With the release of The Wind Waker HD for the Wii U I thought it was time to revisit the game and give my thoughts on the games. My original Wind Waker review can be found here: • The Wind Waker Review
James Marley If the touch screen could be used, then all the versions of FLUDD could be available and be switched using the gamepad. It saves a few seconds, and that adds up in the long run.
I have to agree with regard to the bloom and gradients. Wind Waker GCN gave off a wonderful impression of a living 2D animation. Wind Waker WiiU seems more like claymation, not a bad thing in itself.
+ElleRoni Just wish they gave the option to play the game in classic graphics mode, just like what Halo and Halo 2 Anniversary did. I'm sure it's only a matter of switching off/turning down some effects (like lighting, bloom, ambient occlusion, etc.), and I doubt it would be an issue with disc space (in case that's the requirement) because the Wii U disc can hold around 25 GB of data.
I definitely consider it bad. The Wii U version looks worse in almost every conceivable way. The only improvement is the native resolution, which I can do on Dolphin for free. All Nintendo had to do was improve the resolution, and include some QOL touches for modern gamepads, and they managed to screw even that up. I have no idea how a team at Nintendo looked at the bloom in this game and approved it for commercial release. It's so unpleasant to look at, it's as if the Wind Waker takes place on Mercury now. Not even going to rail against the awful 3D graphics since Matt did that perfectly.
Agree with you completely about the bloom - It would look alright in any other Zelda game, but it just doesn't suit Wind Waker. It's too harsh on the eyes for such a comfy game
What the heck is bloom even supposed to be? Like, which optical effect in real life is it supposed to represent? Fog? Smudgy glasses? High humidity? When I go outside in real life on a sunny day, I don't see bloom. I see clear, crisp air. When the sun is shining brightly, it doesn't make my vision blurry. So what the heck is bloom even supposed to be? Maybe in the dungeons it might work, since those are supposed to be damp and uninviting. It makes sense if things look foggy. But outside? On a sunny day? With clear blue skies? I don't get it. Somebody please explain bloom to me and why it always needs to be there!
I completely agree about the art style change being a bit disappointing, I also found that in some areas the new style worked well, but i do miss the flat colors, and not being bombarded by bloom
What puzzles me most is how Nintendo allowed it. Was it just an instance where the PM of the remake team overruled the art department? I can't imagine the visual designers were happy with it. I realize aesthetics are a subjective affair, but even then it's a matter of degrees; the the changes don't cohere with the original design theme at all, so I'd argue it's objectively worse, and I imagine anyone who studied art or design and made a good career of it would agree that the changes did the game a disservice.
@@GenteelCretin Well, people were kind of obsessed with bloom at some point, specially when the light or GI systems in a game were kind of poor, so some effects had to be faked. I wonder if they simply thought it looked sunnier and hotter with that level of bloom?
Hit the nail on the spot. I havent been able to express what "HD'ing" a something cartoony results in, but your description about a plastic toy fits perfectly.
This is an excellent, considered review. Thanks for articulating the problem with the crazy bloom lighting. It put me off buying it (again), even though everything else looks pretty fantastic. The selfie in front of the wind tunnel is so adorable! Subscribed!
To be honest the bloom only gets ridiculous in the first temple, when you're at the side of the volcano. Otherwise it doesn't detract from the experience, I find.
@@AnoNymous-dh2sv Yeah; the problem is more the excessiveness of the bloom; a little bit of it to complement the new shadows was a good idea, but they went way too far. The real problem is definitely the gradients; those just make the game look worse by removing the cel shading and making characters look like miis.
I believe the reason they chose Wind Waker was because the GC was one of their worst selling consoles. Now, however, GC games are in a kind of renaissance where people are looking back and are deeming so many GC games to be classics. For people who have never owned a GC, however, they are on the outside looking in because they are hearing about all of these second opinions. Don't be surprised if this isn't the only GC remake. I wouldn't be shocked if Mario Sunshine and F-Zero GX saw HD re-releases with how well regarded they are within the video game fandom.
I agree, and a Sunshine remake would be *amazing*. It was such a good-looking game when it released, it would be great seeing it with improved shaders, HD textures and a higher res. I would still prefer a Majora's Mask U though, to be honest.
***** Well we can't compare WiiU to the remainder of Nintendo consoles (sales wise) yet because its just about half into its life-cycle. But I think it was inevitable that Nintendo would fall off since they don't seem to care about the hardware race at all, I mean c'mon Nintendo why can't we get top notch graphics, game physics & mechanics for the greatest game franchise out there (Mario, Zelda etc)? It's not fair.
***** The sole reason for that is price. A Nintendo bundle (console+ game) goes for 300$, Sony's PS4 goes for 400$ alone, and Microsofts X1 goes for 500$. In the past Nintendo was even cheaper if I remember correctly. This makes the console more accessible for families as one example, and very casual gamers on the other hand.
***** Sorry, but just saying: The Source engine at its current state isn't exactly cutting edge anymore in terms of PC performance and representing the newest in terms of graphics and technology. The Unreal Engine would be the candidate for that, I suppose.
I love your videos so much. I honestly think you must be one of the more underrated video game themed personalities reviewing games on all of RU-vid. I watch a TON of different let's plays, streams, game reviews and other related content but you are honestly one of my favourites! From a personal standpoint I think you even hold up when compared to bigger more well known names on RU-vid that can quadruple the amount of subscribers you have. I believe a big reason why this is the case, is the style in which you do your videos. There is little to no silliness. There are no really whacky jokes, co-casting, animated bits or part where you are acting out a scene in real life as a reaction. Now, don't get me wrong - I love that. I think people like the AVGN and that style of presenting pioneered what we have today in terms of RU-vid entertainment - BUT I feel like a lot of channels, even some of my favourites all take a direct inspiration from that already established idea. It's part of what sets yours apart ! You take a serious sit down and look at things most people would be far past tempted to poke fun at and make a comedy rather than a serious review. Your work, even with all the other millions of game commentaries out there is actually kinda original and unique. I wouldn't want to discourage you from changing or even including jokes in your work, but I mean to say you aren't trying to be Jon Tron or AVGN. You've taken an approach to the medium that is very much your own and I love it. Though, you do lack videos when compared to many other channels that I love - such as Projared or Jon Tron for example. They makes some great videos I really like but he also uploads a bunch of let's plays, other filler that are mostly unedited and probably have significantly less thought put into them. So while your channel doesn't have 500+ videos, the ones you have are all very well done and I love them. It doesn't feel like you're trying to cash in with your videos, they are all genuine and THAT is very respectable. There is a definite quality of quantity element to your work and while maybe it's just a small thing. I think you are one of the few good ones who really deserve some kind of reward. I'm not sure how much you read comments or how you will take this one but I wanted to voice my opinion as a long time watcher and fan. I see a ton of "subscribe and like, share this on Facebook" and really more or less ignore most it but you are one of the biggest reasons I made an account here in the first place - So I could give you one more subscriber rather than just always watching anonymously. So I hope some of my words encourage you to keep on doing what you do!
What's more confusing about bloom is how they added it in this game, yet when remaking Twilight Princess they basically removed it. Neither game stuck to the original art style.
When people cry for more objective reviews, I believe they are looking for what you produce in your videos. You are by far the most objective reviewer of games I have ever crossed paths with. Your critiques rarely include quibbles or complaints that are purely subjective, and even when they do pop up you fully acknowledge that they are, in fact, completely subjective. You consider aspects of game design from a technical approach, thoroughly explaining why they do or do not work, which is greatly appreciated. I walk away from your videos with a much firmer grasp of the game you are talking about and a greater amount of respect for the effort game developers put into their games.
***** I am glad to have finally gotten it after all this time. It'd really been bothering me up to now, to the point that I have actually been losing sleep and physical health over it. You have saved me countless dollars in medical fees. Thank you, good sir.
TL, DR: The gamecube version looks good at all times. There isn't a point at which you could take a screenshot and it looks bad. The Wii U version looks weird and bad sometimes and the sun is stupidly bright. But you really should just read my original post.
Have you tried looking at the sun lately? It's pretty damn bright. Sure. The HD version isn't perfect but it looks far better than the original. Being why Nintendo decided to port this to HD on the Wii U.
Oh, my god. Thank you so much for this review. This video highlights everything I liked about the remake, and everything I hated. I loved most of the gameplay changes, and really wasn't a fan of the new art style, ESPECIALLY the gradience. And the fact that you went over the idea of Wind Waker HD replacing the original is something I've thought about since I played it a year ago, and you've articulated my thoughts perfectly.
Yeah I did. It's pretty accurate to the original. The wallet sizes are larger as well. And obviously the resolution is higher, that goes without saying. What exactly am I missing?
Alright, the obviously updated visuals, the aforementioned bigger wallets and the increased climbing speed aside there's a new optional dungeon called the Cave of Shadows, a new item called the Ghost Lantern, a more challenging Hero Mode similar to Wind Waker HD, Amiibo support, 50 collectable Miiverse stamps scattered around the world, streamlined inventory use via the GamePad and a ton of quality of life improvements like new map features, less tedious Tears of Light collection, less intrusive HUD, rupees not being put back in a chest if your wallet is full, more immersive wolf transformation, better horse riding and swimming controls, etc.... as you see, there's a LOT more to the Remaster than you give it credit for! :)
Fair enough. I forgot about most of that stuff. I mainly really appreciate that they didn't mess with the visuals outside of the resolution and some textures. Wind Waker HD looks kind of hideous compared to the original because they decided to change way too much.
You addressed the art style and lighting issues perfectly in this review, something I would have had a difficult time doing myself. I've been trying to explain the unnecessary and sometimes detrimental changes to the lighting to other Zelda fans, but I haven't had much luck in doing so. The section where you directly compared to the original in an enhanced format is fantastic, and it properly showcases the issues (as well as the improvements) in the HD edition. I really enjoy and appreciate your videos man, thanks for being awesome!
Awesome review from a fellow Irishman!! Great to hear an Irish person talk in such knowledge and detail about games. Majora's Mask should be the game to be remade
I have watched all of your reviews for the 3d Zelda games yesterday and I really enjoyed them. You know what you are talking about. Do you have plans for reviewing 2d Zelda games as well? I would really like to hear your opinion about Zelda 1, Zelda 2, Alttp and the portable games.
I'm very glad you mentioned the stuff about the shadows. People usually just complain about the bloom from what I've seen and I often found myself to be the only one pointing out the fact that the game is actually not cel-shaded anymore.
The one thing I never understood was nintendo remaking WW instead of twilight princess, ironically: the one zelda that aimed to make the franchise as realistic looking as it could, has aged so quickly and so easily.
I think, generally speaking, games that try to be realistic will almost always age poorly because the capabilities of graphics engines are always improving. Games that we consider to be ground-breaking graphically now will be obsolete in just a year or two's time because we will have more realistic looking graphics to draw comparison from. Alternative art-styles such as cel-shading tend to be timeless, though, since they have their own unique style. Mario 64 has, arguably, aged poorly in terms of graphics, whether as Paper Mario on N64 still looks great because it's simplistic but is unique.
Gotohellcadz Definitely and they could improve on the many downsides the game had. However realisitc games after a few years age terribly graphically. Look at ps1 and ps2 Metal Gear, The old call of duty and grand theft auto games, heck even sports games on ps2 look b d graphically now and back in the day there were stuff.
Gotohellcadz It's not really ironic if you think about it. Realistic games will always be outdated faster because the technology is always getting better. While stylized games will usually look better because of the art styles themselves. It's why Banjo Kazooie still looks pretty good today but Goldeneye looks like absolute trash.
I think the reason why they decided to make an HD remake of Wind Waker over other Zelda games is that WW has an artstyle that translates well to higher resolutions without the devs having to do much work. If Nintendo were to make an HD release for Twilight Princess or better yet, OOT and MM, they would have had to make entirely new textures and models. Also, funny how you didn't comment on how the water went through the boat, which still is an issue for the HD version.
Uncle QUiKSCOPEe I think they remade it also to improve the few things that were wrong with it as even Matthew said that there were gameplay elements that held the game back that they fixed really well in the HD version.
I remember a friend telling me I'd never be able to play the GCN version again after he got me to play this one. I've played it on the GCN at least four more times since.
Wait, are you telling me they toned DOWN the bloom in the final release of WWHD? Lol, I can hardly imagine the horrors of what we could have gotten had they not listened to backlash. What were the graphics directors thinking when they made this HD port?
I think the sailing scene looks better, actually. But there were some other scenes shown in the video that definitely have too much bloom going on, and I do wish the lighting engine was adjusted to retain more of the cel-shaded look. Other than that though, the visuals look great. Even just up-scaling the textures made a huge difference.
I'm glad you chose to make a video about this! Most people tend to oversimplify WWHD to "it's inherently better because of the improved gameplay" or "the wrecked art style makes it worth skipping over" (admittedly... I was part of the latter group. To me, Wind Waker is a rare type of game where the visuals are just as important as the gameplay) Hopefully it'll be possible to modify an .iso to include the new gameplay modifications?
Just discovered your videos and I'm finding them to all be excellent. Really great in-depth look at games. For that changes in art style for this game, at first I wasn't to keen on them, but once I saw the updated concept art they put out for this game, I got it. In this version, they've gone with a more kind of pastel look, where the light and colours feel so bright they bleed in to each other, but in a way that still feels kind of illustrative. While the original was a more kind of straightforward cartoon style. So because of that, despite the fact that I think this HD version is unquestionably a better version of the game overall, I wouldn't call it the "definitive" version. It has those differences in the art style. I wouldn't say either game looks better or worse, although seeing the visuals in a much more vibrant and detailed HD display is stunning, each feels like a different realisation of a similar visual theme. It's not like the HD version was finally able to realise what was always intended originally, but it doesn't ruin things with the changes either. Although I do agree about some of the gradient lighting in dark areas with a smaller focused light source. But overall, it looks good. It's simply different. Which is "better" comes down to personal preference, but I think both achieve what they set out to do very well.
I'd never played the original Wind Waker, so I had no idea that so many changes were made. What you said about a remake being unnecessary interests me because I was thinking the same thing about Twilight Princess HD. I thought it was unnecessary and a waste of resources on Nintendo's part. However, after hearing about all of the improvements in Wind Waker HD, I'm starting to think that maybe Twilight Princess HD won't be such a waste after all. I loved TP, but there were definitely a lot of issues in it, and I'm curious to see if Nintendo addresses those issues at all in the HD remake.
+Maddi Maryam Everything I've read about confirmed fixed issues has got me hyped to play TPHD again. Improvements to swimming and Tear hunts are confirmed, as well as turning into a wolf with one button press if you want without asking Midna. I'm also hoping for some speeding up to the climbing. That's really slow especially before you get the Clawshot.
You're so awesome man, your reviews are so honest and true that no one can be mad at you for talking a lot of crap. Huge respect, and keep doing these videos. I discovered you less than 24 hours ago and I've already watched a lot of your videos, which is weird because I never tend to be able to watch long videos and yet I have watched quite a few. Awesome work man! Can't thank you enough for the content you're making.
My problem with this (and the Majora's Mask remake) is that there was a lot of opportunity in making a game that felt Bigger and more fleshed out. Windwaker is one of the most expansive and gives the feeling of exploration, and with the larger disk space and capability of the Wii U, the world could be bigger there could be more sidequests, more lore, and a more interesting experience. I'm not sure why you would get this game full price.
It's a bit funny and sad how this game was ill seen twice by the general public. The first time because of the cartoony style, the second one, because of changing things in the cartoony style.
I would love to see a sequel to the windwaker. I'd happily jump back into this rendition of Hyrule again simply for the amazing art style they managed to pull off, and with new dungeons, items and puzzles, it'd make for one hell of a game!
Alastair Hadlow The best thing I could imagine is if the next time zelda u was shown, It had toon link instead. Or maybe an older toon link, But still with massive eyes
I never liked the art-style myself, but one thing I certainly see going for it even through my dislike for it is that it holds up beautifully compared to other art-styles as executed at around it's release and even after, I agree it's weird they gave this one the update and assume it was just really easy and cheap to do so.
Quality reviews back then, quality reviews now. That is what has been the norm with this channel since the beginning, I really appreciate what you do Matthew.
It's sad that Nintendo didn't throw in an option to play the game with the original shader. But no, we have to play it in this weird bastardized new lighting scheme that doesn't fit the textures and models.
+Really loud girl I'm talking about a different lighting mode, in fact the one the Gamecube version used. Your remark made no sense. Why would it be unreasonable to have two sets of shading models in a game? Certainly more reasonable than "unlimited polygons" or whatever the fuck you are talking about.
+Really loud girl Yes you can, they did it for this remaster. You could easily have it as a different option. Games have lighting changed constantly in patches and in options menus.
Ya know, I don't get your problem with the Wind's Requiem. Moving the stick left or right instead of any direction isn't a big deal, as that's actually what my fingers defaulted to doing the first time I chose the direction. Also, you can see what direction the island is on the Game pad screen map, as well as a little compass telling you which way you're currently set to go. This means you can play the song, look at the screen, find the island, maneuver the compass,change the wind, and you're on your merry way. It doesn't bother me, so I don't see why you complained, but I do agree that it didn't need to be changed. It should have gone under the "unnecessary, but not necessarily detrimental" category of changes. Also, I found Silver and Orange Rupees in chests just this morning, so mabye you just got really bad RNG.
I thought I was losing my mind playing the demo for HD in WalMart because I kept seeing the gradients and I didn't remember that from the original. Your cartoon and toy analogy was spot-on because that's exactly what I thought Link and other characters looked like: toys. It was kinda weird after so many years of playing the original. Not bad, just... weird.
Your reviews are so damn good. I only wish you had even more and dove into other franchises. Especially Mario platformers, Clover Studio/Platinum Game's titles, and some cult classics. Your reviews often open my eyes to things I was unaware of.
From what I heard, this remake happened because somebody in the Nintendo office took the lighting engine from that E3 Zelda Wii U trailer (that first one with Link fighting Gohma) and put it on the WW, TP, and SS Link models, and really liked the results on Wind Waker Link.
I always got the impression that Nintendo updated the graphical style just so that it would look like they put more effort into the remake than they actually did. I think we all know that Nintendo has fallen on hard times lately, and Wind Waker HD struck me as an easy way to make quick money to revitalize the company.
They have lost alot of money on the Wii U, however prior to the Wii U they had around 250 Billion dollars if estimates are to be believed. I don't think Nintendo is going to need revitalizing after only one failed console, especially when it's heavily buffered by the previous console's success
The reason Wind Waker received an HD remake was so the developers of The Legend of Zelda could test the HD capabilities of the system and to apply what 'worked' to the upcoming Zelda Wii U game. Extra money doesn't hurt either. :P
Dev On That's debatable. Considering that Nintendo execs have had to take pretty significant pay cuts to avoid laying off low-level employees, I'd say that the company could use a little boost right now.
I think both versions definitely have their strengths and weaknesses with neither one being completely better than the other. To a new player, I recommend playing the original before the HD version since a second playthrough going in that order would allow them to tackle Hero Mode and they would be able to recognize and appreciate most of the gameplay changes, while possibly lamenting some of the visual changes. Bottom line: Original - Better visuals, weaker gameplay HD - Better gameplay, weaker visuals
When I heard of the HD remake I wondered if you were going to go into detail about it when the game came out. I am glad to see that is what you did. As far as the video goes, it is exactly what I expected; you going into detail about the changes made while at the same time keeping the video relatively short.
Hey, I only discovered your stuff a few days ago, but I think I can confidently say you're already one of my favourite game reviewers. I've never seen someone deconstruct an art style before like you did here. amazing work and I can't wait to see more.
I am very happy with Wind Waker HD except for two things you mentioned. Lighting/Bloom and the time for pulling up Sea Chests. The lighting changes were overdone and all they needed to do was make higher quality models and textures. Maybe a tiny bit better lighting would be good, but only a little. And the Sea Chests feel way too rushed. I loved them way more when you were waiting to see what item you would get. It also made it feel like the Ocean is really deep and large.
Hey Matt, just wanted to let you know that I think what you do is truly great. Your reviews are genuinely insightful, and I wish reviews of this caliber were the norm, rather than the exception. You really dive into critique in the truest sense of the word - nothing is sacred and even convention deserves to be analyzed. What's more, you really have a consistent bearing on what makes games good. I've watched what must amount to 5 hours or so of your reviews, but there were (continued)...
Matthew.. i bought and hacked an entire wii u system for this game alone and i stopped playing it more or less immediately because of the bloom. Just served to reinforce my commitment to Dolphin.
I like the super bloom effect because it constantly tells me how bloody bright the sun is and how much it beats down on everyone in the game. I enjoyed seeing the darker skin tons on many of the characters. It reminds me of getting a sun tan. Which for me, just makes more sense. But hey, I like your points too. I cannot believe how the water still clips into the boat while sailing. That bothers me to this day. How did they not fix that!?
Good job man. I also wanna say wow when you showed the art styles side by side it became really evident how much I didn't like the bloom. And I wish the orIginal shading was kept instead of the gradients. Well anyways great job man can't wait for more. Any ideas for you next review? More Zelda? More WiiU?
I don't like them changing things just to change things, like the Moblin torches and wind direction selector and those little things, but when they changed things to fix actual problems they did a great job! But damn is the bloom on the ocean ever hard on the eyes compared to the original. Too much light. I don't like that at all, complete step backwards. I will strangle Nintendo if they try putting this much bloom in the new Zelda. That and the super fast crane are the only negatives I find in playing this game over the original.
I would love to see a commentary similar to the demon soul's video you posted, and would happily wait a month or two to see this. The quality is astounding and worth waiting for.
see guys? THIS is a game review! an in-depth analysis on things that made a notable change from the first one. thanks Matt, that well written and insightful comparison gives me a bit of hope for the future of game review
Was the second quest in the original? The HD version is my first and only Zelda game right now, so I'm really new. Also the gyroscope is nice, but it makes the bosses that much easier since the controls are just so clean, haven't played the original but gyroscope and other motion controls in Nintendo games are mostly always either really bad or very responsive and iv used the Wii Pro controller a little and it's not nearly as fluid for me. Tho the biggest disappointment are that they didn't fix outdated AIs, it is one of the big reasons the game is SO easy, they are *very, VERY* overly simplistic
(continued)... little-to-no contradictions throughout that time whatsoever, which is really a testament to the thought you put into your reviews. I've watched every single Zelda review of yours, your Portal 2 review, and your Bioshock Infinite review (please review Bioshock 1 & 2 as well!), and I intend to watch your MGS ones once I've played those games. Just keep doing what you do, and you'll have a regular viewer
I think you should check out the "BetterWindWaker" mod for the original game. Adds lots of QOL improvements. That paired with the Hypatia texture pack, which IMO is the most faithful and beautiful texture pack I've ever seen. Would love to hear your thoughts on it. I think playing it that way is the definitive way to play WW
Great review, your insight into the new Wind Waker interested me a surprising amount, I knew I was going to be interested in the gameplay differences, but didn't expect the differences in the art-style to be so great, or for you to point them out so smoothly or precisely.
The whole art style part of this is why I watch you, you clearly love Zelda but you're not blind to its flaws and uncompromising in your assertions. Can't wait for more videos sir
I think nintendo should have done the graphics like the naruto ninja storms games (PS360), they are cell shaded but with the benefits of the HD and the power of the consoles
They probably picked WW because it would be the easiest game to put in HD, in addition to the cult status of the game and the easy fixing of the games problems, like the travel speed and the triforce shards. It would be much, much more difficult to fix a game like Skyward Sword because the problems of that game are so fundamental to it, whereas Wind Waker is a solid game with just a few things that needed tweaking. I totally agree on the graphics. It feels like whoever did it must've been completely different from those who originally were in charge of the art style. Would've been great if there was a setting to toggle between the old and new lighting models but ultimately it would've been a lot of effort for the few people who care, and Nintendo isn't the type of company to let people decide on such a thing.
The only problem with SS was that there wasn't enough to explore in the world. Anyway, I think one of the main reasons they remade WW is because it's one of their lowest selling Zelda games as well.
The actual reason why they chose ww was because they made both toon link and ss link(or tw link) into HD and toon link surprised them with how it looKed So they made wwwhd
Matthew, you're very quickly becoming my favorite game reviewer. As many people on here have said, your points are solid, and you know your stuff. Keep doing your thing.
I've been playing Wind Waker every couple years since it's release. I'm playing through it right now on the HD version, which has been my version of choice since it came out. HD makes huge quality of life additions that make playing the original pretty discouraging once you've experienced the remake (the Nintendo Gallery is something I feel like I can feasibly do while I play the game now, for example). While I agree with you that the changes made in art style are sometimes misguided (I don't like what they did to the light coming from the torches or lanterns) the game usually looks superb in well lit environments. People rag on the WiiU but I am very sad we may never get the incredibly helpful use of the game pad again. This is the definitive experience for me by far. I'm only sad that Nintendo themselves didn't handle Twilight Princess HD as well. I would've liked to see what they could've reworked.
I am not sure if this has been mentioned, but you can change the wind direction to the direction desired immediately by tapping the direction you want on the Gamepad. Great review.
Great review, though I wonder why you didn't touch on the ocean/boat clipping? During the, I think it was, quick sail bits it was pretty atrocious looking. I know the GCN version had a persistent clipping which you commented on in the GCN review, so I would have appreciated knowing what it was like in the HD remake. Thanks though, this was very informative and I am inclined to agree with you regarding the game play and graphics changes.
(Continued.) I used your videos to my advantage to improve my writing skills on my essays for my English class last semester. I received A's on all of them. Matthew, you deserve so much more subscribers on RU-vid compared to the other dolts that produce crap and have millions. It simply isn't fair, especially for a dedicated video game reviewer of high caliber such as yourself. Watching your videos is so rewarding to my knowledge and the way I perceive my surroundings. Thank you Matthewmatosis.
the question of why this was chosen for HD kinda came obvious when the upcoming Twilight Princess HD was shown. A proper HD remake of that game or Skyward Sword would require an entire rebuilding of all the models from the ground up. that or just subdividing and smoothing everything which would make it look like a pixar film. Remaking Wind Waker works because increasing the resolution of the textures turned out look pretty good even with the original geometry. They showed Twilight Princess with these kinds of changes, being high res textures on the very low-poly models of the original, and it didn't work at all.
Thank you for touching upon the bloom issue. I've talked to people who don't think it's a problem in the slightest but you cite actual examples why it is and articulate it in a concise and understandable manner. Because of the bloom, at times colors felt as if they were washed out in comparison to the original. Look at a side by side comparison picture of the lava gohma monster in the original and HD versions side by side for the easiest comparison example to what I mean.
I understand you did this when you did because the game had just come out, but would you consider making a short video talking about Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes? I would be curious to hear your take on it (though I get you are doing the Mario games right now, but this thought occurred to me while I was re-watching all your old stuff).
Man I love your reviews. Although I never noticed the things you brought up about the art style and lighting while I was playing. Though I think if they hadn't changed a few things and simply upgraded the resolution it would have been kind of a waste. I also like the bloom. Its not hard for me to look at and it makes everything even more bright and cheery than it was before
The textures have been redrawn by an external Japanese studio called Hexadrive, actually. They did a very good job at keeping the same feeling of the original.
hey @Matthewmatosis - been watching your vids, i dont get what you were saying about the changing the wind part... Like if you initiate the change, you can look at which direction its going from the gamepad and/or you can still point link in the direction you want the wind to go and use the D pad instead of the analog stick which i think works better. especially for the mail throwing mini game. I wish you emphasized the terrible framerate this game has for a HD remake. as soon as you beat the Deku tree the game is locked to nighttime with storms and if you come into combat while on the sea the game will slow down a lot. like when that squid popped up with the multiple eyes. or if you sail by one of the 3 islands where you place your ball, there are flying ugly faced enemies that charge into you. the game slows down a lot there and you can repeat this slow down by going back there. its really annoying considering this is HD version on superior hardware.... not to mention the islands appear in the distance and then POP right in which gets rid of the smooth transition you'd expect.
One thing that always bothered me about Wind Waker was that you can always see Link's hair whenever he runs. Every single time you move, there's just a little chip of his hair that sticks out. Kind of a peeve, and I wish they removed it in the HD version.
Magic armour is now rupee armour in WWHD. Really dampens 3 heart run fun as there isn't a need to balance magic use in the gauntlet caves in Shark island and Outset island.
I personally think the bloom works well, with the only problem area being when you open a chest and Link suddenly look like a photorealistic plastic toy. I never noticed the lantern light difference, but then my time with the Gamecube release is limited. I also prefer the original style there. Yes, the original looks wonderful, but the added depth and detail makes it more grandiose, and I think Nintendo tried to appease some of those who didn't like the original look. In the end though, the optimal thing would have been if it was, like many of the other improvements, an option.
My only problems with it would be the bloom, that some fire effects also look weird, and Link does look plastic in some instances. It is still gorgeous, and anything that makes gameplay more fluid is better in my eyes.
