Wind Waker HD Influencing The Next Zelda Title

There was plenty of love for Wind Waker when it was first released back in 2003 for many reasons. The cel shading design was unique and really made Wind Waker stick out compared to any other Legend of Zelda titles, the whole sailing mechanic and ocean setting were new and never-before-seen in any Zelda game, and the experience Wind Waker gave players was very memorable. When an HD version of Wind Waker was revealed for the Wii U, the first question that popped in my mind was, "What new kinds of features would Wind Waker HD have since it'll be for the Wii U?"

Some new features like faster sailing and the Tingle Bottle have already been revealed to be included in Wind Waker HD, but in a recent Kotaku interview with Eiji Aonuma - the big cheese behind all Zelda games at Nintendo - we hear that the currently untitled Zelda Wii U game is being somewhat influenced by the HD remake:

"Wind Waker HD is kind of a testing ground for us. With Wind Waker we were able to accomplish, for the first time, to create a seamless experience. You traveled a great sea… also [we are adding] the Miiverse communication of playing with others virtually. So we’re going to take things like this and add to those so the Wii U [new Zelda] experience should be one that is satisfying to players."

While The Wind Waker HD may just be an HD remake, it still looks to be an interesting experience. If it's having an influence over the next original Zelda game, what do you think could be the result? Transportation-related? Something else? Leave a comment with your thoughts and ideas!

Tanabe is Interested in Making a Tingle Game

Following their quick discussion with Venture Beat regarding hypothetical ideas for Metroid on Wii U, Retro Studios had a short brainstorming session about a bit more ridiculous idea. Apparently Kensuke Tanabe, a producer on Donkey Kong Country Returns: Tropical Freeze, would love to take on the challenge of making a Tingle game that can convince Western audiences to love Tingle. When you read this, keep in mind that what Tanabe says in no way reflects any real project currently in development; he's just throwing out ideas:

"I know how hated the character of Tingle is in the U.S. I know that people cannot stand Tingle. But to me that challenge is: Could I take this character that is so reviled in the West and just [do] a complete turnaround and make him a beloved, fun character? The idea of that really just gets me going. I know we have made a Tingle game in the past, but maybe at some point down the road. …"-- Kensuke Tanabe

And, judging from the next thing he's quoted saying, it sounds like he's actually really passionate about this idea. Head past the jump to hear more!

Kensuke Tanabe wants to make Tingle popular in the West

Kensuke Tanabe was “thinking aloud” the other day, noticing that Tingle is really not that popular here in the west. We all know Tingle. He had his big debut in Majora’s Mask and since appeared in Oracle of Ages, The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, and The Minish Cap; as well as staring in some [...]

Windmill Hut – Lost Woods Variations

One of my favorite pianists and musicians for Zelda music is Kyle Landry because of his unique takes on a huge variety of Zelda tunes, all adapted for the piano. Recently Kyle Landry uploaded a video of him playing the Lost Woods theme from Ocarina of Time, except after playing through the original theme for the [...]

Art Styles in Zelda

Over the years, the entire series has taken many different approaches to the art style in the games. From top down 2D to realistic 3D graphics, Zelda has adapted them all. A few of them worked really well and drew consumers in, but other graphical styles kept certain fans at bay. So why is that? [...]