1.5.2006

I bought Zelda: The Wind Waker after a lifetime of Zelda games on the Nintendo Handhelds, this was my first console Zelda game (although since I have back-tracked and I am now playing the previous games). This is the ninth instalment of Zelda games (where you play a young hero names link, and Zelda is in actual fact a princess, with a nasty habit of being kidnapped) and I think can match up to the much acclaimed Ocarina of Time (just a note; I recommend getting 'Zelda: The collectors Edition' for the game cube, which includes Zelda, Zelda II, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, all of which are brilliant games), visually the game is stunning, it has a sort of captivating beauty due to the cel-shaded graphics,which is a controversial topic, although I am glad they chose to do it this way, the game world seems so real you just get lost in it, what started out as perhaps trying to find that heart piece (4 heart pieces increase your health by one heart, additionally you gain an entire heart after each boss battle) quickly turns into a quest to help the locals or to find a shiny new item to complete your collection and to give you an edge over a particular enemy, and while we're on the subject, enemies in Wind Waker are fantastically unique, each requiring their strategy, such as the fabled black knights, who must be struck in the back, best done by countering their attacks or by dodging them, it's also nice to see your progress, when before it took a long time to simply defeat one black knight now you can take out 4 or 5 with your new found items and experience (personal experience I mean, there is no levelling in Zelda games) as long as you keep your cool that is. The boss battles too are simply amazing, towering beasts which look so magical and fantastic you almost feel bad about killing them, each boss too has it's own strategy to defeat it, usually using the item you just found in that dungeon, there's no button mashing here! The enemies also are intelligent and will block and counter your attacks. The music of course is simply amazing, and feel perfect for the situation, which makes the game even more immersive, the trademark sounds are still in, for instance when discovering a secret, although now in beautiful orchestral music. The game although apparently smaller than Ocarina (you won't notice it though, honestly it's huge) boast's a fantastic story line, (don't worry I won't spoil anything) wrought with twists and turns will keep you on edge and thinking about it long after the game has been completed, and that too is the beauty of The Wind Waker, not only is it huge but also has tremendous replay value, as soon as I finished it I wanted to play it again, and little additions such as the ability to play in your pyjamas ( the scene of which is humorous, you'll have to see it) and being able to understand Hyrulian (unlocking more lore and depth, as there is a fair amount of it there) is great too, as there is an entire cut-scene where just Hyrulian is spoken and it is translated by your boat (you have a talking boat, it's a long story...), so it's interesting to find out what was really said. The story as I was commenting on before, is brilliant and full of lore and mystery , although it starts out relatively simple, it develops into a very complex storyline (please do not use a guide, as it will completely ruin it), the story is the best most memorable part of the game, the Zelda franchise is renowned for it's great stories (Ocarina is another gem) and with good reason...The controls of the game make it a joy to play, with B being your sword and the other buttons being 'hotkeys' for items, you can also 'lock-on' to a target which enables you to strafe around it and pull off some great combat manoeuvres.This game is a masterpiece, the manual comes in full colour and is written and appears archaic, if a little thin, which is a shame, because I like large manuals to read through, it can connect to a Gameboy Advance, although the features unlocked are rather poor, and takes 12 memory blocks.

23.10.2004

Well, what can we say about The Legend of Zelda? The game was everything it was expected to be. It had everything any normal gamer would want in a Zelda title. But the only thing I can't understand is the fact that it's criticized for it's cel-shaded graphics. Personally, I think it fits Link.I really can't think of any bad things to say about the game. I mean, the gameplay is very user-friendly. Almost anybody can master Link's new style. The addition of Link's new parry attack was definitely the icing on the cake, and the idea of Link learning new, and useful moves was a great idea. It's cool, and to this day still isn't old. The graphics are beautiful, something we've been used to when we hear the name Zelda.

1.12.2004

I completed this game last night having owned it for nearly a year! I did get baffled several times by the puzzles and in frustration refused to touch the cube for a month or two at times so that time span doesn't represent solid effort. the trouble was it was so addictive that it affected the rest of my life - nothing else was getting done! then in a freak accident last month the whole game was mysteriously wiped from my memory card. i wept. i stamped. i gnashed my teeth. then last week i picked up the controls and determined to finish it by christmas... ten days later... ta-daah! admittedly the fact that i knew what to do for most of it speeded me up considerably. anyway, enough rambling.

22.6.2005

This is a sublime addition to the Zelda series but there are flaws to be dealt with first. The aforementioned triforce hunt really feels like padding as the game's pretty short, by Zelda standards anyway, so right at the end you have to sail around a vast sea, something you have already done a lot of so it's getting a bit tedious, to unearth, first, eight sea charts then enough rupees to have that git Tingle, another reason for the 4 stars, read them then sail away again to find eight shards of triforce piece. Very annoying.Now on to the positives.It is a truelly awe inspiring game with a beautifully played plot, that does make sense if you are paying attention.

14.3.2005

It was critcised alot at its E3 unveiling because of the cell-shaded graphics but all soon saw that under the layer of kiddiness was one of the best games in what is probably the most successful series ever in gaming history. It is definetely easier than other Zelda games and probably shorter. The sunny locales and sandy beaches seem uncharictaristically cheerful compared to the moodiness of Majoras mask and Ocarina of time, even in the dungeons. If you are knew to Zelda then this may be the easiest way of breaking the ice, unfortunately if you haven't played previous games in the series the storyline won't make sense. But this is classic Zelda gameplay...

1.8.2006

Zelda is back! With yet another addictive story line, quests and side quests. As always the world is in great peril, and only you can help, but you start off smiply wanting rescue your sister, then suddenly the whole world enlists you to do their dirty work, ahh, its hard being a hero!The main difference is that this game is based on the water rather then land, so you have to boat everywhere, its a nice touch, and makes the game feel so much bigger, there is hours of fun to be had by playing the game from start to finish, but there is weeks of fun to be had if you choose to complete all the minnie games and side quests, there is even more to do after you complete the game,

17.3.2006

If it its'nt the wind blowing in the face of your character in the mid ocean that does'nt get your "wow" factor to the max...The wide and amazing layout will.The Brilliantly atmospheric Dugeons are marvalliously crafted and the bosses are really cool and refieffull after you have destroyed them.This game is'nt all glamour though,it has its down pionts, like reling on some the ideas of the orignal "Legend of Zelda" on the Nintendo, like Jabu.The wide varity of Bonuses will jump on you like a lizard though.Like the 52 floored Dugeon. ;)This game is packed full of refreshing enviroments that have a spectacular surroundings.This game has some really cool pionts,It was quite a memoral experience

11.5.2005

The legend of Zelda series of games is possibly the best game series of all time and the latest game The Wind Waker is no exception.Story: 7/10 Simple yet classic zelda.Graphics: 10/10 Perfect for what they are, but some may find them too kiddy. But while they aren't at all realistic, The Wind Waker is one of the most beautiful games i have ever played and when you see it in motion you WILL be amazed.Sound: 8/10 If you like Zelda music then you'll love it.Gameplay: 10/10 Brilliant combat, exploring and puzzlesolving make The Wind Waker's gameplay basically unmatched elsewhere.lifespan: 8/10 The main game isn't long by Zelda standards but it'll take you a good 30hours at the least to complete all the sidequests.Good: Brilliant graphics,

25.6.2006

Releasing LOZ: The Wind Waker wasn't easy with countless delays and numerous release dates but when it was finally released in May 2003, everyone knew it was going to be an awe-inspiring, groundbreaker. With its sumptuous cel-shaded visuals, a grand scale of gameplay (from traveling to distant lands in your boat to fighting off mythical monsters in which you have to find out their weaknesses to finding magical treasures and weapons that'll help you on your quest), a real time eco-system that constantly changes the weather from rain to windy to sunny while the sea reacts realistically with any kind of weather and a beautifully orchestral soundtrack that'll blow even the LOTR soundtrack out of proportion.

12.12.2005

I bought this game and I did not except it to be that good.Here are my impressions:Graphics:10\10You may have heard that they are childish.Wrong.The Zelda world has never looked so stylish and beautiful.PURE MAGIC...Sound:9,5\10Classic marvelous tunes but a little annoying growls.Gameplay:10\10I cannot say too much about the gameplay.It is pretty much the same as all the 3D Zelda games.The dungeons are filled with enemies and puzzles.There is also a boss at the end of each one.Many items can be found in order to help you surpass these obstacles.The controls are really responsible and the combat-system is one of the best ever seen in a game.The downsides are that the game is a little easy and

17.4.2006

Im a big fan of the N64 Zelda games and couldnt wait when i heard Zelda was hitting the Gamecube. I was abit eery of the graphics when i first saw screenshots but when i got it i thought it was possibly the best game graphically i had ever seen.The gameplay is brilliant and simple to get used to. As with the other Zelda games the game has many puzzles baddys and sub missions which you can do whilst completing the main storyline.One thing which disapointed me with this game just as with the other games is the amount of boring travelling you have to do . . until you get teleport it can take up to 20minutes just to reach your destination in a boring boat ride where there really isnt much to do

9.5.2006

The Windwaker, in it's entirety, was disapointing, constant references to other games and many people, places and bosses were very similar to the revious zelda games, which makes this one feel unoriginal. The storyline runs the same sequence as Ocarina of Time virtually exactly. Although most people moan about the graphics, in my view they are quite cool, although very different to other zelda games. In my eyes, they look too much like they have just come out of a comic book, which keeps the game on an almost comical level, eliminating any chance of you being able to take the game seriously.However, the game is still fun to play, but it doesn't have the replayability that Ocarina of Time had,

8.4.2007

Where do I start?I was recommended Zelda by a friend who has always played the series on all Nintendo consoles, but its not really my type of game. Very frustrating, and most of the time you wander round wandering round not knowing what to do next. The game is very vast, and also quite slow paced.No doubt this is an excellent game but if you are more of a 'put in and play' type person it will take you ages to even get off the first island and you will probably immediately think about selling it, I can imagine many controllers have been broken in pure frustration with this game.Like I say, its no doubt an incredibly deep and immense game, but not my sort of thing, very long and drawn out.

14.4.2012

I played this game after Twilight princess and Skyward sword but it will still be a great experience. I haven't gotten very far yet but so far it's what you expect from a Zelda game, and maybe even more! Back when this game was new everyone complained about the graphics being for little kids but that's not true, I think it's great. I don't know if you can say the game is better than Ocarina of time but this game is funnier in my opinion. How can you not love this game if you like Zelda? That's the question. If you love Zelda games you should get this too. You can play it on your Wii ( but not the newest model from 2011. It looks different and it doesn't have the Game cube ports. )

18.11.2006

This is another, like all the other Zelda titles, a great Zelda experience! Ok I was like the other people at first who were worried about the cel shading, but it looks different, feels different and thats good, and it plays superbly too. Loads to do here, puzzles, fighting and communicating with people. This is another hit and one you should keep in your collection! This will deffo entertain you and keep you on that gaming chair!

The Legend of Zelda - The Wind Waker (GameCube) - Reviews

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