8 Video Game Tech Demos Which LIED To You

5. SpaceWorld 2000 Legend Of Zelda

Zelda SpaceWorld 2000 2001
Nintendo

At the close of SpaceWorld 2001 - Nintendo's oddly astronomically-themed trade show - a cel-shaded Link turned his head to the camera, and flashed a wink which sent scores of Zelda fans into complete meltdown.

Time later proved Wind Waker to be an absolute triumph, if anything because of, rather than in spite of, its dramatic new visual direction. But for those watching with jaws agape on the convention floor upon its big reveal, it simply wasn't the Zelda they wanted.

At the same show a year prior, Nintendo had unveiled a mouthwatering tech demo for their positively angular new hardware, the GameCube. Amidst the dazzling showreel was brief footage of a (at the time) hyper realistic Hero of Time clashing swords with arch nemesis, Ganondorf. Although nothing like a confirmation, 'GameCube Zelda' immediately became the new console's most anticipated game.

Two decades on, Wind Waker's dreamy cartoon aesthetic is just as enchanting as it was back then. Would 2000's grotty Zelda have aged quite so gracefully? See Exhibit B: Twilight Princess. (The answer is no.)

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.