Nintendo hasn’t deigned to reveal a ton of information on The Legend of Zelda Wii U except that it’s releasing this year. However, according to Emily Rogers on Twitter, it will be coming to Nintendo’s NX as well. It also seems that there will be voice acting for all the characters barring Link and players can choose between a male and female playable character in the game.

Rogers is known for confirmed the next Paper Mario for the Wii before Color Splash was announced. In the first rumour, Rogers says, “Yes, Zelda is coming to both Wii U and NX. I confirmed it with a ton of people. You can choose which one to get. Or get both.”

In a second tweet, Rogers said, “I heard from multiple sources that you can choose between a male or female as your playable character in Zelda.”

Finally, Rogers noted, “There is voice acting for most of the characters…except Link.”

Again, these are just rumours and should be taken with a grain of salt. They are interesting though. What are your thoughts on the same? Let us know in the comments.

Believe it or not, Nintendo actually had new footage of The Legend of Zelda Wii U available to show at E3 2015 according to designer Shigeru Miyamoto. This leads many to wonder why it wasn’t showcased at all.

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime provided some manner of explanation to IGN, and stated that it didn’t want to frustrate consumers since the game is still a ways off.

“We just fundamentally don’t believe in showing content at E3 that is going to be a long term proposition.

“We like to show content that typically will launch in the upcoming Holiday and maybe extending into the first half of the following year. And at this point, the new Zelda for Wii U is not a 2015 project,” adding that when they showed it in 2014, they believed it would be a 2015 game.

“There’s also a recognition that we didn’t want to frustrate the consumer. We could have scored a lot of points and showed some little tidbit of Zelda Wii U, but in our collective opinion the belief was, in the end, that would cause more frustration than benefit.”

At this point, The Legend of Zelda Wii U is expected to be seen again in 2016. Will it release in the same year? Stay tuned in the coming months to find out.

What are some top open world/sandbox games to look forward to in 2015? Let’s find out.

Batman: Arkham Knight

One of the most anticipated titles of 2014…until it was delayed into 2015. Then again, given the flawed nature of many of the big-name titles – especially those taking place in an open sand-box – we’re more than happy to see Rocksteady Studios taking the time to polish this adventure.

All that polish seems to be doing wonders for the gameplay. On top of a much larger Gotham City to explore, Arkham Knight features improved combat mechanics, significantly bumped up visuals and the Batmobile to play around with. You’ll transition in and out of the Batmobile during missions, fighting unmanned drones but also using it to open up new paths. As the Scarecrow missions teased at PlayStation Experience indicate, it seems there will be new hallucinatory missions taking place in the Batmobile as well.

Set to release in June 2015, Batman: Arkham Knight should be an experience to remember.

Everyone’s favourite video game analyst, Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter, is back to chime in with his thoughts on The Game Awards, Geoff Keighley’s recent awards show that replaced Spike VGX and featured several world premieres. According to VentureBeat, Pachter was impressed with Nintendo including president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime. He also noted that it was a mistake for Microsoft to not be at the awards ceremony.

“Microsoft made a mistake skipping The Game Awards altogether. The awards show was an opportunity to steal a little thunder from PSX, and Nintendo and Reggie seized the opportunity. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to compliment Reggie, as I haven’t had many chances to say what a good job he has done in an otherwise dismal year. Nintendo really stood out with that Zelda announcement.”

The Legend of Zelda Wii U was arguably the reveal of the weekend next to Naughty Dog’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End but what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

We fell in love with the game despite a brief introduction of the new world and the new look of protagonist Link with Nintendo’s reveal of The Legend of Zelda Wii U. There are no shortage of features we want in the game but apparently, one of those might be multiplayer support.

This was gleaned from producer Eiji Aonuma when asked by Game Informer if a core Zelda title would ever support some form of multiplayer. Aonuma responded, “When I was talking back about making Zelda more than just a single-player experience? That’s something you will see in the future, maybe next year.”

Aonuma doesn’t seem to be talking about Hyrule Warriors, which is a spin-off and releasing in September 2014 for the Wii U. That being said, he didn’t say it would be the Zelda Wii U title we saw at E3 2014. So what could it be? We’ll need to wait a while to find out but let us know what you think in the comment.s

This time around, we’re hoping for more than an increased scale. We’re hoping to see Zelda as it’s never been seen before, doing things that would have seemed impossible with the Ocarina of Time. Here are 5 new features we hope to see.

1. Customizable Link

This seems like a bit of a moot point considering that Link has often had alternate outfits in other Zelda titles. We’d like to see something similar in Zelda Wii U except in a more nuanced way.

For instance, it would be great of Link could equip different gear for his arms, legs, chest and head. Nintendo could also keep it even simpler and offer different suits with a slot or two for extra perks. This doesn’t mean Zelda has to become Skyrim – on the contrary, it could lend to radically different styles of play during battles. Some gear could allow you to shoot arrows faster; others could increase the radius and length of your spin attack.

Most importantly, we’d like to be able to customize Link’s look based on what we saw at E3. If he’s not going to go with the traditional outfit, though we’re sure it’s in there somewhere, it’d be great if Link could don various different looks.

2. Sandbox Style

The Legend of Zelda series has been very openly open world but there have been very few sandbox elements really implemented in the past few games. Granted, this is more action adventure than Grand Theft Auto but with the increased scale, we’d appreciate the idea of a more vibrant Hyrule this time around.

There could be different residents going about with their schedules and offering you quests throughout the game, and random occurrences that Link could become involved in. Heck, we loved the idea that a random monster can just pop up and engage you on a wide open chase throughout the landscape.

It’s an interesting balance since previous games have had an ample number of side-quests and activities, but this is more about making Hyrule seem like a living breathing place. At least Aonuma is taking cues from A Link Between Two Worlds and allowing players the freedom to tackle areas any way they want.

3. The Evolution of Battle

Let’s face it: the action adventure genre has evolved beyond the fighting mechanics seen in Zelda. Whereas everyone was busy implementing their own style of Z-targeting in the past, it’s now more about the Free Form fighting style of Batman: Arkham City or the counters and combos of Assassin’s Creed. There are still a few games that opt for straightforward hack and slash though.

With Zelda Wii U, it’s a tough decision since the Free Form system would fit so well with Link’s movements. We could see a fusion of this and the traditional targeting system that lets you pick off enemies one at a time. It’s doubtful that the work done on Hyrule Warriors, an epic hack and slash game developed by Nintendo and Dynasty Warriors developer Tecmo Koei, would have any effect on Zelda Wii U.

Nonetheless, if we’re going to go about wishing for things, then why not introduce dual wielding? Have Link wield the hammer and sword for the first time together and introduce different attacks based on this? There could also be different trade-offs such as lacking the shield – similar to using Biggoron’s Knife in Ocarina of Time – to cater to various play-styles. Can you imagine Link only using the bow and arrow to fight, Legolas-style?

4. A New Day in a New World

This goes without saying, especially since every Zelda is set in a new version of Hyrule, but it’s time Nintendo finally retired the Hero of Time story-arcs. If you didn’t know, all the Zelda games are connected with Skyward Sword being the first game in the series chronologically. From there, the game splits off into all sorts of alternating pathways depending on what Link did (and didn’t) do.

And while it’s made for some amazing storylines and memorable games, we’re ready for something new. We’d like to see Nintendo wipe the slate clean and approach Zelda Wii U with a fresh mind.

Various references could pop up to other characters, sure, and they could even appear in the game. But Zelda Wii U should be a new beginning rather than a new chapter and kick off a new chronology that will extend for decades like the Hero of Time arc did.

5. Multiplayer Support

We’d doubt Nintendo’s ability to create a compelling multiplayer experience with Zelda but the last time we did that, they gave us Four Swords. Suffice to say, Zelda Wii U could be the first game in the series to implement online co-op for up to four players.

There are several ways to implement this: There could be a four player party wherein the player’s character always looks like his version of Link while appearing as an NPC or soldier to other players. The customization mechanic and different fighting styles will also help players to differentiate themselves when playing with others. Finally, the overall sandbox style of the game could allow for four-player missions throughout as opposed to simply tailoring the whole game (or a separate campaign) for four players. Maybe have harder 4 player dungeons that net rare equipment?

What would you like to see in the new Zelda Wii U? Let us know in the comments.

We’re not even finished with E3 2014 and Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma is already planning for next year’s E3. In a Miiverse message from Aonuma (via NeoGAF), he mentioned that he wants for people to be able to play the recently revealed Zelda Wii U at E3 2015. This will most likely be in the form of a demo to be experienced on the show floor but if it indicates anything, it’s that the game will be available in the second half of next year.

On the one hand, it makes sense since we just saw the game for the first time yesterday. On the other hand, you’ll probably go for another 1.5 years before being able to play Zelda Wii U. Can we wait that long? We can certainly try.

Zelda Wii U will feature a wide-open world that allows you to approach areas in any way you see fit and features the return of Epona. Did we mention it looks great? Let us know what you think of the game in the comments.

This trend was not long in catching with a number of copies of the Zelda game’s formula spawning in the subsequent years. But there never was quite anything like the Zelda games and to this day the Zelda games have stood testimony to how far they have come and evolved with time and remained amongst the favourite games of gamers all over the globe. Continuing the same trend will be the next Zelda game for the Wii U coming in 2015 (assumed). Here’s a little on what all has been doing the rounds on the internet and what all Nintendo along with Eiji Aonuma’s team need to do to make this forthcoming Zelda game a beautifully etched memory in our minds to remember fondly for years to come.

"With Nintendo emptying their work pile up with the release of Wind Waker and A Link Between Worlds, only the Wii U game is all that remains now and Nintendo still has a lot to work on for this game."

The Legend of Zelda series has seen a plethora of changes and some hiatuses between some game but all of that has been worthwhile till now. Going from a simple yet large explorable world to introducing hundreds of elements in the games like collectibles and bonuses spread throughout the game’s environment in dungeons and bushes and a sundry other things, the series has come a long way in its making.

With Nintendo emptying their work pile up with the release of Wind Waker and A Link Between Worlds, only the Wii U game is all that remains now and Nintendo still has a lot to work on for this game. No doubt Nintendo wouldn’t go in haphazardly and come up with something crude and unpolished, but it’s hard to not let the doubts creep in when you have been a part of something so big for so long.

Eiji Aonuma had made it quite clear that he is not tired of making Zelda games and that he definitely looks forward to bring about new changes in the game series. Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker and A Link Between Worlds were three of the games that were evidently different from the established Zelda formula in certain respects and their beautiful execution was what ended up with their being critically acclaimed and widely appreciated.

Ocarina of Time, whilst maintaining the core gameplay of the earlier games had brought in new game mechanics like target lock-on which allowed precision based sword fighting in the 3D space of the game. Wind Waker was a game that surprisingly was meant to specifically target a younger audience and again retained the core gameplay of the previous games but introduced its own set of changes that were well received.

"As much as sticking to the roots of a game is appreciated by the gaming community, it often gets stodgy when you keep seeing the same thing over and over again. It’s not that the Zelda games have become horrible, but only that they have become a little repetitive and sometimes just feel like a rehash of earlier makes."

Even so, it’s noticeable that what has gone into the making if the Zelda games has started to wear on, and not recently. Much to our delight, we found Eiji Aonuma echoing our thoughts a long time back in an interview with 4Gamer where he had stated that even he has felt ennui with regard to how they have stuck to traditional methods adamantly and done things accordingly.

He also stated the need for his team to bring in changes if they wanted to bring something new to the front in the Zelda games and it was a result of his efforts that we were presented with A Link Between Worlds.

A Link Between Worlds, the most recent iteration in the Legend of Zelda series isn’t far off with introducing changes. The ability to rent or buy items in the game allows players to complete the dungeons in any order whilst turning Link into a painting to get past obstacles and solve puzzles in the immense open world adds a new dimension to the gameplay.

Aonuma had said that as A Link Between Worlds had marked a radical change in the game making policy for his team, the next Zelda title slated to be released for the Wii U is set to bring in some equally new and exciting changes. As much as sticking to the roots of a game is appreciated by the gaming community, it often gets stodgy when you keep seeing the same thing over and over again.

It’s not that the Zelda games have become horrible, but only that they have become a little repetitive and sometimes just feel like a rehash of earlier makes. Also, with the Wii U’s advanced GamePad, Nintendo ought to take every advantage possible of the controller just like the Wii’s controller was put to use in Skyward Sword.

"What has to be considered by the developers is that by ‘open world’, we don't mean a huge expansive world like the ones in Skyrim or The Witcher III, but a decently ample space filled with puzzles, items and bonuses that make players scout and explore every corner and nook without them flailing their hands helplessly meandering about a large physical area to no end."

Nonetheless, some of Aonuma’s words had us a little worried when he’d said that he’d like to question the characters series and see people look at Zelda games in the same light even if Zelda or Link are not in the game.

While we appreciate the developers of the game looking at new avenues to better the game and while we know what Nintendo and the Zelda team is capable of, we’re very sceptical about this idea and find it hard not to have qualms about this notion and the forthcoming Wii U game.

Another thing that Nintendo has always done is make quantum leaps in the Zelda universe timeline with every subsequent games. A Link Between Worlds for instance, takes place in the same world as A Link to the Past but is set hundreds of years later.

While it is understandable that the Ocarina of Time created a three way rift in the timeline for the series, it will be good to have a handful of games that are released in succession which conform to the same world, timeline and to more or less an extent, the same storyline. Wind Waker’s beloved freedom of movement had been the inspiration for Nintendo to make the recent games and it’s mandatory that an open world is given to us in the Wii U title.

What has to be considered by the developers is that by ‘open world’, we don’t mean a huge expansive world like the ones in Skyrim or The Witcher III, but a decently ample space filled with puzzles, items and bonuses that make players scout and explore every corner and nook without them flailing their hands helplessly meandering about a large physical area to no end. It’s always refreshing to see and explore the world around you to discover and find interesting things or even walk into a little danger once a while.

"Its dynamic gameplay and freedom to roam the world coupled with new game mechanics is something that Nintendo is pursuing with great interest. And quite right they are in doing so."

Zelda games haven’t ever been known for their graphical prowess and neither have people cared for it. Although Wind Waker’s graphics were something that had some people questioning the game’s audience. Learning from their ‘mistakes’, Nintendo has decided to keep their hand strong in the graphics department too.

Both, to make the game look more beautiful and attract those people who have qualms with not so great graphics. Little else is known of the game as of now. Although with the E3 2014 approaching, we should be getting to know a lot more of where the game’s development is. What we do know is that A Link Between Worlds would serve as a major inspiration for the Wii U game.

Its dynamic gameplay and freedom to roam the world coupled with new game mechanics is something that Nintendo is pursuing with great interest. And quite right they are in doing so. A Link Between Worlds was indeed a fresh wind of change that was fun to a be a part of.

Even though we’re left with dabbing at the mysteries of the next Zelda game, we won’t be in the dark for long. To what end Aonuma and his team have put in effort to give the Zelda series a fresh outlook and make it the Wii U’s saving grace, we’ll only get to know at the E3.

While we remain ever-hyped for E3, year in and year out, there is always a small little piece of ourselves that tells us to keep expectations in check. After all, E3 has long since ceased being an indicator of games that will release soon – and now some games have decided to skip an E3 appearance altogether. This could be for a number of reasons, be it stalled development, lack of progress or just a generally unfinished game.

Here’s our list for the top 5 games that will be MIA from E3 2013. Remember: If you ever need to do a shock announcement for your game, E3 is the place to do it. While there’s a 99 percent chance these titles won’t appear, we can’t account for the other 1 percent, so keep an open mind.

Half Life 3

Valve’s next big game. The third and possibly final game in the Half Life saga. It’s been 9 years since the release of Half Life 2, and still there’s been no news of Half Life 3 aside from some concept art and teases from Valve.

The company has meanwhile been busy revolutionizing PC gaming with Steam, introducing Greenlight for bringing indie titles to the market, taking living room gaming with the PC to the next level with Big Picture, experimenting with Oculus Rift and, oh, bringing us games like the Portal series in the gap since.

We don’t doubt that Half Life 3 will be released one day – Valve themselves have indicated as much. However, as the developer also noted, it won’t be showcased until they’re perfectly show it can be the legendary title they want it to be. So as long as we’ve waited, we’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Mass Effect 4

Bioware has been dropping hints about the next Mass Effect for a while now, indicating that they may explore other stories besides Shepard’s for some spin-offs. However, the next big sequel in the series, reportedly running on DICE’s Frostbite 3 engine, will still be missing from E3 2013.

The technology will still need some time for building assets and developing an entirely new game around. Mass Effect 3 could get away with releasing a mere two years after the second game since it was in development alongside it.

Can Bioware possibly reveal the next big Mass Effect game with little more than a year after the third game’s release, that too when they Dragon Age III: Inquisition already announced and ready to show off? We somehow doubt it.

The Legend of Zelda Wii U

While The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was the first true Zelda game on the Wii, there hasn’t yet been a brand-spanking new Zelda title for the Wii U. Nintendo has announced that such a game exists, but they’ve offered up little to no details thus far.

The company’s absence at E3 2013 could either be a big cop-out or just a ruse. Given the number of Nintendo Direct announcements it makes that anyway reach out to a wide number of viewers and outlets, it wouldn’t be impossible if the company decided to distribute information on this model going forward.

Regardless, we find it hard to believe that they’ll suddenly reveal The Legend of Zelda Wii U when there hasn’t been even the slightest hint of the game outside of the company’s official say-so. At least we’ll be seeing Wind Waker HD at the end of year.

Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Ask anyone – anyone – one of their reasons for hating Square-Enix. You might hear about how the company’s dedication to the franchise has been sunk thanks to one man’s obsession with a virtual woman. Maybe even legitimate complaints about the amount of resources the company has sunk into the failed Final Fantasy XIV – which is now getting a reboot with A Realm Reborn.

But you’ll also hear about how they struck gold by announcing a mature, action-packed Final Fantasy Versus XIII, developed by Tetsuya Nomura of Kingdom Hearts and Crysis Core: FFVII fame and immediately decided to flip off consumers by continuously developing, changing, re-developing, realigning resources, changing again and ultimately delaying the title.

Like, a lot.

Square-Enix might have promised the next Final Fantasy game at E3 2013 but we’ll believe it’s Final Fantasy Versus XIII when we actually see, hear and confirm the date it’s coming out (sorry guys, teases just aren’t going to work anymore).

The Last Guardian

Team ICO’s next magnum opus has unfortunately run into delays since its announcement at E3 2009 starting with no further information since its reveal and the departure of director Fumito Ueda from the project. The game’s latest release date was to be April 20th 2011, and has since been pushed back indefinitely.

At one point, Sony had to actually come out and confirm that the game was still in development, after rumours had been circulating about its cancellation (which, surprise, began when a rumour began going around that Final Fantasy Versus XIII had been cancelled).

There are indications that it could come to Sony’s PlayStation 4, but honestly, if there’s been this much problem getting it out for the PlayStation 3, shifting the development to a next gen console could only be a recipe for more troubles.

That’s our take on things. Are there any games you think will be skipping E3 this year as well? Let us know below.