The Official Legend of Zelda Thread: Nintendo Announces TLOZ: Echoes of Wisdom

[DanneSandin]

OneTwoThree said:

DanneSandin said:

Thing is, although that may sound cool and everything to someone who's played all the Zelda's, I don't think it would sell all too well. Remember how MM and WW didn't sell so good because they didn't fall in line with the expectations people have on a Zelda game?

Yes I know, I just wouldn't like a situation where Nintendo feels it has to play it safe with Zelda. I'm not saying they already do that, but I'm not sure Majora's Mask would still get greenlighted today... 

As someone else pointed out already, MM also suffered from the second Zelda / late in cycle syndrome. Many games that appear at the end of a console's life perform relatively poorly, look at Mario Party 9 in contrast to MP8 (and 9 is said to be the much better game).

And WW probably suffered from the small install base of GC. 

Going by the latest ND, they're taking Zelda in a new direction, and one that excites me at that! They said they were going back to their roots and considering changing the linearity of the games. It all sounds as if they're trying to make a new LoZ where you didn't know where you were supposed to go. I'd love a change like that!!!

Yes, MM probably suffered from the Second Zelda Syndrome, and MM probably from the low install base; but I do think the art style held people off as well - I know it did for me and my brothers...