Tingle RPG Update

First details on Nintendo's Zelda offshoot.

Nintendo's Tingle RPG is no longer vaporware. Nintendo has at long last shared first details on the new DS Zelda offshoot, properly known in Japan as Mogitate Tingle Bara Iro Rupee Land.

First, an explanation of that name. The title translates to "Fresh Tingle's Rose Colored Rupee Land." If Nintendo of America had translated Tingle's name as Tinkle (which is how the Japanese name is written in the first place), this would have been the best title ever. If Nintendo had further decided to make this game for the Wii, our work day would've ended early today (although it should be noted that the Japanese don't apply the same connotations to Wii and Tinkle that we do).

We'll refer to the game as Tingle RPG from here on.

In Tingle RPG, you play as the Wind Waker/Majora's Mask treasure specialist when he was 35 and single, before his transformation into Tingle form. The main character gets word that he ought to head out to a spring. He does so, and along the way, he comes in contact with Rupeeji, a name that can be translated to Old Man Rupee. Rupeeji tells the main character that by collecting rupees (which, in case you aren't into Zelda, is the currency of Hyrule, the kingdom in which the series takes place) and throwing them at the spring, he'll be lead to the dream land of Rupee Land. He accepts the quest and, through a magic spell, gets transformed into Tingle.

We're not quite sure what Tingle RPG is all about just yet. Money will play a big part in the game, though -- that much is for sure. You'll have to give up money in order to please the members of town. You'll have to give up money in order to pass through gates. What exactly you do in town once those townfolk are pleased, and what lies beyond those gates, are mysteries for now.

Tingle has a guide in the game, a girl fairy called Pingle (this name would've been Pinkle if Nintendo hadn't been shy with its original naming). Pingle appears in a monitor in Tingle's house. Her relationship with Tingle is unknown, but it seems as though shell greet the hero at the end of each work day.

Obviously, Nintendo's left us in the dark on quite a bit regarding Tingle RPG. The game is still set for some time in 2006, though, so we expect solid details soon enough.

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