Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Live-Action Trailer Emphasizes New Gameplay Elements

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, the upcoming sequel to the Super Nintendo classic A Link to the Past, launches in North America on November 22. Reviews for this highly anticipated game are already coming in, some even scoring it with a perfect 10/10. Nintendo has been providing pieces of information over the last few months, many of which reveal a Legend of Zelda formula that strays from the ideology from which many fans of the series have become accustomed.

One such change of notoriety is Link’s new ability to press himself into his surroundings, much like a painting on a wall. This core gameplay element has enabled Nintendo to add new levels of depth to the dungeons within A Link Between Worlds, while also introducing all new puzzles and mechanics, which will force gamers to look at Hyrule in a new dimension.

Nintendo released a new live-action television commercial to promote the highly anticipated first-party title release, and in it the actor is shown using a similar wall-painting technique to avoid traps down a dungeon corridor and to enter another dimension.

Link’s new ability to transformer into a painting not only provides new gameplay elements to the series, but it also serves as a pivotal plot point for the entry. Link’s new nemesis, a being known as Yuga, is turning the kingdom’s sages into paintings in an attempt to revive the vanquished demon king, Ganon. At some point, early on in the game, Yuga attempts to trap Link into a painting as well. Link’s only saving grace is an item known as Ravio’s bracelet which prevents him from being trapped in the artwork.

A Link Between Worlds is set in the same world as A Link to the Past, and takes place shortly after Ganon’s defeat at the end of its predecessor. While the main kingdom and land of Hyrule is approximately identical, there are many changes to the land players will explore. New to the series is the underworld kingdom of Lorule, accessible through Link’s ability to press onto the game’s environments, which has a princess of its own and is reminiscent of A Link to the Past’s Dark World.

A Link Between Worlds launches both digitally and in stores later on November 22, 2013 for Nintendo 3DS and 2DS. Game Stop has confirmed a special edition Legend of Zelda themed bundle that will include the digital copy of the game.