It’s the best game on Wii U
The both exciting and sad part about all this is that despite all the games finally coming to Wii U this Fall, the ten-year-old Wind Waker by and large trumps every last one of them. Pikmin 3 could be your best depending on taste, but most folks will probably find it hard not to single out twelve-year-old Link.
Though an all new Wii U Zelda game is in the works, and will no-doubt be magnificent, we have no idea when it’s coming. Though Nintendo is bringing games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Super Mario 3D World this holiday, those may not be what the seasoned, hungry Zelda player is looking for. Nor the recent Wii U-convert, for that matter. In fact, despite its age, Wind Waker delivers in ways that even other Zeldas have failed to in recent times. It’s the most open-world Zelda by far. It’s combat is still rock-solid after all this time. You can play it in a surprisingly enjoyable first person mode. It’s practically Skyrim! Not at all, actually, but Wind Waker is truly epic in its own amiable, unique way.
The fact is, if you’re getting a Wii U any time soon, then you should be getting The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD immediately thereafter. It’s odd to think of a ten-year-old cartoon in motion as a system seller, but that’s exactly what’s happened.
The Wii U has great games coming, but until we hear about the next Zelda or some kind of surprise Metroid game (likely a far-off occurrence), Wind Waker is going to be the best experience for both Nintendo fans and new-experience seeking Wii U buyers alike.
And if you’ve never played Wind Waker before? In that case, you’re in for a real gaming delight. I for one couldn’t be happier to return to the Great Sea.