In a recent promotional email (seen above), Nintendo claims that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the deepest Zelda yet.

To me, depth would mean an engrossing story with characters you care about and a game world that feels alive. To others it might mean a lot of items to collect or side quests to embark upon. Dragon Quest IX had a great balance of these qualities and was able to deliver depth no matter what your definition of the term might be.

What does depth in a video game mean to you?

Quick! Head over to the Nintendo eShop or DSiWare Shop to download The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition for free before it’s too late! Okay, so it won’t be too late until February 20th of next year. Still…

I didn’t get to experience much of the original Four Swords, but, as I understand it, this version can be completed solo, while the original could not. It is undoubtedly more fun to play with a friend, however, so be sure to find a buddy!

What are your thoughts on the latest Zelda 25th Anniversary offering?

Before I started thinking about this idea, I was easily frustrated by new gamers who couldn’t seem to grasp controls that are second nature to me. I have a friend whose family has never owned a single dedicated gaming system, handheld or otherwise. Even so, how hard can it possibly be to hold a Wii remote sideways and control the on-screen Mario with the directional pad and jump button? Even my little sister can’t do that effectively.

Naturally, this brought me to recognize that there is a skill for gaming! It can be practiced and honed just like any other skill. (more…)

Back in June, Nintedo announced that the eShop would receive a free release to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Zelda franchise. That title is Link’s first multiplier adventure The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, the GBA add-on to The Link to the Past. DSi and 3DS owners everywhere can download the game free of charge this September.

The game is not expected to have any stereoscopic 3D support as it is launching under the DSiWare brand, and although it has not been confirmed, don’t count on the title having any online support either. I suppose you can’t complain about free though, can you?

The GBA Four Swords title was not quite as lengthy or evolved as the full retail version released on the Gamcube, but it could certainly make a long bus trip enjoyable. Either that or you may just loose a friendship because your buddy likes nothing better than to throw you in the lava. Over and over.

No concrete date has been established, but the first Thursday of September just happens to be September 1st. Here’s hoping!

The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D comes out on Sunday. I’m super-excited to play it and Robin Williams is apparently a fan, but we want to know:

[Original image by Eli Kochalka]