One of NY’s Finest, Gets Exclusive Hands-On With Zelda: OoT for the 3DS

Triforce pictured here with the localization team in San Francisco.

New York City is considered one of the greatest cities in the world. It is also the capital of the World and for many good reasons. Whether it may be because of Sports, Finance and Business or technology, New York is usually the first to show the world how things are done.

Today New York shines it’s light on the gaming scene once again and with a familiar face as well. When it comes to Nintendo games this Empire State Gamer is usually the first to know what is going on. From the Launch of the Nintendo Wii in 2006, to the Launch of Super Smash Bros. Brawl in 2008 then the Launch of the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, TriForce Johnson is always the first in line. His legend continues with the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time for the 3DS.

Nintendo invited TriForce to San Francisco to get a hands on experience of the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 3DS. It probably took TriForce all but 2 seconds to jump on the opportunity given to him by Nintendo. How fitting for a gamer called “TriForce” to be the unofficial gamer ambassador for Nintendo to be flown down to Redwood San Francisco California to join Nintendo and several other video game media companies, like IGN, to get this coverage of the game. After spending a couple of hours with the localization team and the game, we caught up with TriForce to share with us his experience with the extended demo of perhaps the most anticipated game for the Nintendo 3DS yet.

Here are some tidbits TriForce has shared with us about the title:

• The Game is not a port of the Nintendo 64 or any of the remastered versions of the game. The Game was recreated from the ground up and has a new graphic engine that brings the game so close to the original art work for the game.
• The Game has a touch screen enhancement for item accessibility. This makes getting to items are more accessible keeping you in the action of the game.
• The Animation for the characters in the game are now more fluent and vibrant. The characters look like their original intended art renditions.
• With the graphic overhaul now all the details of the game, such as text in the background on buildings etc., are now readable. No more jpg’s. Now they are complete 3D Models thanks to the powerful technology of the Nintendo 3DS.
• There is a mode in the game where Link’s First Person View turns the Nintendo 3DS into Links head. So wherever you move the 3DS is where link will look.
• The Camera now has an invert option in the game.
• Z Targeting has a switch and hold option.
• The Game has a Master Quest mode where even Hyrule Field is completely reversed for those who want to experience the quest all over again but with many differences in the game.
• Nintendo now added a new “Addition” to the Franchise with the Boss Challenge Mode. Here you get to face off against the defeated bosses that you play throughout your regular quest.
• Even after you beat the Boss Challenge mode the hardcore gamers get a new mode called Boss Challenge Gauntlet.

TriForce has since experienced 2 hours of actual game play that includes the Deku Tree, Hyrule Field, Hyrule Castle, The Water Temple, and the Boss Rush Mode. I asked TriForce a couple of questions regarding the game and his experience and here is what we got from him.

ESG: Did Nintendo add any new options for the Ocarina in the game? Is it touch based?

TriForce: Actually now that you ask that question, yes they did. There is 3 ways you can play the Ocarina in the game. One, via it’s standard button push. Two, you can just use the touch screen in the menu below and copy the song or three, (for the fans of the series) Nintendo made an “Ocarina” display where you can touch the holes of the Ocarina as they are labeled with the associated button and it will play its corresponding sound. In a sense its like a virtual Ocarina.

ESG: What about any mini games? How about a mini-game specific to the Ocarina. That would be cool.

TriForce: lol, yeah that would have been cool but from what I tested, no they did not put that in the game.

ESG: Why do you think Nintendo asked you go to come and check out the game? Was it because of your name? If it was, that’s kick-a**!

TriForce: To be honest, I don’t know the exact reason why they chose me. The name could be one of the reasons but I don’t think it’s the exact reason. I would say that my support for them for the last decade or two as a fan perhaps obligated Nintendo to show some love for their fans as they’ve always done throughout the years. It’s nice to see that Nintendo actually connects with their fans. This is not the first time as they’ve used stuff like Nintendo Power, the Nintendo Club and other activities to get their fans involved and closer to Nintendo. I think that is very important with any gaming company or brand. Nintendo has always shown its love towards its gamers and I look forward to seeing what else they will bring to us in the future.

ESG: Did Nintendo drop a release date for the game?

TriForce: From what I gathered here is the release dates. North America: June 19, 2011

ESG: Will Nintendo give you an exclusive version of the game before launch?

TriForce: Lol, even if I knew I don’t think I could tell you that.

ESG: Will there be a launch party for the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, like at Nintendo World in New York?

Triforce: Actually, I never asked them that. I’ll look into it. If they do, best believe that I will be the first on line for that one. Even if I have to be there 2 weeks in advance. lol….no I’m not joking either. lol.

ESG: Well if Nintendo does, Empire State Gamer will be there to cover the launch for sure. Thank you for your time TriForce and for all of the exclusive info. I look forward to seeing you again in the gaming scene and at the launch party.

ESG: One more thing before yah go. Do you have any special shout outs that you would like to give?

TriForce: Of course, I would like to thank my sponsor’s Save Point Gaming, Raw Game Play, and Peter Pappas for all they’ve done for me. I would also like to Thank Nintendo once again for such a great opportunity.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 3Ds and a possible launch party at Nintendo World. We’ll be there, doing what we do. Pictures and good times  galore!