Zelda: Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
By Derek

Platform: GameCube
Developed by: Nintendo
Published by: Nintendo

The Wind Waker, the true sequel to the beloved Ocarina of Time (N64), flows with all the majesty and magic that its predecessors commanded so well. Director Eiji Aonuma (who also handled Majora's Mask and assisted with OoT) has a real talent for taking the Zelda series in new directions, but not so far as to mess with the trademarks and familiarities that so many have grown to love.

GAMEPLAY

We start with a prologue explaining that the events of the Ocarina of Time have long past and become legend. Our new Link lives on Outset Island, where it's become custom to dress boys who've come of age in those funny green clothes the Hero of Time wore. Well actually, this kid Link wears tights with his tunic instead of nothing, which is a welcome change in my opinion. Not just for fashion mind you, it is a windy game after all. Who wants to have to be conscious of their skirt's positioning while fighting off hordes of moblins?

Anyway, the story takes off from there, following the traditional Zelda formula with some interesting deviations. First, what stays the same: the Wind Waker, a conductor's baton, is basically your new ocarina. While it can change the direction of the wind and such, its role is more of a tool rather than plot-central like the ocarina of time. You'll travel through several perilous dungeons and semi-dungeons, fighting bosses, solving puzzles, collecting new items, pursuing side-quests... all that scrumptious Zelda stuff.

Now what's different? The overworld is an ocean that you navigate by sailing. This not only adds some mystery as to just what happened after OoT, but mixes things up a bit travelling-wise. Sailing around is fun, but can get long-winded (hohoho) when you're trying to get around. This is alleviated later on by a handy (yet still limited) warp spell. Combat and controls are more or less the same as the other 3D Zeldas, though it's a little faster paced and a parry move has been introduced. For dungeons, it's great to see new elements jumping in, such as having to go through a couple with an NPC. While the NPCs can be... stupid, and controlling them can be a hassle, it's still a smart concept that I hope is built upon.

Though Wind Waker's plot is engaging and interesting, the pacing, as usual for Zelda games, is mostly non-linear. That means the story doesn't push you along, which is nice, but at times the tale feels too dormant. The last tasks leading up to the end game especially eliminate any sense of urgency. Overall the story still feels well-polished, and it intertwines very nicely with the events of OoT. I should also mention that the quality of the dialogue (or perhaps just the quality of translation) has notably increased, though could still use a little more personality.

So, yes, Wind Waker is great fun to play through. Unfortunately (or fortunately for some, I guess) the game is a little too easy. I think I only died once or twice throughout the whole game, and that's mostly due to my own idiocy. You see, I tend to do things like forget to pause when I go to answer the phone, then when I come back I find poor Link has been gangbanged by a rabid pack of chu-chus. Or when my cousin is controlling Tingle (via connected GBA - an interesting feature but nothing special) and he spends all my rupees buying Tingle bombs only to explode me. Good old family fun. Anyway, puzzles are also not as difficult as before, though still challenging from time to time. I'm no Zelda pro, though I guess I'm experienced with the series, so maybe newcomers will think differently. Veteran or not, I still heartily recommend Wind Waker, as its a solid game through and through.

GRAPHICS

While what we have here is truly a Zelda game at heart, many were initially turned off by the cel-shaded look. Many still are. It's a shame, because they're missing out on a vibrant, lush, and ridiculously beautiful world. I would say Wind Waker rivals the artistic presence of any game out there right now, including super artsies like ICO (PS2). Do not miss out on this one because it doesn't look like Twilight Princess!

People always seem to like to mention "little touches" so I will too. The way defeated monsters dissipate into stylized black smoke, the sharp swirls in the water made by Link as he swims around, cool little facial expressions - it's all there. But so are the "big" touches. A vast ocean complete with dynamic sky, wondrously incorporated black and white environments... Wind Waker reeks of great design all over. Though to be fair, clipping issues show up on occasion, as well as some less than stellar textures, but it doesn't really take anything significant away from the overall presentation.

AUDIO

The soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo and friends, is a bit of a mixed bag. Some things are done very well: there are a few particular standout tracks, and excellent re-workings of songs from past games, such as Zelda's lullaby. However, certain elements of the music can't shake that "digital" sound. At its worst, memories of the midi-clad N64 arise. Midi-clad!!

Voice acting is still next to non-existent. Dialogue text is accompanied by various giggles, grunts, screams and such. Many argue that this is just fine for the series, while others cry for evolution. Personally, I'm somewhere in the middle, and very curious to see how it is ultimately handled in the next Zelda game. Will Link finally say something other than the enigmatic 'Yaa!'? If Zelda speaks, will she have a smooth, sexy kind of voice? Or something more akin to Roseanne? Oh the mystery of it all!

CONCLUSION

This review turned out longer than expected, so I'll keep this section concise. The game is now available for around $20 Canadian - there are very few valid excuses for not owning it. If you don't have a cube, steal a friend's! Tell them it's for Zelda, and they will understand. If they get hostile, hold L to target them, toss your boomerang in their general direction and run home with the prize!