Remember when Nintendo? released Super Mario All-Stars for the SNES and we all got to relive the NES Mario classics in stunning 16-bit glory? Why didn't Nintendo? ever do the same with The Legend of Zelda? Well, as it turns out, they kind of did. One of the first projects intended solely for the Satellaview system was BS The Legend of Zelda. Developed by Nintendo? to help encourage sales of the satellite system, Nintendo? released installments of the game every Sunday for four weeks. With each installment came new dungeons, gameplay objectives and items. For example, the first dungeon was completely redesigned into an "S" shape and the item collected was a boomerang instead of a bow and arrow. Enemies and bosses remained pretty much the same, though the Overworld map was a bit smaller. Since the dungeon designs (and locations) were different from both the first and second quests, BS Zelda, in essence, was a "third" quest for the original game. In addition to the other changes, Link, the staple and hero of the Zelda franchise, was also replaced with the Satellaview mascot: a young boy with a backward baseball cap. The idea was to put "you" (the gamer) in Link's world -- apparently gamers all look like Ash or Ness. Rumor has it that Nintendo? planned to release BS The Legend of Zelda on cartridge after the run on Satellaview, but sadly, this never happened. Zelda fans with a Satellaview system could of course also play the aforementioned Kodai no Sekiban. Commonly referred to as BS The Legend of Zelda: Ancient Stone Panel, Kodai no Sekiban was a special timed version of A Link to the Past where players collected Stone Panels instead of Pendants. Even better, this Satellaview quest also included a feature called "Sound Link," where players could compete in real time against each other with guidance from a game moderator. Apparently, every few minutes the players were cautioned to listen carefully, then given a special gift (such as unlimited bombs). Players were then ranked according to how well they did.I lived in Japan when the Satellaview came out -- and I remember distinctly not being very excited about it. This, despite A Link to the Past was one of my favorite games on the Super Famicom. Looking back at it now, I wish I had taken a deeper look at the download offerings simply because much of the content literally vanished into thin air. But just like with the N64's very similar 64DD Randnet combo, Satellaview was ahead of its time and simply lacked the support to make it worth the expense. Nintendo? seems to try and resurrect the concept of a networkable add-on with every new console generation. If the GameCube Online network is still in the works, let's hope that Nintendo? gets it right this time around and manages to capture the interest of a much larger crowd. Should you go back and play it?The BS Zelda quests are definitely worth playing, but and surviving versions are naturally crippled by the lack of the service they relied on. If you look hard enough, you can find bits and pieces of the BS Zelda gaming installments on emulation sites, but remember that copyright laws are still in effect and possession of unlicensed copyrighted game data isn't exactly legal. But since these games aren't available commercially anywhere (and the fact that they're barely playable in their emulated state), Nintendo? currently turns a blind eye to the existence of emulated BS data on the web. Let's hope that we'll see the inclusion of BS games in future GCN or GBA classic collections. Where can I get it?Although Satellaview didn't see much support after 1998, the St. Giga Super Famicom service ended completely on June 30, 2000 at 11:00 PM. The message posted after the suspension of the service was both heartbreaking and funny at the same time."Thanks for all Players and Staffs and Supporters. I beleve We've made good cooperation and had lots of superior fun experiences human never seen! I ploud of you forever! Thank you again. See you..."Note that the satellite channel is still operating. You can check out its website at https://www.stgiga.co.jp. As always, auction sites are your best bet to find a complete Satellaview system. But remember that unlike with the 64DD, there isn't a whole lot you can do with the BS add-on now that the service is over. Well, you couldn't really do anything with it before either unless you lived in Japan... But if you're a collector who needs everything from R.O.B. to the Densha De Go! train controller, have fun hunting this stuff down.Flip the page to read reader feedback and questions.
Letters Hey! I saw where you had managed to get a copy of Zelda's Adventure for your series of Hyrule Times articles. I've been looking for a copy of that game for about two years now, and every time I manage to catch one on eBay, it goes for much more than I can afford. :( So, by now, you're wondering why I'm writing you. Well, I just wanted to let you know, if you ever go to make any plans on getting rid of the copy you obtained, I'd like for you to keep me in mind. I can't afford to spend a lot of cash on it, but here's some things I am good for: 1.) Bad jokes 2.) Beating up people you don't like. 3.) Free film developing coupons from Wal-Mart (and they're good in one-hour!) 4.) Ummm... My mom makes good cookies. As you can see, my list of talents isn't very large, but none the less, I am a pretty big Zelda fan and would really appericate it if you'd give me first shot at the Zelda's Adventure CDi game if you go to get rid of it... It's the only one of the three I have left to get... :( Anywhoo, thanks for reading my ramblings. Take care and keep up the good work. :) -UBPeer responds: Tracking down Zelda's Adventure was insanely difficult -- so I'm going to have to say "pass" to your lovely offer. Which is somewhat contradictory considering that the game is horrible and I will probably not play through it ever again. But I'll give you a tip on how to find it for a decent price. Don't search for Zelda items on auction sites. It takes a little more work, but it's a better idea to search for CD-i software instead. Anyone who knows what "Zelda" is will charge a lot of money for Zelda's Adventure. You want to find a mom or dad who's selling a small collection of CD-i movies and software because they either got rid of their CD-i player or it broke on them. Good luck.In a letter in the latest edition of Hyrule Times, someone wrote: "PS: Is it just me or way way WAY back when wasn't there a cartoon about Nintendo?? Basic plot was the average Joe teenager who was good at video games fell into his TV and became part of the games. [...]" The cartoon he was seemingly referring to wasn't the Zelda one the hyperlink points to, but actually a cartoon called Captain N: The Game Master which you can check out at https://www.pazsaz.com/capn.html. Of course, I don't know that Link ever actually made a cameo in it so maybe he's just getting shows all mixed up.Tim Peer responds: Thanks for the correction. I must have had too much IGN redesign on the brain that day.Ok, here's my take on the subject of the cel shading vs. the 3D rendered game. Basically, many people are arguing that it's not the look of the game, but the gameplay that matters. What will the gameplay be like? No one really knows at this point, but something to consider is the fact that gameplay and graphical representation are generally connected. I mean, they go hand in hand. Games that look like they are aimed at children will be bought by the parents of these children, and not by older crowd who buy their own games. Look at it if things were reversed: picture a great game for the younger audience, something with the same happy-go-lucky gameplay and story-line as Yoshi's Island (as an example). Then take that game, remove Yoshi and all his buddies, and insert a bunch of gun-toting, battle-hardened marines that would make most of the older generation very happy to see on the box if they didn't know the gameplay. This type of a game would not effectively reach either target audience because the mom and dads sure wouldn't buy the game for their kids, and the older crowd might buy the game and discover its about 10 years behind their mentalities. Everyone ends up unhappy.Now let's look at Zelda again. The cel shading has so far taken what was once a series that, no matter what many of you say, was more mature than some other games, and turned it's LOOKS into something that basically targets children. So the problem here then arises: many people are mad, because they don't want Zelda to be a children's game. Other people are not mad, because they don't believe it will be a children's game just because it looks like one. But if it's not, then you get back to the same problem of the army guys running around Yoshi's Island. No matter what else anyone says, this business is about selling games. As much as we would like to believe that Nintendo? is making these games simply to make all of us happy for the rest of our lives, if that were really the case they would be free, right? So the question is, does Nintendo? really believe that it will sell the adult-playing-cartoon-Zelda to all of the 20-something fans that have grown up with it based solely on the fact that its Zelda? I don't think so. And I don't think the big N expects to garner any new older players to the game in spite of the cartoon look either. So what would make sense to them, logically? It would make sense that they would sell a kiddie-looking game to kids, and therefore target children with the type of gameplay as well. Of course, I don't know any of this for sure, but I'm just trying to take an objective look at the situation. Anyway, those are my thoughts.Mike Peer,First of all, let me say that I love reading the Hyrule Times. Keep it up!Now, on to my comment about the GCN Zelda game and its controversial graphics: I'm sure it's been suggested before and I just missed it, but I have a sneaky suspicion that we could be seeing BOTH the cartoony graphics (which I love, by the way) AND the more "realistic" graphics (of which I'm also a fan) in the GameCube installment of the Legend of Zelda series.All levelheaded logic tells me that this will not happen, but I can't help dreaming that it might be possible. I'm imagining a sort of Light World/Dark World approach that could use both styles effectively. Perhaps the cartoon look could be part of the Light World experience, and the Dark World portions could be enhanced with the realistic look.I know this seems like a long shot, but wouldn't this please everyone and make this title stand out even more than a cartoon-only Zelda? Isn't that what Nintendo? wants? Wouldn't this help to satisfy gamers who are afraid their friends will see them playing a cartoon game? This sort of Light/Dark or Dream/Nightmare dynamic might take the series to exciting new levels and could easily redefine what we currently think of when someone mentions the Legend of Zelda.More than likely this is all just wishful thinking, but I'd love to see it happen.Zach CollierPeer responds: The styles are so different though... I think it would clash too much because you're not dealing with a change in Link's world when going from the light (cel-shaded) world to the dark (realistic) one -- you'd be dealing with a change in style and presentation in the player's eyes. The inherent danger is that the player gets doesn't like one of the two styles and it will tarnish the whole experience. If you only have one style, chances are the player will get used to it and grow to like it when the gameplay experience is great.Zelda-s Adventure -- JESUS WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT! I ALMOST CRIED IN FRONT OF MY GIRLFRIEND. I KNOW THAT NINTENDO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT GAME. THANK GOD WELL YOU DID WARN ME THANKS =) MIKE#1 PS THAT GAME SCARES ME! Granted this new zelda type character is totally left field I still fill that the game looks good as far as graphics and background shots look. Where this game sucks is the funny looking Link. If you're going to make him look cartoonish at least make him better looking and more appealing instead of some thrown together fake work of art. In my opinion the game probably will still play well and have good story line, but who wants to look at this crazy looking Link wanna-be all game.Hello, Herr Schneider!On the Insider IGNCube Board I read some messages on how people will cope with the cel-shaded atrocity bearing the name of Zelda. Some said that they like the cel-shaded version as much as the SpaceWorld version, and they were quite sure that the only ones who will eat their bitter words will be the ones showing dissatisfaction with the current state of the game, as they will also buy it anyhow, seeing how good it will turn out gameplay-wise. And they are right, I'm afraid. :-)However, I found an alternative. First of all, I'll most likely buy the game, since it will almost certainly have an excellent gameplay. However, being dissatisfied with other aspects of the game, I will not treat it as one of the Zelda series. If the new Zelda game remains cel-shaded (very likely) I'll enjoy it - not as a Zelda game but just as a game. Period. In my opinion, Chibi Link cannot be mentioned together with the heroes of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. I'll buy Zelda GC for its excellent gameplay - but to belong to the great series it needs more than that, IMHO. CheersJeff-509Hey Peer, I went to see Lord of the Rings for the second time and saw a GameCube trailer depicting Star Fox: Dinosaur Planet, Metroid Prime, Mario Sunshine and of course, the Legend of Zelda GCN. It was truly awesome to see three out of four of these previews showing actual gameplay, especially on the big screen. However, when it was Zelda's turn to be shown, nothing happened. The cube onscreen just displayed text. Considering that the trailer showed Mario up and running, I was sure that Zelda would have even more screen time. The last I heard was that Zelda was deeper into development. I could be wrong about that. Either way, the video shown at Space World could have been used for this. But nothing. This could mean several things. These are my personal opinions. 1) Nintendo? is changing the look of Zelda (unlikely) 2) Nintendo? is pulling a Hideo Kojima and is not showing the game again until release hoping that people will buy it based name recognition and not the facelift. (slightly more likely) Maybe I'm over analyzing, but if you could shed some light on this issue, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Nick Madsen Peer responds: The fact that no footage of Zelda was shown in the trailer had us guessing too... Nine out of 10 IGN editors agree: they must still be tweaking the look of the main character or the style of presentation. Or perhaps the game has been delayed considerably and doesn't factor into the 2002 lineup?The best Zelda game in the series is Majora's Mask. For 2 reasons, 1) It offers the most activity "to do, without being forced to do" stuff, for instance, when you want to take a break from raiding dungeons and going to do something else. For Example, you dont have to high tail it to the third dungeon after overcoming the mountains, you can just haed on over to the goron races and go for the gilded sword! Or do a spider dungeon! Kill that damn bird at LonLon Ranch and get money out the wazoo! Whatever! 2) Second of all, you can actually have a distinct strategy in swordfighting! Go fight a Stalfos, and you will have to block his attacks while throwing some of your own without damage. And when you swing your sword, you can swing it anyway you want! To the left, to the right, up, down, it can all help! Although most games of these series have #1 none have #2 except OoT. These are probably the most overlooked prospects of looking at a zelda game (or any other game like it for that matter) that are probably the most important aspects of the game.Peer,I've been reading your Zelda articles on IGN, and I was especially interested in the "Zelda Games You'll Never Play". Actually, I've always been fascinated by Ura Zelda for the DD (in fact I imported a DD system with the hopes that it would surface, but oh well). Anyway, I noticed your section on the fishing game based on the OOT fishing sequence. It does in fact exist (I believe). I own a fishing RPG from Japan - made by Shigeru Miyamoto. You fish, go from town to town interacting, rent boats, etc. The actual fishing element to it plays very similar to OOT fishing. That's why I believe this is the game you mentioned. The game's name is all Japanese with a #1 following, so I don't really know the game (I bought it because after all, it is a Miyamoto game). If you weren't already aware of this game, I could probably email you some screenshots, boxshots, etc. Regardless though, email me back and let me know if you know whether this game is actually a Zelda fishing game. Thanks!Sincerely,S. Ryan DeShazerPeer responds: Thanks for the offer, but I actually have a copy of that game as well. ;) It's called Shigesato Itoi's #1 Bass Fishing. The first character of Mr. Itoi's first name is actually the same as Shigeru Miyamoto's, which is why many people think it's a Miyamoto game. In reality, it was designed by HAL's Shigesato Itoi of Earthbound fame. But I agree, the engine of that game looks eerily similar to the Zelda fishing engine. It's very likely that it was reused for that title.Hi, I'm responding to Peer's response to a letter asking whether Sheik is a male or female character. Truely, at first one might jump to the conclusion that Sheik is a man, but with this I'll have to disagree. I challenge all those who read this to play Ocarina of Time again. When you meet Zelda's personal body-guard as young Link, you find out she's a part of the order of Sheikah which I'm fairly certain they refer to somehow as an all-female order. Next, when you finally pull out the Master sword for the first time and are transported into the future, you meet Sheik who sends you out on the quest, BUT DON'T LEAVE YET. Go up to Sheik. You'll notice she follows you around with her head. If you stand very close to her and press C^ to look at her face, you see she has very feminine features despite the red eyes (which only means she's feminine and likes to party). Also, if you think about it, why would Zelda, the holder of the Triforce of Wisdom, find it necessary to change what's... down there as part of her disguise? She's all woman under that costume! And besides, if the trophy gallery in Smash Bros says so, who're we to argue?-NolanPeer responds: You know what, I'm not even going to split hairs over this since Fran and Craig already do this in the office without my help. But... The point is that Zelda is playing a role of a male character so that nobody is able to uncover that it's her. That's why Sheik also has a male voice -- and I could swear Impa referred to Sheik as a "he" in OoT. I even checked the Japanese text of SSBM for Fran and Craig and there is in fact no mention of gender (no "he" or "she"). All that was added in the English translation. I think this whole discussion will end up like the question of Chyna's sex -- an unsolvable mystery. Unless someone figures out the nude code...Random Edgar photo of the day: Hello IGN I just wanted to say a few things about the graphics in the new Zelda for the 'cube. I actually like the new graphics and think it's a new, refreshing way we can see the land of Hyrule. Another thing is a certain X-box game (JSRF) which also uses the cel-shaded look. I've looked on IGN Xbox and there was no one complaining about it being a "kiddie game" just because of the graphics. Maybe the ignorant people (I have a friend like this) are dismissing the GCN just because it will not have enough "mature" themed games. Maybe they need some kind of "ammo" to fire at their old Nintendo? friends just to justify their purchase of their new black and green(or blue) system. To end this whole thing I think Nintendo? is doing a new brave thing which in the end will make them an even better game company.Peer responds: Well, there is a slight difference between the two. Jet Grind/Set Radio started out as a cel-shaded franchise, which is why nobody is complaining about it. A better comparison is what Xbox fans would have said if after showing the Halo demo on PCs Bungie had changed the title's look to be radically different. I also think that most gamers wouldn't have complained if Nintendo? had opted to portray cel-shaded Link as a powerful warrior rather than a cutesy Powerpuff man.Howdy, Peer. Why do you think Mr. Miyamoto promised us that the new Zelda would come in time for Christmas 2002? I am really expecting it not to be released until early-mid 2003. In fact, I don't even think Mario will make it this summer. I think his game will be our annual Thanksgiving title. But why did Mr. Miyamoto sound so confident? Peer, do you honestly think he can pull off this release date? -"May the way of the Hero lead to the Triforce," Try4ce Peer responds: I've heard this question so many times in respect to Nintendo? titles. And I've also heard Nintendo? reps swear on their mothers that a certain title would ship on time -- and then it got delayed. Don't trust any release dates until you see the games in stores. And no, I don't think Zelda will be out this year.And now for our weekly cel-shaded Zelda discussions:Hyrule Times editors:I love the new Zelda look. I love everything about it. The fact that celshading could be used so perfectly in conjunction with such an original art style is mindblowing to me.Unfortunately, I appear to be one of the only six people who intend to preorder it before it comes out.What? What's the problem? It's a FANTASY GAME. It's by the same guy who did Mario, which seems to be adopting the more serious look this time around. Shigeru Miyamoto deserves better than the lambasting the entire gaming public (minus me and five others) is giving him. He has the STONES necessary to be phased into a market that emphasizes dark, realistic action over anything else and announce that, instead of the dark, realistic action prevalent in the four-second Zelda clip at the first Cube announcement, he would be releasing a game that looks like an actual cartoon.He had trouble walking off the stage. His gigantic balls were in the way. People are turning their Gamecubes in for X-Boxes - mind you, the console with a first-person shooter that you play with a CONTROLLER as their frontrunning title - because Miyamoto noticed that there were a distinct lack of fun games that had a distinctive style. Because his game doesn't take place in a sewer. Because his game lacks TEH TRUE GRIT that games like Metal Gear Solid 2 and Countdown: Vampires have.People are turning on Miyamoto because he took a STAND. What the hell?Even worse, people are saying that the game will rule even if they hate the style, because Miyamoto's behind it.That's not true. The guy's made mistakes before.Remember Yoshi's Story? That was a game that had an excellent artistic style behind it, and it was executed TERRIBLY. Blind faith is in the can. He's hopefully learned something from that little mistake.Am I buying it? Hell yes. How could I not? I'm an artist myself, and I know how to appreciate the stuff this game is going to shoot out. It looks like a valid investment of time and money, and I love games that focus on style AND substance.Er, wait. I bought Space Channel 5 back when it was $50. I'm probably not going to be worth listening to.Cedric HenryPeer responds: Space Channel 5, the most expensive music CD I ever bought. Thanks a lot, Anoop! If he hadn't given the game an 11.5 I wouldn't have spent the cash and rented it for the same enjoyment. Samba De Amigo... Now that's a music game! Hey peer, I became an insider about two days before space world 2k1 u know the whole Zelda thing, and I loved it I thought it looked beyond cool. Excuse my bad taste for words but I thought it was hella cool. People who hate it are obviously just babies i mean it's ignorant to say there fools and can't have their own voice in things but it's not there art to begin with all I'm saying is all these polls and take about the new link undergoing changes for the fans sake (the American fan base) i will beyond disappointment that would be the worst day ever cause it'll be a lost glance into a new world of zelda the same glance we got with every game on every console but what ever makes the people happy right. but as an artist myself giving the people what they want really makes ya want to kill yourself, it's like artistic suicide. but t! hat's IMO guess I'm just 18 guess I'm a whiner too :P Dear Peer, I know a myriad of people have complained about the new cel-shaded look for the Legend of Zelda on GCN. Personally, I have no problem with the cel-shaded approach or the new look of Link. What I believe is the real problem with the new style that Nintendo? is going with is the inclusion of cartoon elements. The series has never involved the cartoon elements of Looney Toons or Yogi Bear. Changing the look of Zelda is ok, but changing the "maturity" of the title is wrong and a bad move. Thanks, Tim "Bib12"In response to knightwolf_35's letter where he says that cel shaded zelda wouldnt bring any xbox or ps2 gamers to cube, I have to disagree. Some of us are still excited about new innovations, and I for one was disappointed when I saw the super-realistic zelda at spaceworld 2000. I was disappointed in all the games they showed that just looked like upgraded graphics on games we've already played on n64 (waverace, ssbm). I was planning on buying an xbox until I saw the new celshaded zelda game and I realized ol' shiggy has still got some originality left in him. I can't wait! Hi,On the topic of the new Zelda look with its 3D Cel Shading technology, I personally must say that it looks excellent. What is wrong with gamers? As you said in your article, most people reading IGN and being so mad about the new look are kids and adults that haven't played Zelda before OoT, and they most likely never will. I still have my mint conditions of Zelda for the NES, Snes and GB. In my book LTTP is still the best game of all time. Nothing can beat this game with its story, sound, atmosphere and let's not forget unbelievably good game play. It seems that today's gamers go for a 'Game play is nothing, Graphics is everything.' attitude. Which is really scary when you think about it… it means that people would rather have a game that looks great but sucks, then a game that actually 'looks' worse but plays like a dream. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that everyone lives by this rule, but many do, and most of them are the once that hate the new look of Zelda. Come on, really, what do you guys (the once that hate the new Zelda) actually know about the game play of the new game? When will people understand that as long as we have Mr. Myamoto-san making great games, with great game play, we shouldn't complain.I must also say that it's a slap in Myamoto's face as a serious game designer, when people create petitions and shit like that because they whine about the fact that they don't like what he is doing to 'HIS' creation. If you hate it that much, don't buy and/or play it… easy as that. I know that this time next year I will be deeply immersed in the next stage of gaming, and that game will be Zelda GC.Kind Regards,Havok|Hey There, I was reading through the posts and thought that i would add my 2 cents worth. I must admit that when I saw the the new Zelda look I was disappointed. We all got teased at spaceworld 2000, then to see such a dramatic change, the complete oposite side of the spectrum was a little too much for me. I remember reading that Nintendo? said that the "Spaceworld 2000 Zelda" would have simply been Ocarina of Time with better graphics. What is wrong with that! I do understand that Cel-Shading is a very complicated technique and does put the Gamecube to the test graphically but it just doesn't feel like Zelda to me. I have always put my faith in Nintendo?, i beleive that they always come through with breakthrough gameplay so that's what i am hoping for. I new experience. I will throw this question to the editors... "Is there anyway that Nintendo? has a "Spaceworld 2000" version of Zelda hiding in the dark waiting to come out of the shadows?" That would be nice. Nevertheless i should not scrutinize the game until i have played it, so until then i will remain on the fence. Is change really a good thing? I guess we will find out next year. ~[insert creative name here]~i like dorritos i do not like celda celda is not a dorrito --JaZZOn that note... Thanks to everyone who wrote in. The next issue of Hyrule Times is already here, so click to read on!.Got something to say? What do you think about the BS Zelda concept and games? Send your feedback to hyruletimes@ign.com.
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