The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

The Good
The graphics. O_O They are gorgeous. Link walking out of water with water droplets making a mark on the ground, the facial expressions, and the cool anime style all impress me. Oh, and the storyline's great, the action's there, and there's just this feeling of content while playing this game

The Bad
How come Link doesn't get to keep all his cool weapons that he accumulates from past Zelda games? Wait, they're different Links!!!

The Bottom Line
Don't be iffed by the cel-shading. This is one step forward in graphical achievement.

The Good
Its probablty worth pointing out that im a major zelda fan at this point. Not that it means im only gonna give it 10 out of 10 - high expectations can lead to dissapointment after all. While there was no real dissapointment, and the game is significantly evolved from Ocarina, it doesnt replicate the leap from Link 2 the past to ocarina. This is perhaps understandable, you can only get that "wow its 3d" factor the once. nonetheless, it does evolve the game quite a lot, in particular the control and, of course, the graphics. The camera is easily the best camera in any 3d game, and after many hourse play i cant remember once getting it stuck in a tree or behind a house. Mario take note. The graphics may not be what we were all hoping for (dark anime) but theyre still bloody ace, and stand up to extensive play. Quest wise, its more of the same as in ocarina, but with an extra level of detail in many areas, thoough the side-games didnt grab me like they used to. Oh and sailing accross the sea is seriously cool. Most mellow.

The Bad
Well realistically, theres nothing significant wrong, but it is a shame we didnt get the graphics as seen at E2000 (or whenever it was). Perhaps the gamcube isnt powerful enough, and its another generation or two away? Who knows. Furthermore the quest, although in a bigger world, isnt as convoluted (although there are bags more secrets). I kinda missed the 'cause and effect' idea too, like the past and future worlds in ocarina, or the light/dark in link to the past. Its a good game mechanic, doing something in one place affecting the same place in the future/light world. But these are minor irritations at best.

The Bottom Line
highly reccomended game, like most zeldas. if youv not played one before its a 10 out of 10. For those raised on zelda, perhaps only a nine, but still essential.

The Good
I'm sure by now you've heard about the drastic change to the Zelda series, taking the 3D styled Ocarina of Time adventure and turning it on its head with a cel shaded style presentation. It's a major risk by the Big N, especially with so many fans backing the series with every passing title, but I for one am proud to say The Wind Waker is a shining light in the industry.

Yes, this is a kids styled game. The controls are easy enough to get into for any age, the graphics are more like something you'll expect in a saturday morning cartoon, and the adventure itself is far from the detailed world of a Final Fantasy, etc, but don't hold that against lil' Link. You see, behind it all is a game that's probably one of a few that are really worth playing all the way through. The cel shading lends an element of style rarely seen in any other.

I dare you not to be taken aback by the transition from day to night as you sail across the ocean, small fish following in the wake of your boat and the light breeze sifting across the sail. It really is a sight to behold, no matter how detailed other games might be.

The Bad
The adventure itself isn't too short, but at the same time isn't too long either. As with the Zelda franchise of old, there are plenty of side quests and items to collect that can add plenty of extra hours to the game time, but The Wind Waker, if you sit down non-stop for a couple of days, won't take too long to complete the major quest at hand.

There isn't much else, however, that detracts from the experience. Yes, there are fans who hate the graphical overhaul, but I don't hold the originality of the title against it.

The Bottom Line
Until the next big Zelda title comes along, Ocarina of Time will forever stand as the best of the series. But the Wind Waker isn't that far behind. The only real let down, a slightly short playing time, and the fact that it is so easy to sit down and play may deter experienced and older gamers. But if there is one GameCube title that deserves a place on your shelf, this is it.

Nintendo made a brave move shifting from the OoT and Majora's Mask worlds with this cel shaded title. It's a solid and entertaining entry, so please don't let the kiddy like display on the screen put you off playing. You don't know what you're missing.