I knew I liked Miyamoto for some reason He doesn't like certain gaming buzz words but knows to use them to provide context. Like I don't like the terms "core" or "hardcore" gamer but I use them because people know what I'm talking about if I do. Even if it is not as open world as Skyrim I don't think anyone is denying that this is going to be a big change of pace for the Zelda series. Also if they keep this art style for the game 20 years from now its still going to look fantastic while Battlefield 3 will look like junk compared to whatever comes out in the future.MysticSlayer said:Zelda is sort of an odd case. The maps tend to be large, offer plenty of exploration and item hunting, have "side quests", and allow free exploration towards the end of the game. As a result, it certainly feels open world in a sense. However, it isn't really "open world" in the same sense that Elder Scrolls or even Grand Theft Auto is. The player is often forced down a linear progression of dungeons with no real incentive to pursue side quests other than to possibly acquire more heart pieces and rupees. There also aren't really any "dungeons" that are completely optional. Even games like A Link Between Worlds where numerous dungeons do become available at the same time, there is still quite a major limit on how you can progress through all those dungeons.
Ultimately, based on what Miyamoto has said, Nintendo is attempting to take Zelda away from its standard progression of dungeons and allow more openness and freedom. However, it still isn't going to be an open world entirely [http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/04/miyamoto-doesnt-like-to-call-zelda-wii-u-open-world], just closer to one than past Zelda games. Regardless, Zelda does tend to at least give the feeling of being in an open world, so it really seems like they are refining the way that they present that feeling.
No matter what way you slice it Zelda is in for a big change, Star Fox is about to be revived, and God knows what else Nintendo has planned with those Amibos. This is going to be a very interesting time to be a Nintendo person.