NBrid

The most highly anticipated game yet for GameCube is finally here, but not without controversy over its 'cel-shaded' graphics. Is it deserving of the "Zelda" name? It's too early to review it, so here are my initial impressions of this instant classic.

Let's not pussy foot around, how are Wind Waker's cel shaded graphics? In a word, absolutely beautiful (ok, one word wasn't enough). I mean WOW! No words can describe it. This is the closest thing yet to playing an actual cartoon, and not some low-budget Saturday Morning cartoon either. This is good stuff. Think laser-disc games of yesteryear (like Dragon's Lair), but this ain't no stinkin' QTE movie. There was an 'awe' factor when you first played Ocarina of Time, and to my surprise, they have done it again. The key is the animation.

I don't think any game EVER has been animated as well as this game. They are very colorful which has turned some players off, but you will quickly realize it's all for the best. The oversized Japanese style eyes still bother me, but it's really just nit picking. Well, the graphics arn't perfect. I don't like how far off objects are blurry for effect. Still, I don't know how anyone couldn't give this anything but a 10 for graphics and animation. Heck, I'd go so far as to say future Zelda games should follow this style it works so well. Anyone who used the name 'Celda' in a derogatory way should hang their heads.

Sound is harder to classify. Voices would be nice, but otherwise the sound effects are well done. You will recongnize many of the sounds (and music) from Ocarina of Time. Sometimes though I think there are too many effects and music samples from OOT. Otherwise, the sound fits nicely with the cartoon feel of this game. The Wind Waker itself is pretty sweet.

Next on my checklist is control. I've heard complaints about them, and I can see where they are coming from. For lack of a better way to explain it, the controls can seem "slugglish" as you try and turn and move around. Quickly though it feels fine. Otherwise the basic controls are just like those of Ocarina of Time. L targets but this time the default setting is to hold down L to target (rather then just press L to turn it on). It can take getting used to, but this works better with the analog triggers of GameCube (rather then the digital Z of N64) so it makes sense it's now the default. Another plus is there are now separate buttons for climbing on blocks and pushing them (keep an eye on R!). That got quite annoying in OOT. So hence overall, I think it controls just fine.

Ah yes, the gameplay. So far it's butter (that's a good thing). The story probably does the best job yet of explaining the "Link" legend. Throughout the Zelda series it's not the same Link (or Zelda). Just hero's throughout time living his legend. This time, you're out to rescue your sister, Aryll. The game takes place 100 years after OOT, but the gameplay takes its page right from OOT. The style is very similar to say the least.

While based off OOT, Wind Waker does take elements from other games. It takes a number of elements from Majora's Mask, like mailboxes and ChuChus. An item not seen since the original Zelda even returns. And of course, it adds many new items and elements (like the whole wind aspect of the game). While the basic theory behind the gameplay hasn't changed much since OOT, how they use it is much different. So don't worry. While similar, this isn't some OOT ripoff (unlike Mario Sunshine). This is a whole new ball game.

Protip: Before you leave your island and head off for adventure; explore, explore, explore!

The first thing I noticed when I opened the game was the cool looking gold disc with "Zelda" eteched into it. But the next thing I noticed was a booklet describing how to hook-up your GBA. Grrr. Yet again those of us without a GBA get screwed by Nintendo. Here the GBA is used to call Tingle (who you may remember from Majora's Mask) to help you out. Seeing most people say this game isn't very hard as it is, he shouldn't be much of a lose. But since I don't have a GBA, I have no clue what I'm talking about. Thanks a lot Nintendo.

Speaking of difficulty, so far Wind Waker isn't very hard, but it's way too early to judge. At worst it's no easier then any recent Zelda. Though I will say I think people (like Tetra) help out with a little too much information. Leave some secrets for us.

What brings this together like so many Nintendo games is atmosphere. It is so easy to get lost in the world of Wind Waker. There are so many great characters to enhance your experience. The humor of OOT is much more prevalent this time around. (I mean when even "Link" doesn't like the way he looks in this game, you know you're in for a good time.) It's what a good adventure game should be. And like any Zelda game, exploration is where your true joy comes from (which is what Star Fox Adventure lacked). Just I didn't realize how mischievous Link really was.

Protip: Talk to everyone, twice!

This game is worth every penny. (Even if I didn't get Ocarina of Time for free when I preordered it.) It's too early to rank it with the other Zelda's, but I feel confindent by the end it will rank right up there with the other greats, Ocarina of Time and Link to the Past. My worries about the graphics now seem as dumb as my worry about Metroid Prime being first-person. Where as Mario Sunshine disappointed, this game continues to show no series is consistently as great as Zelda. No series, anywhere.

If you don't get this game, then why do you even have a GC? Eternal Darkness, Metroid Prime, and now Wind Waker are three games that each themselves are worth buying a GC over.

Title: The Legend of Zelda - The Wind Waker
Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Publisher: Nintendo
Rated: E (Everyone; violence)
MSRP: $49
Memory: 12 blocks