64DD-based Zelda add-on scheduled to debut at Nintendo's Spaceworld in August

Nintendo Co. Ltd. recently announced that the much talked about semi-sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, formerly known as Ura-Zelda, will be unveiled to the public at Nintendo Spaceworld on August 27. The game, which is being called Zelda: Gaiden by Nintendo, is expected to appear in playable form at the show.

Though few details regarding the title have been revealed, IGN learned at last month's E3 that Nintendo Japan were quietly readying a follow-up to Zelda 64 that would feature all-new worlds to explore, as well as never-before-seen characters and items - all running on the same engine. It is believed that Zelda: Gaiden is that game. The 64DD-based title, according to E3 reports, is scheduled for a late '99 release in Japan.

Nintendo of America, meanwhile, currently have no plans to release the 64DD or Zelda: Gaiden in the US. Considering the continued success of Zelda 64 in the States, the company probably see no reason to rush a semi-sequel to the market this year, especially when it could interfere with the success of scheduled blockbusters Perfect Dark and Donkey Kong 64.

The question remains: will Zelda: Gaiden ever be released outside Japan? We believe the answer is yes. Certainly Nintendo of America also realise the potential for a Zelda follow-up of sorts and aren't likely to pass up the game just because it's scheduled for 64DD in Japan.

Courtesy of IGN.com