The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

 GameCube
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Image
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 80 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1644 Ratings

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  • Summary: In this ninth entry in the Legend of Zelda series, Link debuts on GameCube with a fun new cel-shaded look, but the game stays true to the respected heritage of the series. The classic mix of sword-swinging action, perplexing puzzles and stirring story lines remains intact, but the stunningIn this ninth entry in the Legend of Zelda series, Link debuts on GameCube with a fun new cel-shaded look, but the game stays true to the respected heritage of the series. The classic mix of sword-swinging action, perplexing puzzles and stirring story lines remains intact, but the stunning cel-shaded graphics give the people and places of Link's watery world a wildly artistic new look. And for the very first time, Link sails freely on the high seas. Join Link on his most epic and scenic adventure yet. Face unimaginable monsters, explore puzzling dungeons, and meet a cast of unforgettable characters as he searches for his kidnapped sister, Aryll. … Expand
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The Legend of Zelda (working title) Movie 22

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 80
  3. Negative: 0 out of 80
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Nothing can prepare you for the greatness that is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker... Mark my words: there will be no finer gaming experience this year. [Mar 2003, p.24]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    100
    It's only March, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is destined to be the best game of the year on any platform.
  3. Weekly Famitsu
    100
    10 / 10 / 10/ 10 - 40 platinum
    All this publication's reviews
  4. IGN
    96
    It's Zelda's unrivaled design, balanced and varied, and its polished play mechanics and control that ultimately set the game apart from just about every other competitor on the market.
  5. GameSpot AU
    95
    Tingle does make the game a touch easier, but at the same time it makes the story aspects of the Wind Waker a great deal more communal, leading to fewer arguments over whose turn it is. It's also the first game we've seen to really justify the cost of the link cable.
  6. Game Revolution
    91
    While the game has some minor pacing and audio problems, the brave new art style, tightly evolved gameplay and humorous story takes the famous series in a bright, new direction.
  7. Console Gameworld
    85
    An entertaining, albeit unoriginal Zelda title that fails to be revolutionary yet still has the classic gameplay elements that make the series so great.

See all 80 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 348 out of 425
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 425
  3. Negative: 32 out of 425
  1. JonS
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    Okay, so maybe it doesn't deserve a perfect score. Sure there's like two bits where i got stuck or kind of bored but the sheer wall Okay, so maybe it doesn't deserve a perfect score. Sure there's like two bits where i got stuck or kind of bored but the sheer wall of content that is enjoyable and intriguing to the very end is just exceptional, if i could 9.8.… Expand
  2. Artyfonseca
    Feb 25, 2018
    10
    Now I don't really care about the Cartoonish Graphics that this game had as it only added to the huge amount of creativity that this game had.Now I don't really care about the Cartoonish Graphics that this game had as it only added to the huge amount of creativity that this game had. The Boss Fight's in this game were epic especially Ganondorf's and The Gohmas. It had a unique Story I mean the fact that Hyrule is Underwater, We've never seen that in a Zelda game before. The Gameplay in this game is also good and the Combat. In General this is a Masterpiece and for me the Best Game on the Gamecube.… Expand
  4. (Still)RemainingNameless
    Apr 18, 2003
    10
    i have 2 say one thing......WTF IS WRONG WITH ALL U PPL THAT DIDNT BUY IT JUST CUZ OF THE F...ING GRAPHICS?!?! this game is awsome! although i have 2 say one thing......WTF IS WRONG WITH ALL U PPL THAT DIDNT BUY IT JUST CUZ OF THE F...ING GRAPHICS?!?! this game is awsome! although the bosses were a sinch, the ending battle with ganon proved that zelda was useful 4 something other than screaming and running around. she actually fought! enev though the graphics were really screwed and it might have seemed kiddish, i bought this game cuz i was a hardcore zelda fan, and u know what, i loved it. the graphics may make link look like a powerpuff girl, but who the fuck cares. its not graphics that make a good game, its gameplay and stroyline and this game followed that of zelda perfectly. this is aa amazing segment 2 the L.o.Z series and those of u that didnt buy it just cuz of the kiddish cartooning are seriously, SERIOUSLY F...ED! wicked game!!!… Expand
  5. MattR.
    May 9, 2003
    10
    This game is the best game on the GameCube, and is only rivalled by such titles as Final Fantasy on the PS2 and Halo on the Xbox. Every This game is the best game on the GameCube, and is only rivalled by such titles as Final Fantasy on the PS2 and Halo on the Xbox. Every GameCube owner should buy this game because it boasts perfect gameplay, a huge storyline and graphics that (although many would consider them cartoony and a downside) grow on you until you wish all your other games looked like this. It looks like Zelda has done it again.… Expand
  6. Kilik
    Apr 11, 2003
    9
    Were gonna get some action yeah were gonna get some action soon trapped in a world of ordinary nightmares...blah blah cant remember-does Were gonna get some action yeah were gonna get some action soon trapped in a world of ordinary nightmares...blah blah cant remember-does anyone believe this is me i tried to tell you there is something like that more to meeeeee. I tried to tell you. Yeah this is a good game. The camera is good whoever that was that said that probably has no coordination and cant reallly use the controller. The story is good as for the guy who said it doesn't make sense go back to pre school it is very simple. a good game . play . it. now.… Expand
  7. Veskass
    Aug 6, 2021
    9
    If we take away the cursed quest for Triforce Fragments, this game is incredible. A successful atmosphere, endearing characters and much moreIf we take away the cursed quest for Triforce Fragments, this game is incredible. A successful atmosphere, endearing characters and much more dynamic gameplay.… Expand
  8. JayB.
    Sep 28, 2003
    0
    Even if this game had the best graphics in the world, this would probably be one of the most overrated, poorly designed games I have ever Even if this game had the best graphics in the world, this would probably be one of the most overrated, poorly designed games I have ever bought in my life, being made only as a result of the publicity and money made from Ocarina of Time. Stop giving this sorry game pity votes!… Expand

See all 425 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best GameCube Game of 2003
1
#1 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
4
#4 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003