In the semi-sequel to, titled, a lot of new additions have been implemented -- and a lot has changed. The game will be playable at Nintendo's Space World in little more than a week and, of course, we'll be there to cover it. But in the meantime, we've compiled a list of newly released facts about the game that are sure to spark your interest. Enjoy:

A Parallel World

In Zelda Gaiden, Link finds himself in a parallel world where characters that were introduced in the first game may be introduced slightly different. In other words, some of the characters in the game will offer players different quests and form decidedly opposite partnerships with our hero than they did in Ocarina of Time.

A New Story

The game is again set in Hyrule, a few months after the events in Ocarina of Time took place. Naturally, Link is his young elf self again and Ganon's threat has been completely defeated. One day, Link happens to bump into a strange fellow in the woods, Stalkid, who mocks Link and tells him that he has "foalnapped" Epona, Link's horse. Before Link even knows what's going on, Stalkid takes off and escapes through a mysterious door. Like in "Through the Looking Glass" (Alice in Wonderland), Link follows the odd guy and finds himself in an all new world, where an ominous moon threatens to crash to earth and destroy all life. Of course, it's Link to the rescue... With the help of his trusted friend Navi, he must overcome the dark threat and try to prevent the deadly catastrophe.

Masks

The use of masks has been greatly expanded over Ocarina of Time. Link will be able to use the power of certain masks to change his appearance and give him special abilities. For example, one mask turns him into a Zora, enabling him to swim underwater. Another mask will turn him into a Goron, allowing Link to curl up into a ball and roll around. Yet another mask will turn Link into one of those annoying Deku Nut guys and allow him to fly with the use of a flower in a hang glider-like fashion.

Weapons

Many of the classic Ocarina of Time weapons and items are back, including the hammer, the bow and arrow, hookshot, the boomerang, the ocarina, the bombs, and the dagger -- only that young Link can now use all of them. There may also be some new items in the game that Nintendo hasn't unveiled yet.

Real Real-time

The game will progress in real-time. There is a meter at the bottom/middle of the screen now that shows the position of the sun or moon at all times. It is believed that the time that passes during gameplay affects the outcome and story of the game much more than in Ocarina of Time. This feature is no doubt a remnant from the game's planned 64DD incarnation, where everything you do in the game causes lasting repercussions.

New Bosses

Gaiden features completely new, big bosses. While the specifics of all the bosses in the game are still being kept secret, we do know of at least three: a Gohma-like creature, an oversized frog and a giant warrior.

Expansion Pak

Since the game was originally designed to run on 64DD, a unit that required the 4MB RAM expansion, it's no surprise that Gaiden (now on cart) will support the RAM Pak. However, it is very likely that the RAM Expansion will actually be REQUIRED to play Zelda: Gaiden -- just like with Donkey Kong 64.

Gaiden is expected to ship in Japan March 2000.

Look for more news and images for Gaiden next week from Space World.

Images courtesy of Famitsu Magazine (Japan).