JuicieJ
SHOW ME YA MOVES!
Okay, so I'm back, and it's time for a discussion that has been on my mind ever since the Zelda U reveal.
First off, Link's handedness -- he appears to be right-handed in this game. I say this for multiple reasons, the first of which being that he draws back his arrows with his right hand, which is what right-handed archers do. Now, this by itself doesn't necessarily mean much, as Link has actually done this since Ocarina of Time, and we all know he was never right-handed until Twilight Princess Wii. Regardless, there are other things in tandem with this to further evidence his apparent right-handedness. His arm guard thing (whatever it's called) that's been around since TP is on his right forearm, and that's always been on the hand he uses his sword with. His shield is also on the left side of his horse, and his sword (which has been seen) is on the right, allowing ease of access for both of them with the hands he would hold them in.
But WHY is he right-handed? Or, rather, why MIGHT he be right-handed? My guess is that Nintendo, as I've said numerous times in the past, is probably carrying over the Wii MotionPlus controls from Skyward Sword. Link was right-handed in that game because roughly 90% of the world's population is, so he was designed to mirror that percentage to avoid confusion during play, so carrying over the WM+ controls into Zelda Wii U would naturally carry that over in turn. It also just makes sense for the WM+ to return, as Aonuma said shortly after the release of SS, "I don't think we can go back," in regards to the game's motion controls. And, come on, just look at the art style. It would make a lot of sense for it to be used with the continuation of SS's controls.
However, I don't think this means that motion will be the ONLY way to play this game. As I've also said numerous times in the past, I think the GamePad will be a control option, as well -- and I'd be right if the WM+ does indeed return, as it's already been confirmed by Aonuma that the GamePad WILL be used in Zelda Wii U, so there's already a 100% guarantee that it will be a factor. If it's on its own, then who knows what exactly will be done with it, but if the WM+ is back, then I think the right analog stick will be used to control Link's sword (as I've gone over before), and the gyroscope & accelerometer will be used for other features, such as aiming the Bow and pulling of moves such as the Spin Attack & Ending/Fatal Blow. And, who knows, maybe even the Pro Controller could be made available as an option. It'd have gimped controls in comparison, but I'm sure Ninty could make it work, and it'd be a nice gesture for those who just want a "traditional" experience with the game control-wise.
Needless to say, I'm very glad that things are looking positive for my predictions regarding Zelda Wii U's controls. They've certainly not been proven correct just yet, but so far, the evidence seems to be pointing towards them being so. And, really, the Big N would honestly be foolish to not do this, as it would allow for people to play the game as they see fit, free of the restrictions of one specific control method, and that would instantly attract more consumers to their product.
But what do YOU think about all this? Let me know in the comments!
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