of the interviews. Something we all hbackave in common with him.
The interview includes some background to Hiromasa Shikata’s history with the Zelda. You can read the it in its entirety here.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is due out for the Nintendo 3DS this fall.
