Eiji Aonuma Says They Have to Make Sure Items in Zelda U Present a New Experience

All of us took note of the energy arrow Link used in the Zelda U reveal, and there has been a lot of speculation over what that technology could imply. While theories arise, reality is that Eiji Aonuma is truly just trying to find new and unique uses for age old items, all in an effort to create a new experience.

Ben: The trailer shown off for Zelda Wii U during the Nintendo digital event was very impressive and very intriguing, especially because there seemed to be a theme of technology with the monster with the mechanical arms and the lasers, and then the high-tech arrow at the end. What can you tell us about the theme or prevalence of technology in the upcoming Zelda?

Aonuma: It’s not as though this environment is more high tech than past Zeldas. If you remember, we’ve had statues in the past that had beams that shoot out of their eyes. The hookshot is something that is actually really really high tech. We probably couldn’t even make one now if we wanted to. So I wouldn’t say this new Zelda is going to take place in the more distant-future, or even the near-future for that matter. But one thing we have to do as developers, you might be thinking ‘but then you are not rethinking the conventions of Zelda’, but I am rethinking the conventions, and as a part of that, we have to continue to have these items evolve and change their presentation and make sure that it’s still new experience.

Source: Zelda Dungeon