Since the Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64 (The greatest game of all time, in my opinion) set the Zelda games on a path of maturity, most gamers expected that more advanced hardware from the GameCube would result in a more realistic and adult looking Link. So when Nintendo finally unveiled the new Zelda, everyone was stunned with the cartoon like cel-shaded romp where Link looked younger than ever before. But as we all know with Zelda games, it's the gameplay that matters, not the graphics. Ever since I heard about the graphical change, I thought it would be for the best. After playing the game for a while, you'll be thankful for the change because it really suits the game. Ahh, Nintendo you've done it again.

The game's story goes something like this. The Wind Waker is about a legend. The game actually takes place about 100 or so years after the events of Ocarina of Time. The events that happened in that game had become a tale that had been passed down through the generations. At this certain place, young boys are made to wear the same clothes as the Hero of Time (The legendary boy named Link saved Hyrule from the evil Ganon) and today is your day to honour that tradition. After the legend has been told to you, and you have donned the Hero of time’s green tunic, the story of Link’s new adventure will slowly unfold.

You begin your journey on a peaceful place called Outset Island. You live there with your Grandmother, your sister, and some other inhabitants including a swordsman, and a very wise man. After your sister gives you a telescope for your birthday, you spot trouble out at sea. It seems that a bunch of pirates are chasing a very large bird which appears to have a young girl in its grasp. After you rescue the girl, and get your sword and shield your adventure will really begin, as you go off with the pirates around the ocean.

There are many similarities between The Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time and they are fairly obvious. The same gameplay we all love is found throughout The Wind Waker, and many of the same songs and sound bites are used in the game. However, they are still two, entirely different games. Link has some of the old weapons, such as bombs and the boomerang and there are many new weapons and items to be found such as the Grappling Hook and the Deku Leaf, which will enable Link to find new areas. There are plenty of other new features as well. Instead of Epona the Horse and Hyrule field to ride across, Link finds a boat and a huge ocean to navigate through. Then once you obtain the Wind Waker and the ability to control the wind, Link can go wherever the wants on the map. At time the games feels the same, but then at the same time it doesn’t. This is due in part to the games amazing visuals, the amount of life put into the game and just the sheer scale of everything. That’s one of the great things about The Wing Waker, it can so easily sweep you away and make you forget about everything else.

The visuals in the game are absolutely stunning. They go along way to make up the charm of the game, but it’s also the level of polish, and little effects that while brings smiles to the players faces. Small things like lighting, character direction, musical score, sound effects, the use of the wind and the overall balance all work together perfectly and never hiccups for a moment.

A lot of people argue that the game is too short, but they are mainly the people who have a detailed walkthrough and rush through it. First time through, the game could probably be completed 15-20 hours, if you’re rushing. The game is meant to be taken slow, uncovered piece by piece until u get the next item etc. The idea of The Wind Waker is that you’re presented with an open world which is yours for the taking, and there’s a lot to do. So if you savour the Zelda experience and play every mini game and side quest, this game will keep you happy for a very long time. Admittedly, the game could do with 1 or 2 more dungeons since The Ocarina of time had so many. Also, Some of the Bosses and enemies aren’t as hard as they could have been, but this does not take away from the fun found in this game.

But, whether you rush it or take it slow, once you finish this game is a moment of great sadness, because this is really a game that you never want to end, you just want to keep going and going. This game is one of the Gamecube’s best and definitely blows any other Adventure game on the other systems out of the water. This is the real deal. People will be singing songs about this game for generations, and you do not want to miss out on this experience. The Legend of Zelda Kicks ****.


Recommended: Yes