Aonuma on Wind Waker’s turnaround in reception, Twilight Princess visuals influenced by fans, more talk of HD tests

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was originally one of the most controversial Zelda games, at least from a visual perspective. The title’s initial reveal was less than smooth with fans wondering where Nintendo could be taking the franchise after showing the game’s “cartoony” graphics in a debut trailer at Space World 2001.

Following Wind Waker’s launch, a contingent of fans still downplayed the cel-shaded look. However, you could say that the public opinion has changed over the last decade. Wind Waker as a whole – including its timeless visuals – are now remembered much more fondly.

In an interview with Shacknews, Eiji Aonuma spoke about the turnaround in reception:

“I think one big thing would be that we continued to use that art style in DS titles. They got to a kind of expanded userbase–a lot of people that didn’t play Zelda games before. I think after seeing that, when you see Wind Waker’s art style again, it becomes easier to approach because you’re more used to it.”

“I think also at the time time, that kind of toon art style was something you were starting to see in a lot of CG. But, it was used a little a bit but after that, it wasn’t used that much. Now, looking back at it, it seems like a very special thing.”

Fans eventually received the realistic Zelda game they were hoping for in Twilight Princess. Series aficionados largely influenced the style, according to Aonuma.

“We had that negative reaction to that art style and then we did a 180, thinking ‘maybe this is what the fans want.’ It wasn’t just that in terms of the direction of the art style for Twilight Princess, but I think that was a big influence.”

As has been revealed previously, Nintendo experimented with the graphics of Twilight Princess. Aonuma, however, says even though “it looked like a master version of the game”, “it didn’t turn into a new thing.”

“Certainly, we tried. We did a test of Twilight Princess in HD. But it didn’t turn into a new thing. It looked better, it looked cleaner, and it looked like a master version of the game.”

“But with Wind Waker, it really changed into something different–it changed into that really-looking-like-a-cartoon style we were aiming for, but we couldn’t because of the Gamecube’s power. I think now, the reason why people are enjoying it so much, that’s a part of it.”