Zelda: Skyward Sword pre-E3 rumours
Live-action prologue? November release?
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is complete, won't feature series villain Ganondorf as its antagonist and will get a 10 minute live-action prologue, according to a slate of rumours published by Zelda Informer.
Nintendo will demo Skyward Sword at its E3 press conference next week and confirm final details about the long-anticipated title. Despite a first mention at E3 2008, there's still much to learn, including a final release date.
New rumours suggest the game is complete and will launch on 1st November 2011 - that's the same day as Uncharted 3 and within two weeks of Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 3.
Perhaps the most surprising claim is that Nintendo has filmed a 10 minute live-action prologue to Skyward Sword for release online. Even more bizarre? The daughter of actor Robin Williams - an actress and avid gamer named Zelda Williams - tweeted last week about her involvement in a "super secret Nintendo shoot". Could it be related?
Demos of airborne combat, overworld and sky exploration plus a desert dungeon will apparently be playable at E3. This is plausible - we know sections of the title will take place in a cloud city named Skyloft, which floats high above Link's regular realm of Hyrule.
Princess Zelda apparently has a new design similar to an Egyptian Princess, while arch enemy Ganondorf appears briefly as a child.
So who's the story's baddie? The mysterious pale-faced magician figure from the game's GDC trailer - said to be named Nephiburoo - is one of several evil sorcerers allegedly looking to steal the Triforce.
The long-rumoured Skyward Sword figure - who communicates with you through the weapon - is said to be named "Dorella".
Horse-riding and boat-sailing are included, the latter of which is apparently necessary to complete one of the game's dungeons, reminiscent of the Temple of the Gods in Zelda: Wind Waker.
After completion, extra levels within dungeons will unlock to test all the abilities Link has obtained. New areas will appear in the game's overworld, too.
The rumours also mention a fully orchestrated soundtrack similar to the one from Super Mario Galaxy 2 - just confirmed in a new Iwata Asks interview with Nintendo's president. Coincidence?
Nintendo's E3 press conference takes place Tuesday, 7th June at 5pm UK time. We'll find out for sure then.