Ten years later...it's time for justice.
Justice for the pots.
Justice for the fish.
Justice...for the pigs.
Link, you stand before this...tree...accused of vandalism, fishing without a license and
47 counts of pig-napping.
How do you plea?
So is that...does that mean "guilty" or...?
And you know, speaking of crimes...the initial reaction to this game might be one of gaming's
most heinous offenses.
When Nintendo revealed the very first images of The Wind Waker, the reaction was overwhelmingly
negative.
In fact, the criticism was just about as colorful as the graphics.
Of course, the critics were wrong, but you don't have to take my word for it.
Just ask them.
It's amazing how many have changed their tune.
Because now, a decade later, Wind Waker is finally regarded as it always should've been.
As one of the most beautiful video games ever made.
If you would've told me in 2004 that, within a decade, Wind Waker would be remade in high
definition—and that people would be okay with that—there's no way I would've believed
you.
And yet, here we are.
And here's Link, and the boat, and those beautiful, beautiful graphics.
Shined up and reworked in stunning HD.
The Wind Waker is gorgeous, and not just for a decade-old game.
This is a gorgeous game, in any year, on any platform.
And playing this remake?
It's, like...watching the end of Cinderella.
All the disdain, all the neglect...it's all over.
And the prettiest girl in the house is finally getting her glass slipper.
So obviously, given that this is an HD remake, and that this is freaking Wind Waker, those
graphics are kind of a big deal.
If you've never played it, the original game was known for its style...a cel-shaded look,
that made it like an interactive cartoon.
And the improvements with this HD version are actually pretty minimal.
It's clearer and sharper, the lighting and draw distance are improved...but the point
is, it's mostly just subtle improvements.
Because frankly, that's all this game really needed.
So specifically, there are a few things that struck me about Wind Waker in HD.
First, the colors are incredibly bold, and the game's a whole lot brighter.
In fact, at times, the game does such a good job conveying that bright, colorful, beachside
appearance...that it's almost too bright.
It's, like...sometimes, you actually squint at the sun, in this game.
And that sets up really effective contrasts.
So when you're in a cave or dungeon, the darkness seems even darker, and the place feels dangerous.
That's one of the reasons this world feels so dynamic, and alive.
But you know, if there's one issue, it's that...when the lighting is just right, the game does
this weird thing where it casts shadows on Link.
So you go from the familiar cel-shaded look...to this weird, 3D...almost claymation Link?
And that's the one change that feels like an unnecessary change, because it does detract
from the game's trademark style.
I mean, Toon Link already looked...familiar.
And with that weird effect...what is he?
A dentist?
Fortunately, those moments are minimal.
And it certainly doesn't negate the things this game does well...which are many.
The game has less dungeons than most Zelda games, but the ones it does have are fantastic.
And actually, the highlight of the gameplay is the combat.
Wind Waker had much more advanced swordplay than any Zelda prior, and it happens to be
populated by some of the most memorable characters the series has ever seen.
In fact, the only thing brighter than Wind Waker's graphics...is its personality.
And you know, it's not just a pretty remake.
It's also very much a Wii U game.
First off, the GamePad is incredibly useful for Zelda.
It makes managing your inventory easier than ever.
You just drag a weapon to a button—no need to pause or anything.
And it also has your maps, which has the same effect.
No more browsing menus and being pulled from the experience.
And another cool addition is these messages in bottles.
You can actually write a note on your GamePad and drop it in the ocean.
Then another player might find it, either floating at sea or stuck along a shoreline.
It's a really clever use of online.
You might find hints, or pictures...and it makes an already lively world feel even more
alive.
It's like, this time...you're not the only one sailing these seas.
But you know, the seas have never been smoother for Wind Waker.
And it wasn't always like this.
These waters used to be turbulent, provoked by storms of criticism as harsh as they were
unfounded.
This is a second chance for a game that didn't need one.
A visual upgrade for a game that's been gorgeous since the day it set sail.
The Wind Waker has always been a masterpiece.
And it's never been better, or more loved, than it is right now.