The Legend Of Zelda: The Windwaker


The Legend Of Zelda: The Windwaker
Nintendo
Nintendo Gamecube
Genre: Action Adventure
Multiplayer: No
Online Play: No
Controls: Gamecube Controller - general controls

Perhaps the most contreversial Zelda game there is out there, split by fans because of it's new cel-shaded approach to the 3D Zelda series.

For me though, al dente. The graphics are absoloutly amazing, everything is so bright and colourful, it's like an explosion in a crayon factory. Everything looks so lush and full of character. The music is just as good, some of the best music in the series if I say so myself, and thats saying alot, because the music in Zelda games is always good, choosing instruments over synthesizers, it really makes the game seem alive.

Enough about the graphics and sound now though, for me, there just as good as previous Zelda games. When talking about the game itself, it's not so different from other Zelda games. Yes, you are surrounded by miles and miles of a seemingly endless ocean that makes travel somewhat tedious, but the original Zelda formula is still there. Exploring dungeons collecting various new items, overcoming mid bosses and end of dungeon bosses, and then recieving some gem or stone of sorts.

The Winderwaker sees you on the quest to find the captors of your poor little sister Aryll, after a mysterious monstorous bird snatches her away. To find Aryll, you get the help of some pirates that got you into this mess in the first place. Things go bad however and after finding Aryll locked away in the tower, birdy comes along and very literally flings you out into the ocean, but before doing so, spys an ominous hooded character on a balcony. Seperated from the pirates, you wake up on the coast on a far away island and find yourself talking to a strange lion faced boat, who helps you on the way to finding your sister. The secret lies in finding the three pearls.

The fighting is much the same as is in other Zelda games, Z-targeting, B to swing sword and the same sword techniques. You pick up a bunch of new skills however, like dodging at the right time to parry an enemies move. Apart from sword fighting, there are a bunch of other crazy items you run accross that can be used as weapons. Not to mention battling it out at see with aquatic enemies and pirate ships with the cannon and finding lost treasure with the crane.

Aswell as the exploring and battling malarky, there are many islands to visit in windwaker, each with it's own npcs to interact with and loads of sidequests. Even after completing the game, you will still find yourself with hours of stuff to do, exploring every nook and cranny of this endless ocean.

Overall, for me, one of the best Zelda games there is out there. The graphics you either love or hate but despite what your thoughts are on it's looks, this is classic Zelda adventuring at it's best.
James Routedge

Overall Score: 96%

+The graphics are muy bueno
+Mesmerizing sound
+Characters full of character
+Classic Zelda adventuring
-Sailing sections are a tad tedious

Best Bit: Classic adventuring
Worst Bit: Traveling gets a bit tedious

Posted on 29 Jan 2009 by KrikenKing 0 comments.