Gossip Stone: Is Zelda Almost Done With Remakes?

We have seen a substantial number of remakes of Zelda titles as of late. From 3D to HD, Ocarina of Time to Twilight Princess, we have been given new ways of playing some of our favorite action-adventure games of all time, with new hardware capable of making them even more beautiful than they once were. Twilight Princess HD‘s upcoming release will likely prove that Nintendo is still good at revitalizing older titles, but what comes next? Years from now, could we expect more remakes from the series? A few clues tell me that we can’t, but some others say otherwise.

Join the discussion after the jump!

10 years ago, we were given a title that quickly became one of the most beloved games in the Zelda series – a game with simple button-based controls (even the motion controls just acted as button inputs), a new and realistic graphics style, and an impact on the fandom that would have them talking about it for years. Just watch the reaction to Twilight Princess‘ 2004 debut trailer at E3, and tell me this game was not huge. A great series entry, indeed, and one worthy of a remake on its 10th anniversary. Similar praise can be given to the N64 titles and The Wind Waker, which also deserve their respective remakes. But now we have hit a bit of a… less impressive wall. the next games in the series were the two DS games, and then Skyward Sword. I think that we can all agree that Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks are not really “fan faves”, and while Skyward Sword got a lot of reviewer praise, I think that people have knocked it for far too long for it to be deemed worthy of a remake. In terms of series impact, these three are likely not getting the kind of attention Operation Rainfall did.

On a similar note, notice how I mentioned Twilight Princess‘ control scheme? That is very important when it comes to its ability to be remade. All four of the currently remade games had basic button-mashing controls that not only would translate well onto other consoles, but also had room for some new stuff like the 3DS and Wii U’s touch screen capabilities. Now, the DS games have been ported to the Wii U, but not the 3DS or New 3DS, this could leave room for a remake, but again, due to the fan reception, I doubt it. Then there is our new upcoming home console. With the NX spawning so many rumours as of late, it is hard to say what its new “gimmick” may be, but what we do know is that developers see it as not being a direct successor to the Wii U or Wii, so motion control could very well be out. This would mean that any chance Skyward Sword had of being seen as remake-worthy is rendered moot, as translating a game from 1:1 motion-controlled to button-based is likely impossible. Oh, and yes, I left out A Link Between Worlds, because as good as it is, not only could you call the game itself a remake of A Link to the Past, but does it really need a re-release of any kind?

All that being said, there is still a question of whether Nintendo could one day decide to overhaul the oldest Zelda entries. There are some that theorize Zelda Wii U as being a remake of The Legend of Zelda on NES, and while I hope to the goddesses that is not true (BRAND NEW game, please), I think something like that would be pretty cool. From the NES titles right up to the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, there are some that STILL have not played some of these fantastic classic. Seeing them made into something fresh and modern (or given great sequels, like A Link Between Worlds) could help newer fans enjoy them, and could breathe new life into the whole experience for those that loved them back in the day.

What do you guys think? Are the days of Zelda remakes all but over? If more come out, what games do you think would be remade? Drop a comment below!