Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GCN)
Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda is back with yet another sequel, and yet again, I'm blown away. A great deal of controversy surrounded the release of the GameCube's new Zelda game, much of which involved the use of cel-shading. When Nintendo first announced the launch of the GameCube, a few "sample" screen shots were released, some of which included Zelda. They showed a 3D adult Link and a very creepy looking Ganondorf. The game looked very dark, and possibly geared toward adults. This all changed, however, when the first actual screen shots of the game surfaced. Instead of an adult Link, the game featured a cel-shaded child version of Link, and the entire game looked like a cartoon. Immature gamers immediately began bashing the graphics, complaining that the game looked "too kiddy" to play. This couldn't be farther from the truth. If you're willing to look past the graphics, the game plays better that almost any game I've ever played. After 15 minutes, you'll be immediately be submerged in the cartoon-like graphics, and everything will be just fine.
Unlike the previous Zelda installment (Majora's Mask/N64), important elements of the game are back in The Wind Waker. Zelda is actually in the game this time, and Link is once again on a quest for the land of Hyrule. Things are back to normal, and many gamers couldn't be happier.
Gameplay: 9.9
OK, I know what some of you are thinking already... "If the game plays better than any game you've ever played, why did you give it a 9.9??" Well, I can understand your question. Just because the game plays better than anything else, doesn't mean it's perfect. The only complaint I really have about it is the lack of a regular jump button. Sure, you can jump if you happen to have your sword drawn or while you're on a ledge or something, but that's not enough. What if I want to just jump around? Mario can do it! Why not Link, the Hero of Time? Arrgh... Minor gripe aside, the game plays great.
I've honestly never played a "new school" 3D game where the camera wasn't a problem once in a while. The Wind Waker is the exception to this rule. The camera controls with the C-Stick, and seems to work in almost every situation. Besides that, using the L-Trigger targets nearby enemies, and sort of centers the screen. Zelda is played from the perfect viewing angle at all times. I love it.
The Wind Waker has excellent gameplay for many reasons. Besides awesome camera angles, it's a really comfortable game to control. The button layout is very good, and this makes the game much easier to play. Unlike most shooter type of games available today, Zelda employs the same type of combat it always has... good old hand-to-hand combat. The hand-to-hand combat includes use of Link's sword, but I feel that's close enough. It's loads of fun. A new feature in WW, is the ability to pick up weapons that other enemies have dropped. You can throw them at an enemy, or attack head-on. The only flaw with the new weapon, is that you can't take it from room to room with you. It's still a cool feature.
Link has an array of gadgets at his disposal, including old favorites like the hookshot, bow & arrow, and the boomerang. A new tool for WW, is the Grappling Hook, which unlike the Hookshot, allows Link to swing back and forth when it's hooked to a target. You can also stop the rope and climb to the top. It's a nice item! In addition to the new weaponry, Link can also get a Picto Box. (This is a fancy term for camera.) This allows you to take pictures of people and enemies, and have them turned into figurines in the gallery. It's a fun side quest.
One final note about Wind Waker, is the inclusion of the connectivity to the Game Boy Advance. When Link gets the Tingle Tuner in the game, you can use the item to call Tingle, who appears on the GBA when the it is connected to the GameCube. Tingle helps Link by finding treasure, blowing bombs, and performing other minor services (for a fee). It's a great feature to use if you've already got the GBA and the link cable.
Graphics: 10
Contrary to what some people believe about cel-shaded graphics, these are simply beautiful. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker has completely detailed graphics in every scene of the game. There are no poorly animated spots. It's like being in an interactive cartoon. It's definitely a unique experience.
Sound & Music: 6
Music was never something to notice much in a Zelda game. This title is no exception. While the music wasn't annoying in any way, it really wasn't anything to write home about. The lack of voice-over acting in the few cutscenes in the game was kind of surprising, but I suppose Nintendo is worried about changing too much of an already great series.
Story: 7
The Wind Waker has a similar story to all of the other Zelda games. It doesn't start with Zelda being kidnapped, but Link's kid sister is. (Zelda is taken later, don't worry... not that you'd be surprised or anything.) It's the typical story of Link searching for his sister, at the same time finding out that he's the true Hero of Time. This means that he must also stop Ganon from taking over the world. It's typical of a Zelda game, and I would expect nothing less.
Replay Value: 8
This game has semi-good replay value if you're interested in taking pictures. The second time through the game, you're given the Picto Box from the previous quest, and the gallery will have all the figurines you've already made. It's still fun a second time through.
To buy or to rent?Like most RPGs, you'll unlikely be able to beat it (or truly enjoy it) with a rental. I recommend buying it. If you're tired of it after beating it a few times, then you can always trade it in for something new.
Overall: 9
Overall, the game has a great look, and it is very comfortable to play. The only thing that really drags down the score, is the somewhat short length of the game, but the lengthy side quests are more than enough to keep any gamer busy for quite some time. If you own a GameCube, you definitely should own this title.
Additional Information:
Genre: Action/Adventure
Players: 1 (2 if someone else is using the GBA link)
Memory Required: 12 Blocks
Rating: E (for Everyone)
Extras: GBA Connectivity, Dolby Pro Logic II Sound
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