preview
Nothing more than an interactive video, but it sure was pretty.
In an effort to illustrate the graphical capabilities and the ability to shift gameplay from the TV to the new controller of the Wii U, Nintendo prepared a stunningly pretty video tech demo featuring The Legend of Zelda.
The demo did not feature any gameplay, however a handful of button on the touch screen and the circle pad on the controller could interact with the video. One button shifted the action, Link fighting a giant spider inside of a temple, from taking place during the day to at night. Another changed the angle from which the action was being viewed. A third button moved the action to the controller, moving the map to the TV. The left Circle Pad adjusted the angle of the camera.
While it is only a graphical tech demo, the buttons on the controller prove that the visuals are being rendered in real time, even if the action is all scripted. The video is remarkable looking, featuring details such as the individual hairs on the spider and the slight sheen of damp stonework.
When viewed on the controller's 6.2 inch screen the action looked nearly as beautiful. While it would be much preferable to play a game like this on a large screen, the controller is certainly capable. When the action is on the TV the controller serves as a very detailed map and seems like a very good use of the views pace.
Constant reminders that this is only a tech demo are required, but if this is what the Wii U is capable of then the days of ugly Wii games are coming to a close.
