The Wind Waker HD/SD Comparison Video

[news post written by John S.]

It’s common sense in the Zelda community that as far as video game graphics goes, The Wind Waker has one of–if not the best–graphics of any game released in the last decade. The captivating art style and charm of the game is difficult for anyone to resist when they pick up the controller and start playing. It is probably because of this that one YouTube user has touched upon the possibility of a HD version of the game using a Dolphin Emulator. Sounds interesting, no? Hit the jump to see the video!

There is no doubt that one can see an immediate difference when the HD footage starts playing. The colors are more vibrant, the lines are sharper, and even the screen format changes from 4:3 to 16:9. What with rumors going around that Nintendo is going to implement an HD Virtual Console on the upcoming Wii U, this video will surely just add fuel to the fire on the possibility of a series of up-scaled GameCube games. However, despite the range of positives HD graphics bring us, I can’t help but wonder if an HD re-release of The Wind Waker is really necessary. After all, the graphics for the game have stood the test of time and still look incredible almost ten years on from its original release date. Would HD graphics really enhance the gameplay from the GameCube’s relatively low-tech specifications, or is it just an unnecessary add-on which would enhance nothing but Nintendo’s profit margin?

A similar incident has happened with the game Okami, which is another stunningly beautiful cel-shaded game available on the Wii. Recently, an HD re-release was put up for sale on the PlayStation Network, improving on the original graphics displayed on the Wii and the Playstation 2. While many fans welcomed the upgrade, some argued that the developers were wasting time on the project while they could have been working on a proper sequel, which is what they apparently would have preferred. Having played Okami myself, I can say with confidence that when it comes to games like that (and also with The Wind Waker), you don’t need HD graphics to make a game truly great.

But what do you guys think? Would you like to see The Wind Waker in HD on the Wii U, or do you think that it’s just an unnecessary addition to the series? Tell us in the comments below!

Source: YouTube