Topic: The Legend of Zelda HD Experience Tech Demo Impressions

[Crimm]

Nothing more than an interactive video, but it sure was pretty.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/26651

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.

[Morcant]

Excuse me while I salivate.

[UltimatePartyBear]

I've got a funny feeling that in a couple of years, they're going to reveal a new trailer featuring Toon Link, and there will be much bawwwing.

Oddly enough, after seeing Skyward Sword, I think its take on cel shading is "truer" to classic Zelda, but I wouldn't complain if we got a game that looks like this demo, either.

[Stogi]

I absolutely adore Skyward Swords style. Some of the artistry really does look like a Monet or a Pissaro. And with newly founded power, they could take that style and really expand on it.

[SixthAngel]

By releasing this trailer did Nintendo just unwittingly break the Zelda cycle?  Now the haters can go after this while loving the previous one, Skyward Sword.

[Crimm]

Let me put it this way, Skyward Sword is beautiful. It oozes style, and it is going to be amazing. This tech demo shows us what we could get in 3 to 4 years

[Ailingforale]

3-4 years is a sad thought, how about holiday 2012?

[UncleBob]

"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."

What makes you say this?
The Wii can produce absolutely beautiful games.  Yet some developers choose not to care.  Why will they suddenly care what the Wii U can do?

[NWR_Karlie]

I've finally watched this enough times so that it's not physically painful anymore to compare this with Skyward Sword due to being torn between the two styles.


Zelda has never needed this level of detail to realise the classic gameplay that makes it what it is. Nintendo were able to push older hardware to do what they wanted to as they were the ones who made it. No one else could unless they reverse engineered the hardware, circa Donkey Kong Country for SNES. It has not changed since then.


What this does mean is that third parties will have access. With Miyamoto's talk of shaders and other modern (standard) graphics functions being possible on the Wii U, then everyone else has a chance to create graphics with this level of detail.


The graphics are only part of what makes each new Zelda release surprising. Also, parts of this video look too futuristic and robotic and do not fit well with a Zelda game.

[Stogi]

They really should have done this with Metroid. Seeing Samus fighting a giant boss in some awesome lid-less cave would have been sick.