The reason? Eiji Aonuma (Zelda director since Majora's Mask) and his development team at Nintendo simply needed more time. Supposedly, even back at E3 in May, the team hinted that they'd have to work overtime in order to finish the game so it could make it's scheduled worldwide holiday release. What's troubling is, why did Nintendo tell us one thing and then do another? Even while the Zelda team hinted they might not make the deadline, it was confirmed by Nintendo of America bigwig Perrin Kaplan that "Yes," Twilight Princess would be released worldwide this year. A company with Nintendo's kind of experience and expertise shouldn't be contradicting itself like that. Not only is it not at all like Nintendo, it's not very professional. Maybe it was just a mistake, and it was never supposed to be promised that the game would make it out this year. We'll leave it up to you to decide.

 

     The official line from Nintendo is "After much discussion, the Zelda development team has requested extra time to add new levels, more depth and even higher quality to Zelda: Twilight Princess. Consequently, we're announcing a new global launch in 2006, after the conclusion of this fiscal year (March 31). We'll provide a specific date at a later point in time. While this may come as a disappointment to many eager fans, it will absolutely enrich the game and make it a multi-million seller." Ms. Kaplan adds, "It will be worth the wait."  It had better be, for GameCube's sake.

 

     We fully expect Nintendo to show off more footage of the game in motion at TGS. If they don't, it will come as very disappointing to millions of fans around the world. Even in Canada.

 

     Though we know Nintendo doesn't have the heart to do it, long-term it would be better for the company to push it off just a little while longer and make it a Revolution launch title, so as to ensure a successful Revolution launch.

 

     Obviously, we'll keep you updated with anything new about the game as it inevitably becomes available.

 

-SCP