N-Query

If Miyamoto and Aonuma aren't directing the new Zelda, who is?

Tekknical Error

There has been a rumour going around that Tekken 5 game will be coming to gamecube and Xbox. Many people are saying now that it is fake and won't happen. If you put that rumour aside though wouldn't it make sense for namco to bring it over. Since Soul calibur 2 had great succes on on all 3 platforms??

Matt responds: Yeah. Makes sense. But it's not happening. Tekken 5 is a PS2 exclusive, at least for now.

Hearing More Voices

I also think it's also a bad decision to knock on MP2 because it has no voices. The only reason I think it was bad for the review to reflect this in this case is because Nintendo never said there was going to be voices in it. If Nintendo said there was going to be voices and they turned out to be crap, then yes, I do agree then voice acting should be a factor in the review, but since there never was an anouncement for voice acting, then the review shouldn't mention it. It's just like FFX. Square said there was going to be voices for the first time in the series, and they turned out to be alright. But even if there were no voices and just text, I don't think anybody would have made a fuss over there being no voices, and simply would have still judged the game on the story and how it was written. But overall, the review for MP2 was a good one and the game still kicks ass. Voices or no voices.

Matt responds: I'm not entirely sure I understand your point. It seems to me that by this logic, if Nintendo never announced that Metroid Prime 2 was going to be in color, it would be perfectly acceptable if the game turned out to be in black-and-white.

There was a time when voice acting in videogames was not a possibility, for a number of reasons. But that time has clearly passed. One look around at some of the videogames hitting the market is proof enough of that. There's really no reason why the Metroid franchise shouldn't be using voice work except to cling to tradition. You can't possibly argue that some of the cinematics, especially during the Ing attack on the Federation Troopers, wouldn't have been made more realistic with the addition of quality voice acting. Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that Carrot Top needs to provide the voice of Samus Aran. I'm not even saying that Samus needs to talk. She never has. I like the fact that she's a quiet heroine. But to barely hear so much as a scream as Federation Troopers are getting slaughtered just doesn't feel right, either. I would have much preferred some desperate shouts for help, at the very least. Such a simple addition would have helped make the cinematic that much more believable.

In the Director's Chair

who is gonna be the brains behind the new zela game for gamecube??? miyamato or aonuma Answer this question please

Matt responds: Neither, really. Well, at lost not directly. I believe both are acting as producers on the game. Nintendo has never officially gone into detail about the game's new director, but it's rumored to be one or both of the following: Misuhiro Takano and Hajime Takahashi. Takano co-directed the original 1080 snowboarding and was the scriptwriter for Majora's Mask. He's allegedly also responsible for the Space World 2000 demo of Zelda. Takahashi is credited with event and script planning for Majora's Mask, too.

Obviously, both Miyamoto and Aonuma will be provide input and assistance on the project.

The New Zelda

This is sort of a correlation between the MP2 review and speculation in regards to the new Zelda game coming out in 2005.

One of your commments in regard to MP2 was that it was "more of the same" to a certain extent, and that a few more drastic changes like dual-analog control would have been a welcome alteration to the game. With that in mind, what kinds of drastic changes or new features do you want to see implemented in the new Zelda game? I'm just interested to know what, in your opinion, would be great forward-moving decisions in regard to the next game.

Matt responds: Good question. Not an easy one to answer. Regardless, I'm sure Nintendo would be able to outdo any stupid idea I could come up with. That's definitely the hope. This is a big sequel. Probably the biggest and most anticipated Nintendo game this generation. There's a lot riding on it. What I will say is that I'm looking forward to some kind of innovation, of which the Zelda series has always been at the forefront. If this new Zelda turns out to be Ocarina of Time with prettier graphics and nothing else, I'll probably still love it, but I'll definitely have a point of complaint, too.

The new horseback fighting dynamic looks very promising. I can't wait to try it out. Certainly riding Epona around in Ocarina of Time was amazing, and to expand upon that will be great. But since you're asking for some specifics, I've always wanted Link to be able to ride an animal that flies. A dragon would be spectacular. And since it's all the rage in Halo 2, why not give Link the ability to dual-wield weapons? Imagine an expanded fight system where the hero could attack with both his Master Sword and Gilded Sword from Majora's Mask. I think that would be fantastic. I have to admit that I wouldn't at all mind seeing the return of Oni Link at one point during the game, either, as some kind of upgrade that Link acquires. I think just as importantly, it'd be great if Nintendo spent some time developing a story that is more than just saving Zelda again. Something deep and intelligent that's brought to life with some decent production values. Anyhoo, just some thoughts.

Metroid Sales

Hey Matt,

CNN reported that Halo 2 has sold faster than Take Two's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in the first 24 hours. Halo 2 sold 2.4 million copies on November 9, while GTA: San Andreas has sold 2.06 million copies in the first day on October 26.

Did Metroid Prime 2 - Echoes even come close to this? Anyway to find out the sales for the first 24 hours?

Thanks for the great site,
Brian

Matt responds: No figures yet. That stated, I don't think Metroid Prime 2 Echoes will even come close to those numbers. It's sad, really, because it's such a great sequel. But for whatever reason -- lack of decent Nintendo marketing, lack of hype, lack of interest, whatever -- the game just hasn't been as rabidly received as Halo 2 and GTA: San Andreas. I'm optimistically hoping that Prime 2 Echoes will do a million units through February, which would put it on mark with the original. I'd hate to see it take a dip in sales compared to the first, but my fear is that it might.

I'll hook everyone up with some data just as soon as I get it.