When the GameCube was unveiled back in 2000 (feeling old yet?), Nintendo showcased a 'realistic' Zelda demo that many fans believed would be the next Zelda title. The dream was soon dashed in 2001 when The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker was shown to audiences around the world that led them asking "what the cel?" Or maybe they didn't use such a bad pun, but either way it was not expected.

While the art style was initially criticised, the game was widely accepted once people actually got their hands on it. Nintendo crafted a fine action game that was a treat to play and the art style has always been a personal favourite of mine, so when a Wii U remake was announced I welcomed it with opened arms.

For the most part, Wind Waker HD is the same game as the one that launched on the GameCube years ago. Other than the graphics, the only real changes are Miiverse integration and the ability to speed up sailing (a criticism that was heavily levied against the original). Playing Wind Waker HD is like a happy trip back in time, and even if you've not played the game in years you'll soon start remembering the characters, locations and puzzles once you pick up the GamePad.

Given the GamePad's similarity to the GameCube's beloved controller playing the game feels natural. The touch screen is now used for your inventory, a map and Miiverse messages (delivered via bottles that wash up on shore), making the overall playing experience much smoother than before.

The demo we played had two areas to choose from; the island you start on and a battle against he Helmaroc King. The island seemed like a stange choice, as it was before you had a sword, so you could only wander around. Your boat was available though, so presumably it was an excuse for Nintendo to prove that sailing speed has been increased.

Defeating the boss was more exciting, although given that we were plunged into it, trying to remember which weapon was mapped to what button took a little while. The gameplay remains the same, but it sure does look much nicer now.

Nintendo showcased Wind Waker HD against the original, literally putting the two next to each other, and the graphic update is more obvious that way. While the art style of Wind Waker always helped make it look superb, seeing it against the HD remake made it seem blurred and lacking polish. It is a great irony that one of the Wii U's best looking games is ten years old, but such ironies don't really matter when you have a game as solid as Wind Waker.

Whether you consider it a cheap stop-gap before we get a new Zelda title on the Wii U, or a glorious nostalgic trip, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD is shaping up to be a must buy for Zelda fans. You may have played it before, but it is well worth going back to (and this time it won't take you so long to get back there).