Not Just a Remake
Though Nintendo has done a lovely job enhancing the visuals beyond what something like the Dolphin emulator so impressively does, there’s more to this package than visuals alone either way. As you’ve likely heard by now, the infamous Triforce quest towards the end of the game has been streamlined – it’s now a whole lot shorter and less of a hassle, but still maintains the essence of the original rendition. I’m one of the few who actually didn’t mind its original form, but it’s hard to argue that the new setup flows much better and helps to not break up the story, which is flying at a breakneck pace up to that point.
Additionally, Nintendo has addressed another complaint of the old game – the time it takes to sail around the overworld. Again, I was a huge fan of sailing in the game, and the music that plays during sailing segments will stir the emotions like few things can. If the sentimental stuff isn’t your bag, though, or you’re simply in a rush, Wind Waker HD has an item called the Swift Sail. You can buy it on Windfall Island at a certain point in the game, and it doubles your speed in the water. Additionally, it’s better at catching wind no matter the weather conditions, so you won’t have to break out your magical baton constantly just to change direction.
There are other, more Wii U-centric features, too. The sea chart can now be viewed from the GamePad screen, you won’t have to be constantly breaking it out and interrupting the onscreen action just to figure out where the hell you are. Item management has gone GamePad as well, and though it seems somewhat minor, the ability to handle all this stuff on the fly without pausing is a major convenience. There’s off-TV play as well – if you thought sailing the Great Sea was invigorating already, try playing in bed with headphones the way you might using a 3DS or Vita. It’s Wind Waker up close and personal like you’ve never seen it, and it’s glorious. Not only that, but the small GamePad screen makes a pretty remake look like a gorgeous next-gen marvel.
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