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.