Zelda: Wind Waker HD Announced for Wii U, New Details on New LOZ

By Landon Robinson | 23 January 2013 | 9 Comments

During a Nintendo Direct video presentation this morning, Nintendo unveiled that it was not only working on the upcoming, original Legend of Zelda title for Wii U, but that it’s also been working on bringing The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker to the new console with updated high-definition graphics and GamePad compatibility.

Aside from showcasing screenshots of HD Wind Waker, Nintendo also unveiled that this project came about as the team was testing high-definition art styles for the new Legend of Zelda, including assets from Wind Waker. The team thought so highly of the outcome of the test that they decided to move forward with the project and make it available to all. The game is slated to release this fall to help ease the tension between you and the long wait ahead for a new, original LOZ. No price has been given.

Regardless, it all sounds phenomenal to me.

In regards to the upcoming Legend of Zelda for Nintendo’s Wii U, the game’s director had very little to say about the project, but what he did say raises a few eyebrows. He says that the project is about getting the series “back to basics,” and ”to create a newborn Zelda so players today can enjoy the real essence of the franchise.”

He attributes these new design philosophies to alterations in game mechanics for the project, specifically citing their focus on making it a single-player experience-only and making it so that you complete dungeons in a certain order, for example. And from what is indicated in the presentation, the new project could very well build off the aesthetic Wind Waker set into motion on the GameCube.

Freaking. Yes. To all of it.

Image Gallery

[Source: Nintendo]

9 Comments

Posted by Owentheomen on 23 January 13 at 7:52am

I never got into Zelda but all I have heard in the past from friends and family is that zelda is an amazing game. I would not mind jumping into a new graphically built zelda if its still going to give me a great idea about zelda still build up that love that you grow with your characters As you progress through a game, also new game machanics related to the Wii U controls sounds like more fun and to be able to bring back more single player style game without all the online multiplayer sounds great ! I believe every one needs that one good game they can come home too after a hard core gaming day at the friends to just relax and play a game by them self with all that relaxing flute music haha, in a way this game would be like a good book for yourself.
- Posted by Gail on 23 January 13 at 12:33pm
  
  With some new graphics and all those good feelings those characters bring, i like that to…
Posted by Mugenite on 23 January 13 at 8:51am

I got this game free with my Gamecube. Traded it in at a Rhino’s unopened.
- Posted by DMatomisk on 23 January 13 at 12:09pm
  
  The only Zelda game’s I ever liked were the 2D side scroll adventure games. Like the Minish Cap. Make an HD version of that! That was the shit!
Posted by TraumaHunter on 23 January 13 at 12:08pm

Nintendo is the only company that can get away with selling you the same game you bought the 5 years ago over and over and over…..(aside from maybe capcom or activision lol. but atleast they try to pretend its new.)
Posted by Jake on 23 January 13 at 12:19pm

I think this is a great idea, and I can already see how they’re going to integrate the gamepad. The Wind Waker inventory interface would be PERFECT for the gamepad.

On the topic of Zelda in general: If you care at all about action adventure/action RPG games I recommend picking Wind Waker up and giving it a chance. So many people turn it down because they think it looks like a “kids game” because it’s colourful and it’s such a stupid premise to turn down trying something that is really great. It is my favourite Zelda game following A Link to the Past, it has a lot of character.
Posted by Galo on 23 January 13 at 12:40pm

Too much bloom for my taste, plus I already have 1080p Windwaker thanks to Dolphin
Posted by that guy on 23 January 13 at 12:40pm

I might get a Wii U just for this game… Also, did everyone forget twilight princess? I’ve been replaying it, that game is fucking awesome!
Posted by Gail on 23 January 13 at 12:59pm

Do i think the market will be saturated? I would like to think that, with knowledge, they brought good wisdom to…