The Wind Waker HD: the changes you didn’t know about!

YouTube channel GameXplain has recently been releasing videos frequently regarding the changes made in The Wind Waker HD, released today for the Wii U system. Although they’ve already showcased many of the large-scale improvements in this remake, they have just released another video featuring some of the smaller alteration.

Yet however small, these changes will certainly be noticeable to anybody who has recently played the original GameCube title, and, if they correctly serve their purpose, will make the game far more enjoyable.

Hit the jump to read all about it!

So a quick overview of everything in the video:

The grappling hook item has been updated in two ways, not only with a shorter animation, but also with the added ability to change direction while swinging. The latter will save a good amount of time and aggravation caused by having to stop before you turn. The wind waker item is constantly accessible by simply pressing up on the control pad! An extremely convenient addition to save the menu navigation, although such a thing wouldn’t have been necessary anyway if using the Wii U’s defining GamePad. Similarly, while sailing, the control pad allows for use of the crane to hunt for treasure, or the cannon to kill enemies. The cannon has also been given a target line, making for easier aiming.

The camera movement has been inverted, but this feature can be easily changed in the game’s options, along with the ability to turn off the visuals in the top-right corner of the screen. The game also scrolls through text far quicker, meaning for those of you who have already played the game, you won’t have to sit through lengthy text boxes just to progress. Lastly, and probably my favorite, is the ability to reread what Fishman has told you about every island he adds to your map. While recently playing the original GameCube version, I found myself clutching to a notepad while exploring just so I could write down what he had said. This will save quite some time, and seems extremely practical.

I think all of these changes are extremely beneficial to the experience, really fine-tuning the small issues that the original had. Seeing how thorough the developers were with making this game the best it could be, I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy in only two weeks!

So what do you think? What is your favorite change made in The Wind Waker HD? Leave your answers in the comments below!

Source: YouTube