Eiji Aonuma Says He Doesn’t Look Back

The visual style of Zelda U has been a point of controversy and debate since the Wii U tech demo in 2011. After the tech demo, the demand for a mature and realistic Legend of Zelda game skyrocketed as fans saw the system’s capabilities. Now that we’ve gotten a look at Zelda U in all of its glory, the debate has begun as to the decisions made by Nintendo in the games style and design.

Many people wanted what they got from the tech demo, and their voice in social media expressed that desire very strongly. However, the new entry in the franchise has returned to the cel-shaded style of Skyward Sword, a visual style least desired by fans. There is no doubt that the new game looks beautiful, and the idea of an open world has got everyone ready to empty their wallets at their local GameStop or Best Buy. Social media and fan-created content shows both excitement and remorse for everything from the scope of the world to the question of a change in gender of the hero. So, why did Nintendo go with the vibrant, cel-shaded, anime-infused style? According to GenGAME’s recent interview with Aonuma-san, we may have found the answer.

In his interview, Aonuma-san stated that while sales are important for the company, he does not let sales influence the development in any way. When asked if a game’s success affected the type of Zelda games that he created, he responded by saying that he doesn’t look back to older titles when making a new one.

“I always want to create something unique, and the reason for that is not just because it makes for a more fun game experience once the game is completed, but as a creator it also makes things more interesting for my team and myself,” he stated. “We may have a basic concept in the beginning, but as we are working through those concepts, they are going to evolve. They are going to change. So that’s how that particular tech demo you saw early on has evolved to what you saw in the trailer.” — Eiji Aonuma

Does this mean that Aonuma-san is doing what he wants, regardless of the voice of the public? Or is his team simply enjoying the experience of making the game in hopes that the experience will evolve into a great game for everybody? Regardless of the truth we may never know, only time will tell if this game evolves into everything we want it to be.

What do you think of the new style? Do you think Aonuma-san is listening to his fans, or is he simply doing what he thinks is best? How do you feel about his disregard for previous sales when making a new game? Leave a comment below.