BEST REMAKE
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD
Remakes, re-releases and ports are the cornerstone of the gaming industry. So often a classic game will be reintroduced for a new audience, and while these are often updated or slightly redesigned for a modern era many just don’t have that special something that made the game memorable and instead just leave you feel like you are playing the same thing over again. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD does away with all that and provides an amazing, memorable experience whether it is your first time sailing through the Great Sea or your 99th.
Updated visuals were the game’s main draw, and by god are they spectacular. The cell-shaded visuals of the GameCube Zelda title still hold up well today, and the added lighting and texture additions really make the game look like a child’s storybook come to life. The visuals weren’t the only thing that got an upgrade though, as some gameplay mechanics (such as the new Sail) cut out some of the tediousness of the original. The additions and tweaks to an already masterpiece of video gaming experience makes The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD this year’s best video game remake. – Andrew Day
