As the timeline dictated, Skyward Sword was first on my list. Having used Dolphin before (the Wii emulator which magically enhances the aging 480p Wii files to pretty much any resolution you want), dusting off my now yellowing Wii console was not an option for me. Plus, having just built my own video game ready PC, I now had the capability of running it actually smoothly.
Firstly, I just want to say - the game is absolutely stunning in HD.
My PC runs the game at a 2K resolution (Downsampled to 1080p) at full speed and I can honestly say that playing the game at this res changes my score of it from a 6/10 to a 9/10. It is just a much better experience (Yep, graphics whore confirmed. Sorry.)
Secondly...
Some of the textures were in desperate need of some work.
While the engine used in Skyward Sword has been cleverly designed in that it uses a painterly effect to mask over the less good textures, there are still lots which have not been saved by this effect. Muddy, blocky textures which bother my perfectionist soul more than they probably should.
And so...
I DECIDED TO FIX IT.
Starting with the blocky-A-F character textures.
No more blocky eyebrows and lifeless eyes.
I also enhanced both Link and Zelda's starting outfits. The difference is quite subtle, but when viewing cutscenes they definitely look a lot sharper.
More updates are on the way, I have been working on this for quite a while and so far I have 300 textures done and ready to go (I will continue to post these on this blog and, at some point, make them available for download).
If anyone is out there reading this (I can dream..) I would love to hear any suggestions on what to tackle next!
bye for today! :D
