The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker...It was in development for 3 long years and it basically maxes out Gamecube's hardware capabilities (cel-shading is an extremely difficult effect for processors/graphic engines to handle).
AWARDS + REVIEWS
Zelda: The Wind Waker came out in Japan in December and is considered one of the greatest games of all time there. Famitsu magazine in Japan (the most reliable gaming magazine in the world..and every game is reviewed by 4 different critics) gave Zelda: The Wind Waker a perfect 40/40. Only three other games have ever gotten a score that high (Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Vagrant Story, and Soul Calibur). Famitsu says "Any pangs of anxiety you may have with the cartoon-shading look will instantly vanish once you play the game." Two of the reviewers actually said the game was so good that they cried in delight. In fact, Zelda has recieved only one non-perfect review in Japan and that was by Dengeki magazine (it got a 9.5/10) ..and Dengeki scores games so harshly that Zelda: The Wind Waker became the first game in over 3 months to get above an 8/10. In the US, PlanetGamecube imported the Japanese version and gave it a 10/10. Zelda: The Wind Waker also won Best Console Game of E3 (Gamespot and the Official Awards).
THE "NEW" ZELDA
The main difference between this Zelda and past Zelda's is that Miyamoto is no longer designing/directing it, and thus, the new director is giving it a much more epic feel. Everyone who has played the Japanese version has said that it definatly has the deepest story out of any of the Zelda's ever made in fact, it is the first Zelda to have a true emphasis on plotline. Not only this, but this is also the first Zelda to have multiple continents and islands that you can sail to with a ship. The world is so huge that on a quick ship it can take as much as 15 minutes to sail from one location to the other (in Final Fantasy for comparison sailing from one end of the world to the other only takes about 2 minutes).
LENGTH
PlanetGamecube themselves gave the game a 10/10 and said the only problem the game had was that the world was TOO huge. This game will take you 40 hours to complete (if you are very fast and direct) but is filled with well over 100 hours of sidequests and other things to do. In fact, this game is probably packed with more sidequests than any game ever made.
CEL SHADING
Anyone who shys away from this game because of the graphics are definatly missing out. Those graphics are actually more difficult for a console to render and more difficult for developers to make than the great polygonal graphics we are all used to. Not only this, but I, having witnessed the game myself at a Nintendo Cube Club, have noticed that up close this game is beautiful. Do not be fooled by screenshots, they do not do the game justice. The animation in this game is amazing and at the Cube Club (a club containing over 20 gamecube games), Zelda definatly stood out as the one with the most impressive and flawless art design and graphics.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay itself is very similar to Zelda: Ocarina of Time although with many enhancements and improvisations. Plenty of fighting, exploring, and puzzle solving. This time, however, the gimmick is wind rather than time (in Ocarina of times case). Wind is constantly blowing at a specific velocity and direction at any moment in the game. It effects everything from how your boat sails and in what direction to which way Link's cap swings in the air. Many puzzles will also use the wind and there are items to manipulate it.
MUSIC
And then there is the music..the music of the new Zelda definatly makes one of the greatest gaming soundtracks in history. Classical Zelda tunes remade in orchestral glory and plenty of new songs as well. The music is completly orchestrated and if you have a surround sound setup..drools.
IMMERSIVE WORLD ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Perhaps the number 1 thing that people who have played the new Zelda comment on is that it is perhaps the most immersive game ever made. Link has about 20 facial expressions which all convey what he is feeling at any given time. All characters in towns have artificial intelligence (they dont just stand there or run around in circles like in most Zelda/RPG's)..rather..they have minds of their owns. If you (Link) walk around town with a sword..some little kids will follow you. If you go into a house and break pots the owner will get angry and chase after you. If you do something silly in front of people, they will laugh at you. And if you draw attention, people will look at you. Even the enemies have AI that makes the world immersive. Take out a bomb in front of a Moblin and they will run away it makes you feel like the world is real. Seagulls follow your boat as it travels betweens islands. Zelda: The Wind Waker is the definative reason to own a Gamecube.
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(NOTE: I imported and currently own the Japanese version of the game and have played through it).
Words fail me to describe just how wonderful this game is.
As a continuation of Nintendo's most polished series, you know without even the slightest bit of doubt that they've done the visuals and audio right; the graphics really have to be seen in action to be appreciated. It's like controlling your own little cartoon world. The facial expressions and the way the characters can interact with the environment is superb. The soundtrack is phenomenal as well, with plenty of new music and a return of some classic tunes (including the one we all know from the original Zelda).
Graphics and sound are important, but they alone don't make a game fun; what really sets this game apart from anything else I've ever played is the gameplay. From the intro to the last battle, every moment of Wind Waker shines of quality. The overworld is bigger than you can imagine, and each creatively designed dungeon gets progressively better and more challenging than the last. The camera is very similar to that found in Super Mario Sunshineyou have full control, and it goes where you tell it to go.
Though the game doesn't come out in the US for another 3 months, I guarantee you that it'll be worth the wait. This game is perfectI can't think of a single thing that I would change.
And the fact that I can't read a word of Japanese absolutely blows my mind.
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In some ways, a classic video game series is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, developers are carrying on a tradition, a legacy. They've earned thousands (dare I say millions?) of devoted fans, and their names will almost assuredly be carved deep into the halls of video game history. Their work will go out into a remarkable number of homes, almost immediately after release. But, by that same token, each individual follow-up title is met with ridiculous scrutiny and astronomical expectations. No longer are these developers and programmers merely entertaining the public, they're toying with electronic mythology. It's all black and white, they're either delivering "the best title since.." or they're raping their own legacy. Rarely will a highly anticipated sequel be met by a lukewarm response from fans of the series, they'll either love it or they'll hate it. And, for the most part, a major change to the status quo is viewed as a bad thing.
So it should come as no surprise that many long time fans of the series were immediately turned off when early screens of Link on the GameCube, digitally rendered in all his glory, were replaced by a childlike, cartoony new appearance. When Miyamoto and the rest of the team trashed those old renders and went in an entirely new direction, fans felt alienated. Betrayed. I should know, I counted myself among them.
Within the first three minutes, my worries were washed aside. Graphically, this is as much of a leap forward from "The Ocarina of Time" and "Majora's Mask" as those revolutionary titles were from "A Link to the Past." It's still filled with the same great gameplay experience you grew to love on the NES, SNES and N64, yet it's pleasantly a beast unto itself. Truly, this was the right step for the masters behind the Zelda series to have taken.
The gameplay is a near-flawless translation of the system broken in by the N64 titles, at the same time benefiting from the modifications made to the GameCube's controller. Where the N64 controller offered four directional "C" buttons (which were used to activate items in your inventory), the GameCube offers a second analog stick, labeled the "C stick", which is used to control the camera angle. Items are now activated through the use of the X, Y and Z buttons, a layout which requires some minor adjustment due to the "Z" button's location, away from the other two. Assaults are performed with the "B" button, and various actions are all done with "A". Players may lock onto enemies with "L", and the "R" buttons gets Link down on his belly and enables him to parry attacks with his shield.
Though the system remains magnificent, there remain two fairly glaring problems with this layout. For one, the player still cannot control if and when Link jumps or climbs. This particular flaw becomes critical when navigating small ledges or attempting to scale relatively short walls, as the little man on the screen will occasionally choose to plummet to his doom without a moment's notice. I've nearly lost my mind, standing in front of a three foot wall that my character simply refused to climb. The second problem I had was with the camera control. In "The Wind Waker," pulling back the camera also lifts it skyward. So, if I want a wider view of my surroundings, I also lose a lot of my range of vision and must maneuver Link from above. Needless to say, this is not ideal.
My largest gripe with this new Zelda lies in its sound. As a next-gen system running custom DVDs, the GameCube has more than enough room to allow for high quality, dolby-style audio tracks. This system should be pumping out better sounding tracks than your average CD, as evidenced by the tight ambient soundtrack of Metroid Prime. Instead, Zelda falls back on the same old MIDI-sounding synth score we endured on the N64. Many of the songs are exactly the same as heard on "Ocarina", with only a few slight tweaks and modifications, which is an undeniable no-no for a title of this magnitude. Imagine if the Ocarina of Time had shipped with the same screeches and dings heard on the NES original.
As far as graphics are concerned... I've seen cel shading done well in the past, but absolutely nothing can hold a torch to what's been accomplished with "The Wind Waker." Everything has been accounted for, from the big picture to the tiny details. Afterthoughts such as the water bursting off the front of your boat and tiny clouds of dust kicking up beneath your feet on a beach are attended to with uncanny attention to detail. When your character climbs from the water, he'll drip dry for the next few minutes. A monstrous enemy resembling a warthog marches through several dungeons on his hind legs. His lower lip juts out, flapping in the wind, and individual bits of saliva sail through the air with his every move. It's incredible. There are more frames of animation in that enemy's lip than in all of the original Zelda. Taking this game in is more than just an experience. It's a revelation.
As one package, this is an unbelievable game. If it weren't for the mild, yet necessary tweaks required of the controls and the sore lack of acceptable music and audio, I might be tempted to call this perfect. As is, the remainder of the game is good enough to account for the inexcusable audio and then some. The storyline is utterly enveloping, while the gameplay is everything you'd expect. The Wind Waker is a tremendous step for the GameCube, reaffirming Nintendo's place in the industry and capturing the imaginations of anyone willing to give it a chance. Don't let your preconceived notions about the shift in visual style fool you, this belongs in your collection right alongside the other titles in the legendary series.
Honest reviews on The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
(Import Review-Spoiler Free)
I've been a long time fan of the series; ever since the beginning, when they release the original Zelda on the NES. The Legend of Zelda is one of the most enjoyable game series of all time, and is easily my favorite by Nintendo. A Link to the Past has always been my favorite, with Ocarina of Time coming in second. Wind Waker is better than both of these in my opinion, although not by much because the other two were such amazing games.
Gameplay: 10/10
It takes the exellent gameplay of the N64 games, and makes it almost flawless; the control is tighter and more responsive than ever. Attack is assigned to B, while A does the lock-on jumping sword attack, rolling, and many other uses. Y, X, and Z work exactly the same as the C-Buttons on the N64 controller did, which assigns items to those buttons.
The camera is really good in this game as well; it uses the Manual Camera found in Super Mario Sunshine, which works exellent for those who want full control of the camera(like me), and it has the traditional camera where it follows Link around by itself; it works really well too.
The Dungeons are great! We've seen some awesome work done by Nintendo in the past, but the ones in this game are just flat-out amazing. The puzzles, the level design, it's all just very nicely done. It uses the same formula from past games; find Keys, open Treasure Chests, obtain a new Weapon, and defeat the boss. Speaking of bosses, they are just as creative, and cool as they were in past games. As for the weapons, there's a couple of new ones, and some of the previous are used in new ways. For example the Boomerange has a lock-on device;(lock on upto 5 targets)it locks onto all of them, and hits them in the exact order you locked onto them in. It's much improved. I won't go into this area too much, but the weapons are a lot of fun to use, and never fail to impress. As for the new main item; the Wand. You use this to change the direction of the wind and many other cool things. It works exactly like the Ocarina, it's just that you use a Wand instead. The last thing I will touch on is one of the biggest changes in the game; instead of the normal land, this world is mostly water. You get around by sailing on a boat. The sailing gets a little tedious at some points, but that only lasts for a while because you get a device that makes traveling much quicker pretty early on in the game. The seas are full of nasty enemies, and some awesome weather which changes from thunder-storms, to hot and sunny skies while you sail around. Overall, I prefer land, but the water is definitly a nice change of pace and will not disappoint anyone.
Graphics: 10/10
This game might not impress people who prefer the realistic look, but if you like a good artistic style(like me), then you will be wowed big time through out the game. The weather effects, the boss', the dungeons, the character designs, it's all amazing. It's definitly good to see something different from the normal look.
Sound: 10/10
What do you expect from Nintendo? Every Zelda game they make has top-notch music and it's no different this time around. From happy music, to serious tunes; it's all here, and it never fails to impress.
Overall: 10/10 or 5 stars
This is not only the best game released on the Gamecube, but it is the best Zelda game of all time. It may not have the new feel that Ocarina of Time did, but it improves on the Zelda64 formula big time and will be a non-stop thrill ride for all who buy this game.
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Is it the best Zelda franchise ever?
Yes, if you take the challenge size, the variety of actions Link can perform, and of course, the biggest quality made possible by Nintendo Game Cube console.
No, if you look for an original feeling. That original feeling in Zelda series happen in Ocarina of Time, and will be hard to occur again.
I've heard that it uses a cartoon graphic style. Isn't it terrible?
No. In fact, Link expressions are much better now. He is wiser, his look help you solving some puzzles, and i am sure Myamoto's option in graphics matches perfectly with game playability. I think some players will like it at first sight, while others will get used and will like it after some minutes playing.
Is it hard?
Yes, if you think about new tricks avaiable now. New puzzles, new challenges at the sea (sailing a boat, seeking sunked treasure chests, looking for sea chart)
No, if you are used to Zelda Games. The way of solving the puzzles is almost the same as in Ocarina and Majora's. Look carefully to each dungeon, light some fire, use the hook, grab/push some blocks, aim for enemie's eye and you will going far.
How much time I need to finish the game?
If you are a great gamer, 2 weekends are enough to end it, giving attention only to main quest. Solving all side quests may take you 2 or 3 more weekends. (There are a lot of side quests)
Will I get bored quickly with this game?
Every Zelda franchise combine unique RPG challenge with amazing moments of adventure and battle, so, you just get bored with it if your don't like this style. The big variety of scenarios and things to do will put you with a big glass of water and some cookies at the sofa.
Which items can I use?
The same as in last games: sword, bottles, grappling hook, boomerang.
Plus: sail, telescope, wind waker and deku leaf (which make you fly if you drop from high places)
What about the story? What is the core concept of this game?
Long time after last adventure (100 years, the creators say), Link is living at Outset Island, with Aryll, his little sister, and his grandma. After a long-living period of peace, a wind of evil is being spreaded again in the world. A big bird is flying over the islands and capturing girls with long ears. Link's sister, Aryll (check by yourself her ears) is surrounded by that bird, and stay prisioned at Forsaken Fortress, where Ganon (Big Boss in every Zelda) takes place now. When Aryll is caught, some pirates, who were at Outset Island, give a hide and a big help to Link start the adventure. Later he will find a sailing boat, that will help him a lot.
So, I must buy it?
Yes. I would define Wind Waker as the Ocarina of Time at the sea.
With the same fun and challenge of speaking to different people, get lost in dungeons, be frightned at first sight with big bosses, etc. etc. etc.
Plus, you can control the wind with your Wind Waker (it has the same mechanic as the ocarina, playing tunes), you sail a boat, and other great factor: the characters who interact with you are smarter. The dialogue has some sorts of jokes with a bit of irony.
I am truly a Zelda fan, and I think this is still the best way to spend money if you have a Nintendo Game Cube.
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