Nintendo once had plans for a very different second GameCube The Legend of Zelda game. Instead of the dark, more realistic tones of Twilight Princess, they envisioned a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker set on dry land.

The tentatively titled "The Wind Waker 2," went as far as to be included in an official Zelda Franchise history presented at GDC 2004. However, early public reaction, market trends, and design issues would have Nintendo switch from the cel-shaded style of The Wind Waker to the dark tones of Twilight Princess.

In the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts (already out in Japan and translated by Nintendo Everything), series artist Satoru Takizawa discussed plans for The Wind Waker sequel. Satoru explained that Wind Waker 2 would have taken place in a land-based setting, rather than the sea, and Link would have once again been given a horse to traverse the countryside. However, there were issues with Toon Link's proportions that made this difficult. He was too short, which made placing him on a horse awkward. Additionally, Satoru thought that with the art-style an adult Toon Link didn't seem to be a good solution either.

Public perception of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker upon release were very divisive as well. Although it's now a fan-favorite, the switch to cel-shaded graphics was a turn off for many who had come to love the series while playing the more realistic Ocarina of Time. At the time of Wind Waker's release, there was also a dominant force in cinema with The Lord of the Rings films that made gritty and dark the "in" style for fantasy.

Taking all these things into consideration, Satoru decided early in development for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 2 to take a different approach. Satoru brought Yusuke Nakano onboard, and it would be Yusuke that would form the artistic basis for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

I find myself wishing that they would have gone with The Wind Waker 2 ideas. Twilight Princess seemed to be lacking some of the formulae that made The Legend of Zelda series so vital feeling. After the bright, fluid world of The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess just seemed dull.