Cel-shading
by Jonathan C. on Dec.10, 2007, under Uncategorized
Pretty much everyone knows that the cel-shaded graphical style of Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker wasn’t well recieved, right? I’ll admit that maybe making the whole game cel-shaded wasn’t such a good idea – mainly because of the reactions it got – but I found many cel-shaded parts of the game to be very visually pleasant. To name a few: the lava and water effects, pretty much all of the underwater Hyrule, and the stained glass in the Master Sword chamber.
Cel-shading in Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, however, is hardly noticed when seen beside Wind Waker. But it’s there, in a more background role… and like it a lot better like that. In the Arbiter’s Grounds, for example, the mini-boss wields a large black sword with glowing runes. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the runes appear to be nicely cel-shaded. It also reminds me of Shadow Ganon’s sword, from the Wind Waker.
In summary: when cel-shading is over-used, it can cause “cartoon-y” or “kiddy” looks, but in moderation it can add more realism.
~Jonathan
December 12th, 2007 on 4:41 am
In ref. to "cartoon-y" or "kiddy" you can use trite.
lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale: the trite phrases in his letter.
December 12th, 2007 on 7:19 pm
True, but while Wind Waker did over-use cel shading, it was more than just ‘trite’. The over-use itself lent a feeling of cartoon-iness.