The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker has always been one of my favorite Zelda games to date. It was also the game that introduced me to the entire series. I was very excited when Nintendo revealed that an HD remake of Wind Waker would be arriving this year. I was even more excited to actually go hands on with a small portion of the game as well.
When seeing the game running for the first time, I was in awe of how pretty the game looks in high definition. The visual style is breathtaking. The game world looks more bright and more colorful in HD.
While the game’s biggest improvement is its visuals, there is a lot more Nintendo improved when it comes to game control. The Wii U GamePad proves to be the ultimate tool for managing items and easily looking at maps. When Link received the telescope from his sister, I was able to equip it by dragging the item on the touch screen to the button I wanted to use with it. Like Ocarina of Time 3D, Wind Waker HD will use the second screen to make the the gameplay experience more convenient.
Wind Waker HD also uses the GamePad’s gyroscope to aim items like slingshots as well as the telescope I received. I personally liked controlling the telescope this way better as I felt like I was physically moving it, adding to the immersion.
Not only did I watch Tetra get taken away by a giant bird in glorious HD, I also got to enter sword training and got a hand at how swordplay will work in Wind Waker HD. As expected, it’s the same as any Zelda game. There are no surprises when it comes to combat.
One surprise I did find however was how Miiverse will play a role in the game. As I walked along the shore of Outset Island, I noticed a bottle washed up on shore. I took the bottle and went the the “bottles” tab on the GamePad. What I saw was a Miiverse drawing of Link with the message “Zelda HD” written by the artist. Miiverse messages will wash up on shore and getting these messages will make the game just slightly more entertaining.
I’m very excited to be able to relive one of the best Legend of Zelda games with it looking better than ever. The game was exactly as I remembered it, only a lot prettier. Those who have never played Wind Waker or those who want to relive it using modern technology will find that this is one to look forward to. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD releases this October.
