Nintendo announced the next entry in the Legend of Zelda franchise during its recent digital media event at E3, a move that's likely just what the company and its flagship console need following a serious sales slowdown.

Zelda series director Eiji Aonuma said the title breaks with franchise norms and introduces new ways to play. With the graphical power of the Wii U, they were finally able to make an open-world Zelda game in 3D, allowing players to tackle the world in whatever order they like.

Gamers will be able to get to any area they can see from virtually any direction although I presume certain areas may be off-limits without the right gear.

Some of that vast landscape is shown in the teaser trailer above which features Link riding on horseback and being chased by a baddie. Further into the clip, our hero showcases a new outfit and weaponry. As the Guardian points out, the game looks rather beautiful and appears to use cel shading a la Borderlands. This title looks a bit more refined and grown-up compared to, Wind Waker, for example.

The untitled game will arrive on the Wii U console sometime next year.

Do you think a new game in the Zelda franchise is enough for Nintendo to turn the corner or is the Wii U already destined to continue its downward spiral?