The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

"The first truly epic game on the Gamecube"

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is the highly anticipated sequel to the Nintendo 64's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (not including the side story, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask).

I must also say, I am a Zelda fanboy. It is my favorite gaming series of all time, and Ocarina of Time was my favorite before The Wind Waker. Please take this into consideration as you read this review, though I believe I do offer as much an objective opinion I can about this game. Despite my biased opinion about The Wind Waker, I am not the only one who thinks this is a great game. In the following review are the reasons why some consider it to be the best the Gamecube has to offer, and why some consider it the best of all time.

Gameplay: 9.8

The Wind Waker plays very similar to Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, except it improves over the previous. games. For those who have not played the Nintendo 64 incarnations of Zelda, then allow me to explain. B is used to slash the sword. Holding it will have Link do a horizontal swing attack. Pressing B repeatedly makes Link slice the sword in a horizontal fashion. Up and B is an upward slice. Down and B is a downward slice. If you lock on with L, Link may jump and slice downward when you press the A button. Also, whenever Link's sword glows green, press A and Link will do a counter attack.

As with previous Zelda games, there are dungeons for the player to go through. Each one has a different puzzle to be solved, and each one has a new item for Link to use. To use these items, you need to set the item to either Y, X, or Z. By finding small keys, Link can open locked doors, and by finding a Big Key, Link will be able to fight a boss. Bosses leave behind heart pieces which increase Link's health, and allow him to be hit more by enemies before he dies.

Like in Majora's Mask and Ocarina of Time, there is a musical ''instrument'' in this game in the shape of a baton, the ''Wind Waker.'' The Wind Waker allows for a variety of things including warp travel, changing the direction of the wind, the time of day, and more.

To travel in this game, you need King of Red Lions, a ship, and a sail. With King of Red Lions, you can travel around the vast overworld from island to island wherever the wind blows. Items from dungeons that Link can use can also be used to fight enemies and find treasure while sailing. Unfortunately, this becomes rather tedious near the end of the game, but not enough to hate the game.

There are many sidequests within The Wind Waker. Some require giving items to people certain enemies leave behind such as Skull Necklaces, Joy Pendants, and Knight's Crests, some require having weapons for King of Red Lions while at sea and for Link, some require skill at puzzle solving skills.

Overall, the gameplay offers a lot to do. Puzzles are what make this game hard, and you may find yourself consulting a FAQ once or twice in the game. However, the game is rather easy since death may be a minor concern for skilled players. Enemies usually take 1/4-1/2 a heart, and there are many ways to replenish health through hearts found from enemies, pots, skulls, flowers, grass; the red and blue potions, and Grandma's soup which replenish health; and fairies which heal Link completely even after taking the hit which takes away his final heart piece. Simply put, despite its shortcomings, the gameplay in The Wind Waker is fantastic.

Story: 10.0

Just a forewarning: I am not comparing the story to games like Final Fantasy, but to other Zelda games. If you do not want to see spoilers at all for this game, do not read the following, though what I will say is in mentioned the intro, the earliest part of the game.

The story of The Wind Waker takes place hundreds of years after Ocarina of Time. Ganon came back and ravaged the land of Hyrule. However, the Hero of Time (Link from Ocarina of Time), never came. The story of the Hero became legend, and now it is tradition for a boy on one island to get the same clothing the Hero had (a green tunic), on his 12th birthday.

The Wind Waker begins with Link's 12th birthday, and he gets a telescope from his sister, Aryll. Using it, he sees a girl trapped in the claws of a giant bird. The bird drops the girl, and Link sets out to save her...

I won't tell any more, as that would spoil the game's great story. Unlike previous Zelda games, in this one there is character development and many plot twists. Also, the game relates a lot to Ocarina of Time. Areas of the game and creatures in it will look familiar for those who played the Nintendo 64 game.

As far as the dialogue goes, it is very well done. Either being humorous or dramatic, the desired effect is well delivered.

Graphics: 9.7

Ah, what the game is famous for. The cel-shaded graphics are glorious in this game. Some of the people's expressions are priceless. There are not overly cartoony expressions like Looney Toons (except for spinning birds around people's heads sometimes), but more like super deformation such as that in animes like Tenchi Muyo! or DragonBall. There is a downside, however. Sometimes vertical lines appear for no reason on the screen, and the characters look very odd with their large bodies and small legs.

Also, because of the animation, the water is blue with white for waves. This means there is no water level (where you must either swim or walk in water), something I was happy about.

Sound: 9.6

The sound in The Wind Waker is reminiscent of past Zelda games. Characters make noises like they did in the Nintendo 64 games, and even Link sounds more lively. The music is great, and uses music from A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and the Legend of Zelda theme song, as well as new tunes. When you near an enemy, the music changes. All of the songs are excellent, but do become tiring after hearing the same tune over and over again as the game goes on.

Play Time: 10 hours - over 40 hours

Personally, I beat this game in 41 hours, without all the sidequests, and without using FAQs for a lot of things. Some people can get through the game quickly if they use a FAQ or are very smart, but the majority of people will beat it between the twenty and thirty hour mark, just playing through the dungeons and maybe a sidequest or two.

Replayability: 9.0

Once you beat the game, you will be able to play in Link's pajamas, and take pictures with a color camera. The game is fun enough to go through a second time, maybe even a third.

Rent or Buy?

The Wind Waker is a must buy for any Gamecube owner. With the beautiful graphics, memorable tunes, great story, and excellent gameplay, this game is a shining example of how games should be made.

Prepare for a great adventure. Set sail, and may the wind guide you.

Overall Score: 10.0

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/02/03, Updated 04/02/03