Can you smell it? The sense of adventure? The fresh sea breeze? That disgusting coating found on Switch game cartridges? Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is just over a month away and we can't wait.

The game was first revealed in February this year during a Nintendo Direct, but it turns out that series producer Eiji Aonuma had actually teased the remake way before then, back in 2016. The tease came from an issue of EDGE magazine, in which Aonuma discussed potential future projects at the time:

“Actually, Nintendo has been telling me to create a new IP. But then, they’re also telling me to make more Zelda games. I can’t really share much; I’m not sure I’m allowed to say anything. But I really like the idea of a game where I can live as a thief. That’s all I’ll say.”

It's pretty easy to miss, especially if you're not familiar with the game. In the original Link's Awakening, the player can opt to steal goods from the Town Tool Shop. You can walk out with any item of your choosing by distracting the owner and leaving through the front door, but if you so do, Link will be called 'Thief' by everyone in the game going forward.

In this month's issue of EDGE, Aonuma was asked whether his "thief" comment was a subtle hint. He immediately laughed in response, and confirmed that it was indeed a tease (thanks, Nintendo Insider).

There's only one thing for it, then. Who wants to join us in looking back through every single sentence Aonuma-san has said over the last couple of years? Maybe we'll pick up on a hint for a remake of Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love?

One can dream...