Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
The Wii U version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was in development for just six months, Zelda boss Eiji Aonuma has revealed, after Nintendo made the decision not to keep Wii U owners waiting for a new Zelda title.
In an interview with 4Gamer (via ZeldaInformer), Aonuma explained that development of Wind Waker HD “took about 6 months. Development was still difficult. You had to consider the difference in hardware at the time.
“Additionally there is a technique known as toon shading, which gives the game a very animated look. At that time, the technique was established, but had not be used before by our staff, everyone had to do everything by hand.”
Aonuma says that he chose to develop an HD port of Wind Waker over Twilight Princess and Skyword Sword after realising that it offered the greatest graphical difference over the original release.
“I was asked to either design Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, or Wind Waker in HD…” said Aonuma.
“With Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword, I was only able to notice a slight difference in HD. An HD version of Wind Waker on the other hand, felt completely different. With the original, we aimed to create something you can almost touch. With the HD version, we are able to make it even more appealing.”
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD launched on Wii U last Friday boasting improved visuals and GamePad functionality.
Source: 4gamer.net, zeldainformer.com
