The Wind Waker is my favorite video game bar none. I’m a purist about it (I won’t even do speedruns of it), but the things fans can find to do with the game are always entertaining. Mods are some of the most notable examples, and AaronTheSnob’s reskin of Toon Link as Solid Snake hits the bullseye for what makes them fun.
I don’t do any modding, but the work AaronTheSnob put into this skin is something I admire. I’ve watched videos of mods that don’t go for the extra effort and only change a character with a poorly designed skin placed over top their existing designs. Those were letdowns, to put it simply. That’s why I’m glad there is no shortage of people who take the time to make their projects things to behold.
Here’s a list of the changes AaronTheSnob made, straight from his Gamebanana link:
- “Changes Link to resemble Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series.”
- “Replaces Hero’s Sword with a reverse grip combat knife.”
- “Turns the Hero’s Shield invisible.”
- “Replaces bow and arrows with a USP, equipped with a Laser Aiming Module.”
- “Replaces bow and arrow sound effects with gunshot and ricochet sounds.”
- “Replaces the Master Sword with the Stun Knife.”
- “Replaces the Mirror Shield with a reflector.”
- “Replaces the Deku Leaf with a parachute.”
I’m not sure how any modder and Zelda fan could want to pass on this, especially if they are also Metal Gear fans. I don’t play Metal Gear games, but I know Snake well enough from Smash Bros. to see how clever this is, especially when I remember all the sneaking around Link actually does in Wind Waker.
The details are great, but the demo video is what drew me in. The presentation is more proof of how extra effort can make something special.
I may not use mods, but I enjoy them as a simple spectator. And this re-skin for Link in Wind Waker has slithered its way into my shortlist of favorites.
