Eiji Aonuma has spoken a lot lately about The Legend of Zelda series, and I have no problem with that! Speaking with Kotaku, Aonuma talked about technology and its role in Zelda titles, as the upcoming release of Spirit Tracks seems like Link’s most technologically advanced adventure to date.

Technology actually was not a major concern for us when we decided to use the train. In The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the boat was the key mode of transportation. Now that Spirit Tracks takes place on land, we needed a new way for players to get around, and felt that the train offered the best sense of exploration and discovery. We don’t think it feels out of place in the game world. Trains are also a popular mode of transportation in Japan. My children and I still feel a great sense of adventure when we ride trains in Japan.

Although the train is still a ways behind what we consider modern-day technology, Aonuma isn’t opposed to the idea of modern day technology finding its way into a future title.

Regarding use of other forms in technology in the future, as long it adds to the overall game experience and is something we feel the player would enjoy, we wouldn’t be afraid to implement it. As a matter of fact, we have used the Hook Shot in several previous games, which would be considered a very modern type of technology, even by today’s standards.

Technology added here and there is fine and great, but I’m pretty sure Link’s acquisition of a bluetooth headset and a jet-pack might anger some fans.

Kotaku