CGR Undertow - THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER HD review for Nintendo Wii U

[@PropaneTreeFiddy]

Zelda never needed HD, to be honest. Their cell shading looked good, still looks good, and will continue to look good.

[@joesatmoes]

But HD definitely makes the beauty even more beautiful. I mean, would you rather have it back to GC-graphics?

[@PropaneTreeFiddy]

joesatmoes I believe if it had an HD resolution, but with the GC's shader, it would be perfect. Plus, NO TINGLE TUNER!!! They could have easily done it using that big ol' touchscreen controller...

[@silvskill5358]

"With the claymation effect, what is toon link? A dentist?" That cracked me up

[@invertedfreak]

I've always loved the Wind Waker graphics style.

[@neonfatum]

This isn't Derek being biased, this is him giving credit where it's due. And for Wind Waker, it's more than a decade overdue. But people are finally coming to their senses and realising that WW is truly a masterpiece and perhaps even the best Zelda game ever made.

[@theshawn666]

Nooo....lol it's a good game, but not the best in the series..Not by a long shot.

[@DiskusGames]

theshawn666 Well, I think it is.

[@theshawn666]

DiskusGames Well, I disagree. :P

[@DiskusGames]

Okay, it's your opinion and so be it. What is your favourite Zelda?

[@theshawn666]

DiskusGames OoT I know, typical. lol The Wii U title looks like it has potential to take it's spot though.

[@KryptKicker5]

I was one of the ones that criticized it. Then I broke down and played it because I was bored and fell in love. This is the only Zelda game that made me feel like I was actually on a grand adventure. It's my favorite. I was hoping that I could finally get all of the Tingle treasures with the WiiU pad but they removed them (I didn't have a GBA). Oh well.

[@TonyGearSolid]

I've always liked the cell shaded look, especially back when Wind Waker was first released and is what really had me drawn to the game. It wasn't until a few years later when I realized the criticism the game received for it's look, which was very similar criticisms that Metroid Prime had for going First Person and look how wrong everyone was about that one as well.

[@217todd]

Derek and cgr undertow and classic game room with Mark are the best shows ever of videogames

[@Relytia]

The Wind Waker is my favorite entry in my all-time favorite series. To be able to play the game with updated graphics, tons of refinements overall, and big fixes that take away the huge flaws from the original, I'm more than happy. WWHD is great! I don't understand people complaining about the price. The original WW was $50-70 used before this remake. Now you can get a much better, virtually caveat-free version for $50 new. Great review Derek. I was really curious to hear what you'd say.

[@Relytia]

Yeah, I got the LE too. I normally don't dish a few bucks more for limited editions because usually, the extras aren't high quality at all, but the Ganondorf figure that came with WWHD is super nice. The more I play WWHD, the more I love it. Even small touches, like the way the Master Sword glows constantly after you power it up, are just so amazing.

[@RocketNightStar]

This is my favourite Zelda game, with Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past in a close second and third.

[@bramdk3]

I just got the game for free, thank you Mario kart 8 and thanks nintendo :)

[@Free1UPGaming]

Got it on release! I have absolutely loved it. I'm playing through it for the 3rd time.

[@isaac3000]

I always collect the tingle bottles!! And like everything!!! But I noticed, there is a certain amount of bottles, after a while, I always found the same bottles...but I agree, it gives me the impression I am not the only one sailing these seas!!

[@Jdmimportz2]

I bought the wii u bundle with this game and i have to say its just as fun as when i was a little kid with wind waker being my first zelda game back on the gamecube and now as a teen still playing this on the wii u its just as i remember amazing and for that i am thankful that nintendo made this remake

[@newsoupvialt]

Yes, and it's on the eShop available for online purchase to download onto your system's harddrive as well as in stores as a real copy. :P

[@spiderjerusalem100]

Wind Waker is a really great game which still holds up today. Even the original Gamecube graphics still look bright and fresh. I don't often use this word but The legend of Zelda: The wind waker is....wonderful.

[@SixFootTurkey_]

3:52 LMAO, never noticed that before.

[@SonofMrPeanut]

After reading some ridiculous comment on My Nintendo News about how "Zelda isn't a cartoon, let that be a one time thing and GIVE THE FANS WHAT THEY WANT," this video is exactly what I needed. Thanks, Derek.

[@DeHomunculus]

Exactly! It even got an amazing Limited Edition with a great Ganondorf figurine! I still have the original, but I couldn't skip the upgrade and figurine. And am I glad I picked it up!

[@DanielPage]

Great review. I beat this game yesterday and I thought it was even better than the original (and of course I loved the original). The tweaks they made with the game whether the swift sail, or the later part of the game (welcome addition to allow for more freedom to explore), or even modified the difficulty of some parts of the game (some harder, which I like or made annoying parts more of a challenge but less annoying), and the Tingle Bottles, this rocked! Going to give the 2nd quest a shot.

[@nintendude7cubed]

Nintendo has never done a bad Zelda game, so there's that. Plus Derek gives points as to why a game is good. He says he loves the games, but combines reasons why anyone else would love it too with saying why he personally loves the game, which makes for a very interesting review to listen to. Same with the bad games. It's not just "ugh i hate this game!", It's more along the lines of "here's why this is a bad game."

[@KetwunsGamingPad]

Trust me, once you play this version, you never wanna go back to the Gamecube one. If this is your first time, this is just even more awesome. I swear, it is an outstanding Zelda game. Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess are very inspired by this game. I mean, this practically got the OOT 3D treatment, so if you liked that, you will definitely love this. Try and respect the visuals for what they are. Cel shading is some of the prettiest styles you will ever see.

[@Vaquilla92]

The critics were right; Wind Waker was a mistake, one that divided the fandom and damaged Nintendo's image to the day.

[@AdamCHowell]

The sole reason the visuals were hated was because many wanted and expected a more mature style Zelda, as they were shown in an early gamecube tech demo. I was blown away when they first showed the clip of this game and so were other people I knew. I think the haters were just louder. The slowness of certain aspects of the original were a justifiable issue for some, but only a minor issue for me. The remake solves every issue. If this game wasn't a remake it would be game of the year.

[@alexrainbirdMusic]

Love Derek's reviews

[@jrfnktheknucker8007]

I like the lighting effect. A rare blunder by u pal.

[@mymainmanskins]

i was just getting back into gaming after a 10+ year break when i first played this. i was put off at first. i was totally unaware of the critical backlash the game was getting. then i started playing and i really got into it. i won't try to rank it with other zelda games because i like a lot of games in the series as much as this one, for different reasons. link to the past is my number one and then there are a bunch of number two's. this is one of them. i haven't played the wiiu version yet.

[@joeywomer]

I've noticed in this game prior to the original, I'm not saying it's weird, But I've noticed that The KORL doesn't move his mouth when he talks in this game back when he did in 2003.

[@RetrosearchUK]

I never understood the hate. WW was always my favourite Zelda. I'm on my 3rd play through now on the GC version and it hasnt aged at all.

[@Free1UPGaming]

I work for a tree service lol. When I get home outside is the last place I wanna go.

[@trinitaterion]

trust me, this game will look better than the emulated original, PLUS those minor game tweaks are what really makes me want to play this game again. They truly fucked it back in the day, with them corrected this game is pure gold.

[@HandlebarOrionX]

My sister's sending me the special Wii U for this. I can't wait to get my hands on this!

[@Miumiu0404]

This is one of the most beautiful games I had ever played and I'm proud of what Nintendo has made of it. I find it sad and I feel pity for those people who only know of Call of Duty or Battlefield.

[@DragONheart27X]

I for one have no problem with Ninty going on with their HD remakes/remasters. The Gamecube had some of the most charming games. Mario Sunshine could use a brush up

[@cycopl]

Let's also not forget the fact that in order to emulate Wind Waker at a decent speed and decent resolution on PC, you'll need a decent PC with a decent gaming video card, which will cost you a lot more than the cost of buying a Wii U with Wind Waker HD. Also the hassle of getting everything set up on the emulator to make everything work correctly. If you take all that into consideration and the fact that most people have only played the Gamecube version on Gamecube, the price is justified.

[@reesercliff]

I hope they do Majora's Mask HD that game deserves it and it hasn't aged as well graphically as Windwaker has

[@DeHomunculus]

Well, as a Nintendo fan, I know they'll have some disappointing news now and then, but in the end they always bring great stuff, and their hardware attracts great, creative exclusives. Once again they have a very slow start thus far, but I know Zelda, Mario, Metroid probably,... They will come. And third parties will come with the rising sales. Another great addition is moving in first person, in off-tv mode, while looking around with the sticks or moving the gamepad. Best aim ever!

[@dante224real1]

why didn't derek talk about the AMAZINGLY detail ridden, poetically satisfying, and epic (yes i hate that adjective) story? i mean yes, the visuals are the best i've ever seen, but the story is so good that it seriously needs a moment to shine.

[@Tool0GT92]

I just replayed The Wind Waker on GC and its a great game. The only problems it had was the draw distance was terrible and things looked fuzzy that weren't right in front of you. Other than that, the Triforce quests were annoying, glad they updated it.

[@kolbesharples3282]

good job this game is awesome I had it on the gamecube and im gonna buy this version

[@jaythegemini]

I think this was the only link with personality and emotion.

[@jaythegemini]

***** Well yeah and him

[@Phantron]

Jonathan Fisher Twilight Princess Link is also pretty damn emotional, he has a lot of expressions.

[@jaythegemini]

***** Well i should say the link with the most expressive emotions.

[@LegendarySpaceWarrior]

I never really liked Zelda games but wind waker is one of my favorite games

[@cerberus144]

Am I the only one who imagine the boat talking like Sean Connery?

[@Alexiotheconquerer]

Best video game reviewer of all time!

[@KetwunsGamingPad]

Problem with that is...many just don't want CRT TVs anymore. bulky, heavy, spatial and really hard to find good decent sized ones for a good price. At least in this country. US people are lucky to have pawn shops, but many aren't.

[@Koconut5]

Silly boy, It still looks charming to me. The game had visuals that were a whole lot better than the original even when it didn't need to. This is an improvement PERIOD. Just keep telling YOURSELF that you don't want to buy it. Not the world. :D

[@WarioLand3]

They should've done Twilight princess, since that game looks horrible and the superior version (gamecube) is extremely rare.

[@invertedfreak]

I've got it

[@invertedfreak]

the gamecube version that is.

[@aultinbarltino]

so i take it you're one of those people who hated the wii version because of the controls? personally, i like the controls, as it makes you feel as if you're actually wielding the sword and shield yourself (although the sensation is greater in skyward sword because of the wii motion plus adapter).

[@WarioLand3]

aultinbarltino Actually, I didn't mind the controls. The mirrored map is my main issue with that version.

[@aultinbarltino]

***** oh okay then. :)

[@jrfnktheknucker8007]

I prefer Twilight Princess but love Wind Waker too. Any critisism these games get are unfounded. I remember getting ww preorder style from SAM GOODY!

[@manic221]

because you're the only person who thinks the sped up sailing and the Triforce quest change is a bad thing? Also the swift sail is optional if you really do like to go painfully slow through the water don't get the sail simple.

[@newsoupvialt]

Both work, you can buy it in the Nintendo eShop online or go to a store and buy it there :P

[@DanielPage]

I wouldn't say that. Wind Waker HD felt quite like a new game in all respects. They made a lot of tweaks to it aside from the graphics.

[@Bladeslingersgamepreserve]

I don't know Dyrek, I gotta say I prefer the orginal version. While adimdatly it does play better on the Wii U, the graphics are what made the game for me, and it think they ruined them. It just feels like some one took a tube a vasline and rubbed it all over the screen. It just doesn't have the same clean look as the original.

[@franz888]

The game looks really good but why did they overused the bloom? it would look much better without it (or at least toned down)

[@jonile369]

What a beautiful game, a gamecube classic

[@Lowmandavis]

Is this a game you download or can you buy the disc

[@JLCL01]

I sort of imagined him having a voice like Sean Connery. :o

[@fireheartis1]

LOL thanks man now every time I play this game I'll be imagining Sean Connery's voice, not that it's a bad thing. :)

[@mileshollis6258]

I really wish less time was spent on making HD versions of games. I know the games look like crap on HDTVs, but just get a CRT TV and use that for older games - they look great. I really hope we don't go through a whole 4K version phase for everything once that time comes.

[@cycopl]

Yeah, and also almost 3x the resolution. That makes a huge difference, unless you have a crappy TV.

[@rdrcub3]

The fact that strangers from the internet can leave pics in bottles for me to find kinda makes me nervous!

[@user-we4xr6gn9e]

I'm watching this during a tornado warning yay

[@GrandpaMaxGaming]

This was very well-written and made great use of similes.

[@Sjono]

GameCube games should be on VC by now

[@theshawn666]

Eh...This is still one of my least favorites in the series.

[@NintendanGX]

Wind Waker was never hated by the majority...

[@crazyfradventure1458]

its amazing how nintendo really fixed up some dull games and made them awesome!!

[@fireheartis1]

This game is well worth buying a Wii U man. Don't pass it up there is a special edition Wii U that looks amazing just for this game.

[@VicGeorge2K6]

Either that or John Rhys-Davies, in my opinion.

[@newolku]

I know. But if they make tf 2 for wii u too. Nintendo will get more customers. wii u is pretty good console.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

I like Wind Waker HD, but Nintendo have really overpriced it. £50 for it on the Eshop, there are brand new games that cost less than that. Thankfully I got it bundled with my Wii U.

[@fireheartis1]

Are you kidding me everything they added was substance. Have you even played the HD version yet? Almost everything bad about Wind Waker was fixed. Except for the fact that they just cut the triforce quest down to 3 areas everything was fixed. The sailing down to the Tingle Bottle it's just pure amazement. Play the dang game before you say something ridiculous like that man. The game is well worth the $40.00 asking price, which by the way isn't full price dude.

[@Kiarachu]

I still prefer the original one. I saw a video comparison of the two, and this HD remake seems...flat in some part, and way too bright, for my liking.

[@barrelroll_poopoopeepee]

You get this for free from mario kart 8?

[@MasterGamer15]

Game of the decade candidate right here

[@azizansari3951]

Ahem. If you wish to purchase a scratched up, used copy of this game for $35, on your 10 year old gamecube, go ahead. OR... you could purchase a beautiful 1080p upgraded version with new gamepad functions, improved sidequests, and even online features for only $15 dollars more for your new Wii U.

[@VicGeorge2K6]

And yet I still haven't completely finished playing the original.

[@cobradvs]

You can do both.

[@GreenTengu97]

Yeaaaaah, I typed that out without thinking about it much. I assumed he could infer what that meant by the distinction of what system it was for. Sorry.

[@artdcora]

How is this even remotely a "scam"? It's just an HD remake of a game that a lot of people really loved, it isn't claiming to be anything more or less. And if that bothers you for some strange reason, then you can simply not buy it. Simple as that.

[@cycopl]

If you think it's "nearly identical" to the gamecube version, I seriously recommend you get your eyes checked. Like, I'm not even joking or trying to insult you or anything. If you drive a car, I am concerned for your safety and the safety of those around you. Please for your own sake get your eyes checked.

[@jontardis9583]

It also bears mentioning that those in the east try to emulate everything we do in the west, so...

[@PeteTheToad737]

well the fact that its very censored will stop this from happening as ever since ive got my wii u on launch this has never happened once

[@HarryMitchellMUSIC]

i love the shadows

[@darrendavenport3334]

Best Game Ever just got a bit better....

[@EquestriaPaul]

Sailing fucking sucks.

[@MalikJahrome]

That's His Opinion If He Likes Nintendo Games He likes Nintendo Games Gosh Just Leave Him Alone

[@Heartazach17]

Glad this game finally got what it deserved

[@WizavPRO]

its not better than WW but its good, in fact better than twilight princess

[@azizansari3951]

So you would rather buy the used gamecube copy if you don't already own the Wind Waker. I understand that you don't think that they added that much substance to the game, however you aren't just paying for an upgrade from the original, you are paying for a full zelda game that lasts you tens of hours, so $50 is a somewhat reasonable price for a full fledged game.

[@WizavPRO]

I haven't played GameCube Wind Waker so.... 49.95 GBP well spent.

[@KetwunsGamingPad]

I'm going to sadly agree. The price should have been lower.

[@khav11]

the classic dragon roost island theme at 3:00, great zelda game but nowhere near a link to the past, Oot or TP.

[@Koconut5]

Silly girl, the criticisms are true, but they never diverted the experience. My opinion is that it's an improvement. That IS fact. So you didn't play it did you? Try it out, it's great! :D

[@SNN788]

Welcome to modern gaming. There is a reason why video games have eclipsed all other forms of media, in terms of profitability. At least this over-priced package contains a great game. A new CoD upgrade is released, under the guise of a brand new experience, every single year, at full price, and no one bats an eye. Nobody is forcing you to buy this game. I would gladly pay full price to replay one of my favorite games with a fresh coat of paint. That is not important to you, so don't buy it.

[@KetwunsGamingPad]

Both, and thankfully....it's NOT a big download!

[@cerberus144]

Fly my hawkmen!

[@Herbvfleaham]

i thought cell shading was amazing and wind waker is the best game ever

[@reesercliff]

6:03 "dat ass" Link

[@Combat9259]

They should have remade majoras mask. Now that would make me buy a wii u

[@jacketsj]

This would've sold better if it didn't come out right after GTA... Which really sucks, cause this game is 10x better than gta