If you love the game – or have always wanted to – you shouldn't miss this HD remake.
While Wind Waker has a new setting and plot – starting off with the inadvertent bird-napping of his sibling – its roots remain deeply embedded in what made the series great. Dungeon exploration and sailing play a huge part in seeing more parts of the world, and each corner is worth checking out, whether you're creeping your way through a fortress in a barrel (and throwing off startled guards) or fighting enemy villagers with your excellent swordplay. There's hours worth of questing here, and plenty of pleasant surprises to keep you coming back – even if you think you've mastered the game.
The gameplay is terrific, as Link's movements come across very smoothly on the GamePad. While it's hardly high-tech use of the touch-screen, being able to manage your inventory while utilizing battle tactics to take down enemies and keep out of harm's way is superb. It may not feel as "right at home" as holding a GameCube controller, but it's certainly the next best thing.
Obviously, the real highlight here is the game's remastering into high definition. The music and sound effects are roughly the same, but remain vibrant and fun to listen to throughout the game. It's the visuals that'll grab you, though. The wondrous cel-shading is highlighted better than ever here, and the luscious worlds you'll visit throughout will keep you intrigued. It should also be noted that the lighting has also gone through some revamping, as you can see shadowing much better on the characters here than in the original game. Even "booger kid" (that's what I call him) shows signs of improvement.
