'Legend of Zelda Wii U' release date news: 'Breath of the Wild' developers discuss main features; Title set to launch in 2017

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildNintendo

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" was showcased in depth during this year's E3 but the game is not yet due for release until 2017, where it will launch for both the Nintendo Wii U and the NX. Speaking to IGN, executive producers Eiji Aonuma and Shigeru Miyamoto revealed several key features of the game. 

According to Aonuma, the large, open world of Hyrule in this game allows the player to get lost but still have fun. He further explains that a part of the fun was challenging oneself and discovering the best way to reach a destination or exit. 

The interview also revealed that the new mechanic of brewing potions is going to play a crucial part in the game. 

"So there's definitely different types of medicine," Aonuma explained. "For example, as you saw there's elixirs to make you walk faster, and there's an elixir that will nullify any sound you make. There's all these different effects, there's many different effects that will help you accomplish your goal. There's many great different types of that."

It is further explained that rupees still exist in the game but are no longer discovered by simply cutting down grass. Instead, players will need to sell what they scavenge in the open world or get rupees from chests and defeated bosses. 

Aonuma also explained that the reason Link is wearing a blue outfit is because it somehow ties to the story, although he did hint that players might be able to get the traditional green tunic as well. Aonuma also explained that the glowing arrow that was shown in the initial teaser trailer also plays a large role in the game's story.

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is set to launch in 2017, with fans speculating it will be released no sooner than March as it will be available not only for the Wii U but the yet-to-be-released NX, too.