Zelda Wii U News E3 2014

It's been over a year since Nintendo took the stage at E3 2012 and showed off a stunning, proof-of-concept trailer/demo for a new Wii U version of The Legend of Zelda, and since then we haven't seen so much as a screenshot from the forthcoming game. That should all change next year, though, as Nintendo is poised to finally reveal the first original HD Zelda in the series.

This according to Zelda Producer Eiji Aonuma who, when asked about the HD Legend of Zelda project, said that he will be able to "say more at E3 2014." After teasing potential changes for the franchise — including multiplayer and an open-world concept — it appears Nintendo is finally ready to show what the future holds for Link on the Wii U.

Unfortunately, beyond that, Aonuma didn't say what fans could expect from the E3 2014 — whether Nintendo will have a full, playable demo ready, or just a trailer. Considering Nintendo likes to take their time with each of their prized franchises, especially The Legend of Zelda, we'd venture to guess fans are just happy knowing that any Zelda news is on the way.

Another question raised by this quote from Aonuma is whether or not Nintendo plans to hold their own press conference at next year's E3. They decided not to hold one this year, opting for a more intimate demo session, but if they have a Zelda reveal planned Nintendo might want all the pomp and circumstance.

The Legend of Zelda Wii U Screenshots

Regardless of what Nintendo plans on showing, we know that Aonuma has quite a few changes planned for this next Legend of Zelda. At a New York Comic-Con panel, the Producer teased those changes but, again, wouldn't talk specifics.

He said that in both Wind Waker HD and A Link Between Worlds (the 3DS sequel to A Link to the Past) his development team deployed some ideas that are totally new to the franchise. At the same time, many of the bigger ideas Aonuma came across will be saved for the Wii U version of Zelda. In fact, Aonuma said that his "focus in changing things is going be in this new console Zelda."

Last year, we learned that Nintendo was experimenting with the Wii U version of The Legend of Zelda, trying out mechanics and features that would be completely new to the franchise. Those included an open-world setting and an MMO-like multiplayer set-up.

With the Wii U in need of more first party content to boost sales, evolving The Legend of Zelda might be just what the franchise needs to give it more mass appeal. That said, Zelda purists might frown upon any radical changes. We'll have to wait until E3 2014 to see what direction Nintendo takes and how the fans respond.

What changes do you hope Nintendo introduces for this next The Legend of Zelda? What elements from previous Zelda games do you hope remain the same?

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Source: IGN, Kotaku