The Legend of Zelda games have always been amongst the best games in the history of the entertainment industry. Every single one of them, no matter how primitive they may seem, has delivered a sense of adventure that no other game has been able to faithfully replicate. Whether the credit is owed to masterful creator Miyamoto or simply because it relies on the simple things, each game has topped the last with masterful ease. The last critically acclaimed installment came in the form of Majora’s Mask for the Nintendo 64. While it provided the same sense of adventure that previous games did, it lacked the innovation that was needed to separate it from the far superior Ocarina of Time. So leave it to Nintendo to make the critics eat their own words. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is by far the best game the series has seen in a long time, in fact, it clearly matches and is possibly superior to the Ocarina of Time. Released in times of woe for Nintendo, this game will surely raise them out of the many problems they may have. The Zelda series is known for selling in the millions, so it is all up to Link and his many enemies to alleviate the problems their masters are currently facing in the sales realm. There is no way to explain every aspect of the game without ruining most of the major plot points so this review will refrain from giving too much away about the rich plot that awaits the dedicated gamer. It may not be the deepest story ever in a game, but it surely reaches close to that by showing you what a fantasy world would really be like.

    The Wind Waker takes all of the components from past Zelda games and brings them full circle in this game. Most of the weapons from previous titles are present including the bombs, hookshot, hero’s bow and even the newly improved boomerang. They play a much bigger part in this game than in previous installments and they are a key figure in the games many elaborate puzzles. The boomerang for instance can lock on to numerous enemies or objects and you simply let it go. The boomerang will do the rest. The hero’s bow is back and also plays an integral part in solving puzzles. The Wind Waker is a new item in this game, similar to the Ocarina of Time from the previous games. You use the wind waker with the C-Buttons and compose songs that will affect different things regarding wind. It is in my opinion, better and more innovative than the Ocarina and serves as an excellent departure from other games in the series. The puzzles range from being very difficult to very simple, and while this will satisfy most gamers, do not expect every puzzle to have its solution staring you directly in the eye. The same lock and key formula is used where you go into a room and it locks behind you. Then you solve whatever puzzle and defeat any enemies to reveal a key. It can then be used to unlock a door so that you can continue your quest. This has been used in every Zelda game so far and it never becomes monotonous. Mainly because this will often tell you that a major item or event is near. Environment interaction is a big factor in the game’s puzzles because many times you will be lifting and sliding various objects so that you can press switches and open doors. The puzzles are what have fueled the Zelda series for so long, but the battles are another key area of the series’ main appeal.

    Combat in Wind Waker is very similar to previous games. You lock on to an enemy using the R-Button and you use the B-Button to attack. While this seems very basic, the simplicity actually adds to the overall fun factor. Often times you will be facing six or more enemies at a time and the simple button combinations can make it not only simple, but entertaining as well. Pressing the analog stick in different directions will have varied effects on the type of attack performed, including the popular jump and slash attack executed by pressing the A-Button when charging towards an enemy. The targeting system has been changed slightly but mostly in an aesthetic way. You no longer have a fairy to target for you, so it seems that it is all done manually. Either way it works like a charm. Targeting makes combat so much easier because you can slash one enemy and switch the target and attack another, resulting in a visual feast for the eyes. The boss battles are where the weapons and items really come in handy. The addition of the grappling hook is put to the test in the first boss battle and in some others as well. Arrows, bombs, and many other things are all used in these innovative boss battles so that it doesn’t seem like a hack and slash “been there done that” fare. None of the boss battles are simple, but all of them present a challenge and small puzzle that will keep gamers thinking until they find the proper solution. The game’s climactic final battle will please many fans of the series as it utilizes classic sword battling with some other innovative ideas.

    The plot of Wind Waker is much more intertwined into the Zelda lore than previous games. Many of the past games had little to do with any of the other installments. Wind Waker is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time but spoiling those plot points would make you all very angry with me. The story revolves around a boy named Link who lives on Outset Island. When the small boys of the island reach a certain age, they don a green tunic in respect of a great historical legend of their time. The story’s main arc is Link’s desperate attempt to save his sister Aryll who was captured by a powerful and mysterious bird. His quest will lead him into pirates, bird creatures and even leaf people. The many different side stories that go on are simply amazing and they all tie in with the plot very well. Without spoiling anything, it can be said that the plot for the Wind Waker is overall the best in the Zelda series.

    The overall gameplay that ensues is spectacular. No game has ever intertwined a deep plot, with difficult puzzles and an innovative combat system so seamlessly. Fans of series may hoot and holler that the game is a tad bit easier than previous installments,but the game has a plethora of side quests that have to be seen to be believed. The game will last most gamers a good twenty hours and an even better forty if they choose to complete all the side quests and uncover all the secrets. A little innovative feature that was included in this game is the Tingle Tuner. The Tingle Tuner allows someone else or even you, to connect your Game Boy Advance to the Gamecube and use tingle to help Link uncover many secret treasures that may have been hidden deep in the dungeons. It’s a small but welcome feature that will please most fans of the game. The gameplay that will be experienced in this game has the power to sweep you off your feet and make you want to play it over and over again.

    The audio presentation found in Wind Waker is simply stunning. A sweeping musical score that highlights the games lighter and more quirky mood allows this game to be a most pleasurable listening experience. Now we all know that people do not go out and buy games to listen to them, but still, this game deserves much kudos for providing a powerful yet subtle soundtrack that helps to move the plot and gameplay along. Expect to hear many familiar tunes from previous games because the references to Ocarina are endless. This adds a coat of familiarity to the game. The sound effects are also similar to past games but there is enough new to complement the old. Sword slashing and character grunts only add to the games already grand epic audio presentation. The sounds and music of Wind Waker provide the game with the icing for an already giant cake.

    Now here comes the highly debated topic. Do the game’s graphics affect the gameplay at all? No! In fact the graphics are excellent. I purely dislike all the negative media attention that the visuals received especially considering the era of cell shading we are currently living through. The graphics are reminiscent of the type seen in Sly Cooper for the Playstation 2. Link may look a bit goofy, but it makes the game’s lighter mood stands out more. The draw distance is stunning and the ocean waves look almost hand drawn. The temples and environments are possibly the best that have ever been created in this genre. They ooze of quality in every inch. The enemy and character designs are superb and really convey their personalities in a way the Nintendo 64 never could in its wildest dreams. The visuals in Wind Waker are possibly the most detailed on any console to date.

    Overall, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is by far my current favorite game of all time. It is by no means perfect, but it does not falter in any way that would affect the game dramatically. Its simple approach to combat and controls may sway some people away but I severely recommend this to any gamer who is looking for a great time. Nintendo has done it again and great success is in their future. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is possibly the best game there is and ever has been to warrant a purchase.