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The new Nintendo Power arrived today, and inside is the newest edition of the "Inside Zelda", now on part 15. The interview is with Daiji Imai, who is one of the directors on Twilight Princess, as well as a production schedule manager. In addition to the monthly installment of this feature, there is a nice three-page spread on Tingle RPG, with official information from Nintendo itself (no more relying on bad translations). There's even a survey online for Americans to voice their opinion to bring the game here.

The interview with Daiji Imai really doesn't contain anything spectacular in it, other than the revelation that a year ago at this time, Twilight Princess was not ready and was a game without focus. Sounds a lot like Ocarina of Time - perhaps the game will really be its superior? Anyway, there's also some cool tidbits from him explaining he oversaw the E3 2006 demo we all played (well, some of us), and that he really is trying to ensure that Twilight Princess works well not just on GameCube, but on the Wii as well.
Check out that awesome shirt. Not for sale, sadly.
The next story is about Tingle RPG, which is a report from Japan special. Oh, and for the record, Nintendo says the English title is Freshly Picked Tingle's Rose-Colored Rupee Land. The game's story, according to Nintendo, is one day this ordinary guy hears a voice from the lake near his home. When he goes to the lake, he meets Rupee Master, who promises our hero entrance to the utopian "Rupee Land".

However, there is a catch. He must deliver a specific amount of rupees tot he Rupee Master before he can gain access. Our hero agrees, becomes Tingle, and then sets out on his quest to recover rupees. Rupees are everything in the game, from currency to Tingle's lifeblood. If you run out of rupees, Tingle dies. Everything costs rupees, though. From getting access to areas, to getting information, to even just speaking to some people! But in addition to this caveat, there's also the fact you never know the price of things, or how much people are willing to give Tingle for stuff. The game teaches you how to barter and bargain, and thus if you can't master these skills, you'll never progress.

But Tingle is not alone in this adventure. Via his computer, Pingle will be Tingle's guide in the game, aiding him when necessary. One of the first characters Tingle will meet is an old woman, who can't see very well. She says if you finish drawing her maps, you can use them yourself. You use the stylus to fill in the missing segments of the map, and each one you complete will earn you a reward from this old lady (anyone seeing the Legend of Zelda for NES reference here?).

The game is about more than just going around town and trying to get more rupees - you'll eventually have to venture beyond the main town, to one of ten islands full of dangerous monsters and dungeons. Also, the game has a neat complex and compound item system, which you mix purchased or received items in a pot, and you have to stir them using the stylus. If you do not stir them fast enough, your ingredients will burn and you will lose the item.

Controlling Tingle involves both the Stylus and the Control Pad. To move Tingle himself, you use the control pad. To fight, you encounter an enemy and are thrown into a "cartoonish brawl" in which you use both the control pad to move, and the stylus to tap the screen fast enough to win. You can both gain and lose rupees during a battle. However, Tingle isn't exactly the best fighter, and in certain dungeons, Tingle can't survive without help. Enter the bodyguards, who come in various shapes and sizes (about thirty in all). Each dungeon will end with a boss battle, which includes a unique fighting style each time.

As far as other familiars in the game, from the "Tingle Manga" on the Japanese site, which just updated, there is a picture of Tingle and a Goron. There's also a screenshot of what appears to be a Subrosian as well. However, this game really does break tradition because already we've seen a computer and an airplane in the artwork of the game, so this isn't your ordinary Zelda title. Even still, the game only has a release date in Japan (September 2nd, 2006). But Nintendo is conducting a survey with the American audience, and hopefully if we all whine enough, we'll get this title here.

Source: Nintendo Power \| Tingle RPG Website Images \| Tingle RPG Survey

Did you know there is a documentary on The Legend of Zelda series? Unfortunately, it is only in Japanese, but with the help of some fans, one day this priceless work may be translated for all to enjoy!