The Wii U’s savior has just arrived and surprise surprise, it’s in the form of a Zelda game. A remastered, revamped, high-def version of ‘Wind Waker’ to be exact. You can grab it digitally with the new Zelda Wii U bundle or retail. It’s been 10 years since the release of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker on Gamecube. I fondly remember seeing Link in cel-shaded form in a screenshot a year before the game came out and I was shocked. I thought, “There’s no way this is going to work, much less appease Zelda fans.” I still pre-ordered the game…because it’s Zelda. I was proven wrong the minute I first started playing. The cel-shaded, cartoon-like graphics were beautiful. It was one of the best-looking games at the time. Not only that, the gameplay was solid and tons of fun. I remember playing it week after week in middle school, until finishing it with a big grin on my face. It has since become one of my favorite games of all time. Nintendo has unleashed the much anticipated HD remake of Wind Waker, but has it really improved upon what was already a fantastic game?
The first thing you’ll notice about Wind Waker HD are its visuals. The improvements in this area are vast. The water and sky are now a brighter shade of blue, wind effects are more visible, shadows are now prominent and realistic, and characters are more lively and lifelike, including Link himself. However, in certain moments and places, Link can look like clay instead of cel-shaded, but I think it looks cool. This has been a complaint for some. The towns and islands are all prettier and more alive, even though nothing was really added. The visuals just bring things to life that much. Particle effects and things of this nature are all improved as well. Overall, the game is simply stunning. Not only is Wind Waker HD the best looking Wii U game, it’s one of the best-looking console games ever, period. Many times you’ll find yourself stopping just to look around. It’s simply that beautiful.
The sound is just as good as its always been. The music is an obvious standout, as in most Zelda titles. Each musical piece fits the mood just right , whether you’re fighting hordes of enemies or sailing across the sea. Overall, the audiovisual presentation as whole is spectacular. The controls are the same as the original, as far as mechanics and commands. Since this is the Wii U, the buttons are obviously different. You have the option of using the Wii U Gamepad or the Pro Controller. The main advantage of using the Gamepad is that you can switch out items in your inventory with a breeze and you always have a visual map in front of you. For some, these things make the Gamepad their controller of choice. The advantage of the Pro Controller is the simplicity and classic feel. We’ve all grown up using a standard controller and playing with this may be more comfortable. Personally, I prefer the Pro Controller, but I also have the Gamepad next to me with the map open. Don’t forget the fact that you can also just play on the Gamepad, away from the television, even in another room. This is a very cool feature, but at the same time, the visuals aren’t as crisp and pretty as they are on a TV set. Whichever way you choose to play, it is an incredibly satisfying experience.
There are a few added things worth mentioning. Tingle Tuner has been replaced by the Tingle Bottle, which is used to communicate with other players via Miiverse. It’s basically the same concept as before, just with new hardware. This is a great way to build a community with other gamers and it ‘s a bunch of fun. There’s also the addition of the Swift Sail, which drastically speeds up time spent in the Great Sea. This is one of the most welcomed additions, along with sped-up cutscenes involving items such as the Wind Waker and grappling hook. These are issues that needed to be addressed, because in the original, it just took too long to travel from island to island. One complaint I do have about travel is that you still have to throw bait out to have the fish mark your map, which can become annoying. Also, the simple fact that there isn’t much to actually do on many of the islands is a disappointment.
The enemies and boss fights in The Wind Waker are still flat-out awesome. Now, enemies are even more detailed and full of life. There are many different types that all have their own unique abilities and traits, and the bosses are more frightening than ever. Combat is fun and satisfying, whether using your trusty sword, a giant hammer or a bow and arrow. Action and adventure are two things Wind Waker is all about and it offers plenty of both. There are a ton of side quests to complete along with the ambitious and fun main story. The dungeons and puzzles are dazzling and really make you think. The characters you encounter throughout your journey are all memorable and entertaining. Each have their own problems and personalities. The main cast, featuring the King of Lions, Tetra and the pirates are all wonderful as well. If you’ve never played Wind Waker before, you’re in for a real treat. First, slap yourself for never playing it.
The Wind Waker remains one of the greatest games ever made. This Wii U HD remake only cements that fact.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD is a game that you should not miss, whether you’ve played the original or not. It’s truly an experience of a lifetime. The game boasts a memorable story, an incredible sense of adventure and exploration, quirky characters, satisfying combat, breathtaking visuals, harmonious music and much more. There just isn’t much to complain about. The sense of adventure is simply awe-inspiring and once you begin, you won;t want to put the controller down. Nintendo is still the master of making fun games. They don’t have to be violent or have Oscar-winning performances. As a matter of fact, I think we need to evaluate our view of games in that sense. There are a vast majority of genres these days. Adventure, shooter, racing, action, fighting and also we’re seeing an emergence of movie-like experiences with Beyond Two Souls. Wind Waker HD is one of the classic action-adventure types that we have always loved. It’s kid and adult friendly. It’s truly an incredible game that you should not pass up. Yes, this game alone is worth purchasing a Wii U, so what are you waiting for?