Everything We Know About The Wind Waker HD

With just a few weeks left to go until the release of The Wind Waker HD, along with these past few months comprised of emerging details, changes, interviews, bundles, and release dates, there may have been a handful of details you might have missed out on. And just in case you have, we’re here to fill you in on exactly everything we know.

Announced back in January this year on a Nintendo Direct, we anxiously awaited news of a brand new Zelda Wii U game, only to be surprised with a remake of The Wind Waker, in full out HD. Fortunately, anyone who never had the chance to experience the original Wind Waker on the GameCube as well as returning veterans, won’t be missing out on much thanks to both various improvements and installments for an overall enhanced experience on the Wii U. Hit the jump for all the details we know!

Before we dive right into a recap details, here you will be able to find links, videos and screenshots of details you may have missed, here you can find various changes release dates and product information. To start things off, here is a compiled list of all changes from the GameCube version:

Visuals

Clearly the most significant change in The Wind Waker HD are its enhanced graphics, which are essential in suiting the Wii U’s ability to display them in 1080p with a consistent 60 frames per second.

Appearing islands have also been improved to reveal an increased visual aspect of area rather than waiting for sections of the ocean to load in the GameCube version. This new draw distance allows a smoother aspect when searching for or discovering islands.

As more screen shots were being revealed, the bloom aspects became more apparent in addition to the overwhelming HD. Previous screen shots displayed a noticeable light intensity along with slightly large icons. However, thanks to our friend’s over at GenGAME, it appears that both the bloom and HUD have been reduced for a slightly different experience, overall easier on the eyes. Additionally, the HUD can be toggled off to focus solely on game-play.

Just recently, Nintendo of Japan revealed in a video the comparison of the SD from the GameCube visuals vs. the HD of the Wii U along with what appears to be new footage of reduced bloom that can more than likely be assurance to fans from now on. Check the video below for more or check out the pictures here for what may be reduced bloom.

Screenshots

As of late, you’ve probably seen numerous screenshots and videos showing off the clear blue ocean and the greenery of the islands. Here’s a few more screens from other parts of the game with different characters including Jabun, Valoo, Cyclos and Zephos.

Remastered Audio

Some sounds and music can be heard in various Wind Waker HD trailers with more clarity compared to the GameCube version. With an uplifted and sharper tone, its simply yet another beautiful detail adjusted in this remake. If you were to compare on your own, some of the more notable touch-ups can be heard from the “Outset Island” theme and the “Wind’s Requiem”. Once again, GenGAME has looked further into The Wind Waker HD pointing out this lovely change. Click here to check it out. At the moment, there is no official confirmation by Nintendo as to what is specifically remastered, though a difference can certainly be heard when compared to, its safe to assume there is at least some remastered audio.

New Controls

Naturally, the Wii U will allow specific GamePad controls as well as support for the Wii U Pro Controller, whereas the Wii Remote, Nunchuck and Classic Controller won’t. The GamePad controls consist of sub-menus including: touch inventory, a map screen, a specific screen for Tingle Bottles, and both touch and motion controls for the baton (according to Zaev’s translation). Fairly simple with a redesigned interface, the GamePad touch controls are similar Ocarina of Time 3D. And if you prefer, you can also switch from the TV to play on the GamePad as well.

First Person and Motion Controls

Along with implemented gyroscopic controls, its quite fitting that you will able to play in first person as you please. This includes accurate first person shooting with the bow and aiming with grappling hook, boomerang and hook shot also much like that of Ocarina of Time 3D. As mentioned above, you can also control the baton with these motion controls in a sense that you’re actually conducting a song as Link. According to a demo with IGN, the motion controls are not required as you do have the option to use the control sticks. Though some might find motion controls uncomfortable, you can finally take a glance from Link’s perspective in the very least.

Tingle Bottle & Miiverse

Previously, the Tingle Tuner was a device compatible with the Gameboy Advance that could be used for tips and buying items. For better use of the Wii U, the Tingle Tuner was upgraded into the Tingle Bottle, allowing players to send messages through the Miiverse. These messages could either contain helpful tips, drawings, or questions and thoughts. The Tingle Bottles can be found washed-up on the shores of various islands throughout your quest. Although the bottle and its concept have changed, the Tingle Bottle is still obtainable through Tingle as it was in the GameCube version.

Picto Box

From the moment you receive the Picto Box from Tingle, you ‘ll be able to take pictures in full color–in Hero Mode). Whether or not the side quest with Lenzo is still an option in Hero Mode remains unknown. If it is, its more than likely you’ll receive an alternative reward since you’ll already have a full color Picto Box meaning the Deluxe Picto Box is out of the picture. In addition to the full color from the start, the Picto Box can now hold 12 pictures instead of the very limited three in the original game. A pretty useful adjustment if you’re looking to complete the Nintendo Gallery or simply want to venture with Link as a freelance photographer. On that note, players can also have Link can also take pictures of himself with several humorous facial expressions. You can see them in the video below!

Swift Sail and Speedups

If there was any patience in The Wind Waker, most of would more than likely be weighed upon sailing. Luckily for those who found this a bit of a hurdle, there will be speed boost called Swift Sail, the ‘A’ button allow ‘fast’ and ‘normal’ sailing. Though it has yet to be  specified on just how fast this boost is, its certainly is a nice touch for saving time, even if its just a little. The same goes for slightly faster reeling in the crane for treasure hunting as well as quicker use for the grappling hook. Drawing and using weapons have been adjusted slightly faster. Even after using the baton, you might notice the slight speed up when hearing a song playback. Lastly, according to GameXplain, the opening prologue can be skipped if you want to dive right in and begin playing.

Triforce Charts

The Triforce Chart side quest also took up a considerable amount of time in the previous version. Players were originally required to search for eight Triforce Charts, and have each one deciphered by tingle for quite a chunk of rupees, all in order to locate their corresponding Triforce Shards.

This time, players are only required to gather three Triforce Charts which will all together contain the locations of Triforce Shards sparing even more time and less sailing.

Hero Mode

Unlike the previous version of The Wind Waker, Nintendo has granted this remake a long due Hero Mode. Players are now given the choice to play Hero Mode from very beginning, and can turn it off at anytime on the selection screen. Similar to Skyward Sword’s Hero Mode, you can count on more difficult enemies to deal twice the damage and test your skill to survive, as lost hearts can only can only be recovered with potions. You won’t be finding any hearts in this play-through. Amongst all other changes, the Hero Mode addition is perhaps one of the most exciting ones, given the fact that anyone can dive in for an immediate challenge, even if its your play-through. Check out the Hero Mode trailer below!

Regions and Release Dates

The US will be able to exclusively download The Wind Waker HD from the Wii U eShop two weeks early starting September 20th. Meanwhile physical copies will be out for retail along with the digital release for other regions on and September 26th for Japan, October 4th for the US and Europe, October 5th for Australia and October 31st for Canada.

You can expect the file size from the eShop to be just under 2.6 GB.

Bundles & Limited Edition

To top off The Wind Waker HD release and all of its glory, Nintendo has put out a few goodies for fans to enjoy including a well packaged Wii U bundle exclusively for the US and UK. This bundle will be out on September 20th in the US and October 4th for the UK. For $299 USD or €249.99 Euros, and available for pre-order here’s whats included in this premium bundle:

• GamePad with Zelda-inspired gold accents
• Full game download
• Free digital version of Hyrule Historia, filled with the history and artwork of The Legend of Zelda series.

Furthermore, Gamestop is exclusively offering the limited edition featuring a Ganondorf figurine for just ten dollars more than a single copy. Unfortunately this edition is exclusive to the US and UK. As you may know the US box art resembles a rich foil gold unlike the Japanese and European box art. You can see more of the bundle and limited edition from the Nintendo UK video below.

Overall each of new details both big and small seem to fit the remake criteria and then some for a more enjoyable play-through. Newcomers won’t be missing out on much and veterans can enjoy the refreshing experience. Are all of these Wind Waker HD details enough meet your expectations for this remake? Ready to set sail on the seas in HD? Or do you still prefer the original? As always, let us know what you think in the comments below!

Source: GenGAME, IGN, Nintendo, GameXplain