The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

"Link has become A cartoon..... The next "cel-shaded" scenario."

The Legend Of Zelda returns to please gamers around the world yet again. This time It approaches us in a cel-shaded format, along with real time facial expressions. It is definately quite a quest when you first set out to tackle this adventure. Moblins on the great sea, Giant birds flying above and the mist in the air, makes this a very unique title for fans of all ages. Everyone should find enjoyment somewhere in the land of "sunken" Hyrule. Will it be right away? Perhaps, or maybe it will be in a dugeon deep with in the games core. But I assure you that joynouss shall be recieved at one point or another while entering the deep realms surrounding Link and his background. This epic story unveils the true power of Ganon and how determined Link is in order to do what he has been destined to do.... uphold the rightous tri-force, and to also save his dear sister Aryl.

Story: Winds are blowing from the east and the tide is slowly rising as a dark, menacing feeling succumbs the innocence of Outset Island. Shadows soar high above the people. The manical shade is swallowing the suns warmth in search for something; a little girl with pointy ears. Why? Perhaps it is on a mission to serve a master of sorcery to gain access of the triumphant golden triangles. Or maybe it's just hungry. Without a doubt one little boy must stand up and protect this from happening. Upon doing so a catastrophy emerges and this young child is off once more to settle the score. What makes it difficult for this child to cope with is the fact that of all days it happens to be on his birthday. Instead of the world revolving around him, this time he must focus on those in danger and put his life on the line. On with the green tunic, and shield in hand would make your new journey ready right? Wrong! Before Link sets out, he must put faith in his skills as he tries to wield his mighty sword against the darkened shadows that wait. With much confidence, and bravery, Link sets sail onto the ocean blue to save what was taken from him. Along the way he will encounter many friends as well as deadly foes in search of his sister. Replacing the myserious ocarina that Link cherished so dearly, is the wind baton. This is by far the most unusual and mysical item that he has ever recieved. It is beleieved to be the guide of the wind. With this, Link could change the direction at anytime when in desparate need. Although this is the main item in which he uses, there are many more things to collect along the challenging path to success like the memorable fairy bow or the grappling hook for those hideous out of the way places. However, in order to get these items, Link is aided by a red boat that TALKS to him. Although it would seem a little freakish, this lionheart is a great source as to findining out what Link needs to continue onwards in this scenario. As with most Zelda games, this to, has the heart piece locations scattered through the game. However, these hearts are a little more hard to reach. Mainly because they are in secret dungeons and lay dormant in treasure chests at the bottom of the ocean. Will he fulfill his quest and save his little sister? Or will Ganon defeat him and gain the power of the triforce. Play it for yourself and find out, for it is a long journey to the end. This is not a very easy task for those who think different. I rate this story a 9 for the new idea and personal conflict our little boy wrapped in green garment has to deal with in order to banish the evil yet again. 9/10

Sound Quality: This game allows us to listen to the lusious sounds from the wind baton. Making speels to change night to day or vice versa, or even opening the entrance of dungeons with hideous creatures and deadly traps is just one thing this uniique little instrament can do. One excellent sound we can hear is the evil macabre laughter from the dark sorcerer known as Ganon. His subtle expression towards Link is a laugh or two and how he just stands there without any form of expression staring at the little adventureous boy. Another fantastic feature of sound is the noise from his flapping robe, or the "cha-chink" that repels from Link's mastersword. Hacking and slashing your way to Ganondorf doesn't fail to release fantastic sounds from this game. Welcome to the next game of great concept and magnificent sound quality. Gamecube certainly has a lot to offer for being such a little object in which sits before you to run a wonderful game with so much thought, dedication, and success that this became. This section recieves a 10 for being of outstanding qaulity and the absolute sound effects this little engine can hold. 10/10

Graphics: Possibly the best graphics for a GCN game. The articulate shadows, the amazing glow around the torches, and the haze that radiates in the horizon make this a wonderful adventure. Another exciting fact about this game is the eye movement. Link will wander his eyes around a room and this adds much realism. However, this also will take away the mind boggling answers to solve a puzzle for he will sometimes look at a certain object that is needed. Dusk and dawn is yet another feature for the open sea. shades of yellow or the dark blue blends the mode for this game perfectly. I give the graphics a definate 10/10.

Replay Value: This, like Majora's mask, is a time consumer for sure. changing th wind directions, sailing the dangerous sea, and island hopping certainly makes this title a game of expertise. As you travel onward, the game seems extremely long for you run back and forth between two islands repeatedly at times and most of your adventure is on sea. Gamers will find themselves wanting to end their quest at a later time . However, when it's over, there is a second quest you can go through to officially complete the games entirety. The second time through doesn't have much to it though. The only real difference is that Link will defeat the quest in his pajamas, and his sisters outfit will be moderately changed. Being that this is a very long adventure, most will only play a few more times until they wish to no longer journey through the sunken land of Hyrule. With this being said I give the replay value a score of 7. 7/10.

Button Configuration: The default controls are rather comfortable for those who wish to accomplish a victory with Link. The action buttons are not by any means different for the most part. You still have the A button to roll and B to slash any thing opposing you and stands in your way. However, this still does not have a "JUMP" button. You just simply stand beneath something and press forward. The analog is rather light and isn't to much of a problem. Making this games controls rate an 8. I rate this an 8 because, like all games, they tend to hurt our precious fingers that we use to beat games of all kinds. 8/10.

Overall Rating: Once Ganon is defeated by the players of the Wind Waker, and all seems well, the journey comes to an end. The ending however, is not the greatest. Nintendo certainly lacked a great ending to a Zelda came after Ocarina of Time (Placing the sword back into it's pedastool and walking triumphantly away was in deed the best ending yet.) Should you complete the Wind Waker you may see what I mean. The gameplay is rather easy, but sailing across the once lively Hyrule, tends to grow stale as a dead fish drifting upon the sea that Link travels on. With everything that this game is, it will always be a fairly great games to Zelda fans. Hands down, this game, although lacks a good ending, deserves a 9 overall for Nintendo giving it their best at the new adventure Link sets out to complete. Is it the best title Nintendo has released? In my opinion, no it isn't. More sailing than actual gameplay is not my idea of fun. However it did suprize me in many ways and I do enjoy playing such an amazing game. Using the "Command Melody" was different and, at times, I'm sure that those who have not yet played it will enjoy it. I was also sad to see no DARK LINK. (frowns)Sailing across the radient sea and opening those chests of blinding light are a fun thing to do, not to mention that Link shows no mercy against his enemies. HOPEFULLY in future games, we will have the "JUMP" button. It does get kind of old that Link cannot jump unless he rolls off an edge or lean forward to climb up onto a platform. May the Wind Waker be a treasure for gamers worldwide and continue to be a game people will not forget anytime soon. (Well, until at least the new Zelda comes out later next year that is.)O.A.R.=9. 9/10.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/31/04