Wind Waker Secrets, Controversies, and More Revealed in Translated Retro Japanese Game Magazine
Posted on August 09 2022 by David Lasby
DidYouKnowGaming?, a YouTube channel created by Shane Gill that’s dedicated to covering game facts, secrets, and more, recently translated a 2003 issue of Nintendo Dream, along with a series of other retro Japanese gaming magazines. These translations, which went viral a few months ago after DidYouKnowGaming? uploaded the video initially, revealed largely unknown information about the development of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. From the strange (Link was originally supposed to play a theremin, the world’s first electronic instrument) to the controversial (Miyamoto hated the game’s art style initially), these translations drop some serious bombs.
Many of the changes in The Wind Waker‘s development happened when Shigeru Miyamoto would playtest the game. According to Eiji Aonuma, “[Miyamoto] would play what we made and point out what was weird.” Most notable, the change to the baton from the theremin was a direct result of his intervention.
Another interesting note is that The Wind Waker was initially much harder than its final version. However, too many Ocarina of Time players were getting stuck and not finishing the game, so Nintendo reduced the difficulty. Later, Hero Mode was included to restore a more challenging difficulty.
Perhaps one of the most comical revelations is that Nintendo received a substantial amount of fan letters from female gamers demanding Toon Link be discarded and that the more realistic (and attractive?) Link from Ocarina of Time be brought back.
Be sure to watch the full video from DidYouKnowGaming? to discover the many other facts and secrets revealed about The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
For more content from DidYouKnowGaming?, check out their YouTube channel here.
Tell us what you think! Were you surprised by any of the newly discovered information about The Wind Waker? Share your reactions in the comments below!
Source: DidYouKnowGaming?
I’m a life-long fan of video games and have been playing since I got my NES in the 1980s. The Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Aliens, and Halo are some of my favorite game franchises. I write for several sites, including Zelda Dungeon, Boss Rush Network, and The Mighty. Find me on Twitter to check out my other content!
