The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (or Zeruda no Densetsu: Kaze no Takuto in Japan) is the ninth game in the well-known Legend of Zelda series of videogames. It was the first game from the Legend of Zelda series to be released on the Nintendo GameCube.

A new take on Zelda

Nintendo's decision to render the game's graphics using a technique called cel-shading (an advanced computer graphics technique applied to 3D objects to give the game an animated look) was one of its more controversial moves in recent years. When first shown at Nintendo's Spaceworld convention, the public formed two groups - those who embraced the new graphics, and those who shunned them (often using the name "Celda" to refer to the game).

Upon release, the game received critical acclaim, with some of the highest ever review scores. The application of the graphical style was soon considered a relative success. However, many fans are still divided due to the cel-shaded graphics, with many claiming the game was overrated and too childish, and others proclaiming the cel-shaded look to be the definitive graphical style for the series.

Gameplay

Nintendo did not revolutionize the formula of the series, but rather expanded upon gameplay elements found in the Nintendo 64 versions of Zelda. The lock-on fighting system, various staple weapons, use of puzzles, exploration, and dungeon system remained fairly the same. In addition to the traditional elements, new gameplay features, such as parrying enemies in combat, controlling the direction of the wind in order to solve puzzles, and the introduction of new items such as the Grappling Hook and Deku Leaf were added in this version of Zelda.

However, the game was somewhat shorter than the Nintendo 64 titles and relatively simple to complete, and as such is considered to be the easiest game in the series. The lack of large land masses upon the Great Sea and rather tedious amounts of sailing also played their parts in keeping the game from being a complete masterpiece.

Graphics

The cel-shaded graphics featured in The Wind Waker are an incredible departure from those featured in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which used an anime-influenced art style. The game simply looks like a living cartoon, with detailed and yet simple characters and locations. Effects such as swirling smoke and licking flames are incredibly stylized, and add to the overall "living cartoon" effect. The anime influence is still present, and it is far more apparent, with a prevalent chibi style. The game's animation system is very developed, and characters move in a lifelike and very believable way, despite their somewhat questionable proportions. In addition, Link features an array of facial expressions used to convey the character's emotion (without speech), and the large eyes react to objects and characters in the world. For example, Link's eyes may follow a suspicious torch as he runs by, indicating it may be integral to solving a puzzle of some sort.

Story

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

The Wind Waker takes place hundreds of years after Ocarina of Time. No trace of the famous land of Hyrule is present, but instead, the game takes place upon a vast ocean, known as the Great Sea. Link is living peacefully on his home of Outset Island, along with his Grandma and younger sister, Aryll. On his birthday, he learns of the legend of the Hero of Time (Link from Ocarina of Time), and is given the traditional green tunic in tribute to the hero of old.

However, matters are complicated when Aryll is kidnapped by a large bird, and pirates show up on the island. The leader of the pirates, Tetra, agrees to take Link aboard the ship and assist him in rescuing his sister, who is being held at the Forsaken Fortress. It is soon discovered that Ganon, who was sealed away in the Sacred Realm at the end of Ocarina of Time, has returned from his imprisonment. Link sets out to save his sister, as well as all of the Great Sea (and more) from Ganon.

Bundling

In North America and parts of Europe, a special bonus disc was given out to people who pre-ordered the game. It contained a direct port of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as well as Ura Zelda, otherwise known as Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest (which was planned to be released for the 64DD). The bonus disk was also available to customers who purchased a Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker GameCube pack. It contained a platinum colour GameCube, Wind Waker game and the aforementioned Ocarina of Time bonus disk.

See also

• Legend of Zelda