Should Zelda sacrifice its artistic integrity for the sake of greater sales?

[Veknoid_Outcast]

Great thread, and a really interesting question.

As a video game fan, I hope EAD continues to experiment with different art styles and color schemes and doesn't fall victim to the lowest common denominator. However, as someone interested in the longterm commercial viability of Zelda (my favorite series) I'm conflicted. One one hand, the Zelda games with more realistic art direction have sold better, but, on the other hand, the evidence that those titles sold better BECAUSE of the art direction is mostly circumstantial. As others have said, Ocarina sold so well because it's generally considered the best game ever made, and Twilight Princess sold so well in part due to the phenomenon that was Nintendo Wii.

In general, though, I think we as fans need to do a better job of looking past art direction. How many consumers balked at Wind Waker in 2003 after seeing the cartoonish art style only to miss one of the defining games of the generation? How many thousands continue to dismiss Super Mario as a game for the very young because of its bright, primary colors?

Anyway, great OP, dengle, and great posts from everyone.