The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

 GameCube
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1644 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,460 out of 1644
  2. Mixed: 110 out of 1644
  3. Negative: 74 out of 1644
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  1. GameMan2005
    Aug 23, 2023
    10
    One of the most beautiful games I have ever seen, and the soundtrack is wonderful as well. Exploring the Great Sea and the dungeons is a lot of fun.
  2. RefinedInsights
    Aug 16, 2023
    8
    A good Zelda game that has aged well and has better replay value than some of the others. Overall I wasn't a big fan of the cartoony animation. I liked the more realistic, gritty look of Ocarina, Majoras Mask, and Twilight Princess.
  3. Bcshiguemichi
    Aug 6, 2023
    10
    Best Zelda ever. From the action dynamics to the history. One thing that I really liked about this game is that you don’t get lost trying to understand what you need to do and at the same time is still challenging.
  4. Luisdmo
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. Csn be top 5 easily. Best zelda I have ever played. Graphics still looking so good on 2023.
  5. TheManOFruit
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    How do you follow up Ocarina of Time and Majoras Mask? By going in a completely different direction. With a bright and cheery atmosphere the wind waker will draw you in like a magnet.
  6. miguellopez99
    Jun 1, 2023
    10
    98/100 .
  7. ZackH25
    Jun 1, 2023
    9
    A fun and fairly easy Zelda game. Had good but relatively not great dungeons. The story is quite good and Ganondorf is an excellent final boss in this game, especially with the music in the background. The open world is fun when on an island but it can get repetitive sailing all the time. The arena area where you fight a bunch of different enemies by falling down a hole is extremely fun.A fun and fairly easy Zelda game. Had good but relatively not great dungeons. The story is quite good and Ganondorf is an excellent final boss in this game, especially with the music in the background. The open world is fun when on an island but it can get repetitive sailing all the time. The arena area where you fight a bunch of different enemies by falling down a hole is extremely fun. The best dungeon is either the foresaken fortress or the shadow temple. Overall a great Zelda game let down by some of its dungeons.… Expand
  8. OceanofBagels
    May 13, 2023
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time. I couldn’t possibly recommend it more.
  9. Evenstar1985
    May 8, 2023
    10
    I'll be honest, I was ready to hate on this game when I first saw the cell shaded graphics, the only reason I bought it, was for the limited edition that had a second disk for Zelda Ocarina of Time included because my brother sold the N64 and the GC was the first ever console I bought with my own money.

    After beating OoT I decided to give this game a try just to confirm my hate, man was    I'll be honest, I was ready to hate on this game when I first saw the cell shaded graphics, the only reason I bought it, was for the limited edition that had a second disk for Zelda Ocarina of Time included because my brother sold the N64 and the GC was the first ever console I bought with my own money.

    After beating OoT I decided to give this game a try just to confirm my hate, man was I 1000% wrong by judging a game by it's graphics, the amazing open sea exploration, oh my god the music! The great story like all Zelda games, the gameplay.

    This game was also a wake up call to me to never judge a game again by it's graphics.    … Expand
  10. chochinx16
    Apr 29, 2023
    9
    From my humble opinion, it is the most underrated game in the saga of the legend of zelda since it has a fun gameplay and a fun story and also has charismatic characters. Although it was criticized at the time for its graphics, I think it is the best experience to start in the Legend of Zelda franchise, since the game is very fun and creative and I only have one problem, which isFrom my humble opinion, it is the most underrated game in the saga of the legend of zelda since it has a fun gameplay and a fun story and also has charismatic characters. Although it was criticized at the time for its graphics, I think it is the best experience to start in the Legend of Zelda franchise, since the game is very fun and creative and I only have one problem, which is collecting the fragments of the triforce apart from that it seems to me a phenomenal and almost perfect game… Expand
  11. Fletch1027
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    A fun Zelda game with great music, fun character designs and one of the most charming versions of Hyrule.
  12. Crimson9
    Dec 12, 2022
    8
    Wind Waker continues the Zelda formula from Ocarina of time, but opens the rather tiny overworld of Ocarina into a massive ocean with lots and lots to explore. Beyond that, there isn't too much innovation to be found here, other than the wonderful art style. But at this point, the Zelda formula had not gotten stale, and I think the new story, the art style, the whimsical atmosphere, theWind Waker continues the Zelda formula from Ocarina of time, but opens the rather tiny overworld of Ocarina into a massive ocean with lots and lots to explore. Beyond that, there isn't too much innovation to be found here, other than the wonderful art style. But at this point, the Zelda formula had not gotten stale, and I think the new story, the art style, the whimsical atmosphere, the wonderful score, the minor enhancements to gameplay, and the huge world are all enough to make this game worthy of high praise. the only major criticism I have is that the dungeons are a step backwards from Ocarina's.… Expand
  13. DanielGG91
    Nov 15, 2022
    10
    Un cambio radical viniendo de los 2 anteriores juegos de sobremesa de Zelda de Nintendo, pero una apuesta fresca y super divertida. Juegazo muy recomendado para todos los públicos, a pesar de que pueda parecer más infantil se disfruta mucho aun siendo adulto.
  14. Jattaman
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    Bel capitolo di Zelda, con un colorato mondo in cell shading.
    Vario e divertente.
  15. donkaapo
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    blank..........................................................................................................................................................................................
  16. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    8
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  17. ylnylmn
    Jul 10, 2022
    9
    Like Ocarina and Majora, I played until the end without getting bored. I'm someone who can get bored of other games quickly, but Zelda games draw me in. Zelda has come up with a new formula with Wind Waker. Some aspects are good and some aspects are bad. In fact, if we look at the basics of the game, the OOT mechanics are still valid. Other than the concept, not much has been changed.Like Ocarina and Majora, I played until the end without getting bored. I'm someone who can get bored of other games quickly, but Zelda games draw me in. Zelda has come up with a new formula with Wind Waker. Some aspects are good and some aspects are bad. In fact, if we look at the basics of the game, the OOT mechanics are still valid. Other than the concept, not much has been changed. That's why there hasn't been a game that impressed me as much as OOT. The good aspects of the game do not end with counting. Main things I don't like. Dungeons are more mundane and simple than OOT. Boat riding can be tiring at times. You have to constantly change the wind direction. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the treasure even if you are in treasure sound. There are few important NPCs and towns, which made the game feel a bit empty. The drawings and music of the game are very very good. Very good game overall.… Expand
  18. Leviata_Reis26
    Jul 5, 2022
    10
    Jogo muito divertido , belos graficos , musica top , e a jogabilidade superou "Ocarina of Time & Majora Mask" . Incrivel que "Zelda : Wind Waker" e melhor que todo "Resident Evil" , "Kratos of War" e "The Last of Us" , e é melhor que "Star Wars : Force Unleashed" de Playstation 3 . Tive que anotar duas paginas pra completar missões e progredir a historia , mas o "Zelda" de Nintendo 64 eJogo muito divertido , belos graficos , musica top , e a jogabilidade superou "Ocarina of Time & Majora Mask" . Incrivel que "Zelda : Wind Waker" e melhor que todo "Resident Evil" , "Kratos of War" e "The Last of Us" , e é melhor que "Star Wars : Force Unleashed" de Playstation 3 . Tive que anotar duas paginas pra completar missões e progredir a historia , mas o "Zelda" de Nintendo 64 e mais dificil . Esse jogo e rico em detalhes , mas o tema sombrio de "Majora Mask" e mais cativante . "Zelda : Wind Waker" 10/10 .… Expand
  19. joadson
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    A game with unique graphics of the franchise with a very good design and great gameplay one of the funniest games in the zelda franchise
  20. Yaacgold24
    May 10, 2022
    10
    It is the best game i have ever played in my life. Really playable even 19 years after the release.
  21. RedLion
    May 2, 2022
    9
    The windwaker is a masterpiece. it may have some big flaws but everything from the exploration to the music to the artstyle it's just amazing. the only few flaws are the dungeon design and the triforce piece quest. I would make it a 9.5 if I could
  22. Brainfrez99122
    Apr 14, 2022
    10
    From start to finish this game is a joy to play with so much charm I'm smiling throughout the adventure. The characters are weird yet lovable the sailing is relaxing yet adventurous and that soundtrack is easily one of the best in the series. Combine all of that with an overworld with secrets to uncover tight controls and solid story this an easy game to recommend. Visually this holds upFrom start to finish this game is a joy to play with so much charm I'm smiling throughout the adventure. The characters are weird yet lovable the sailing is relaxing yet adventurous and that soundtrack is easily one of the best in the series. Combine all of that with an overworld with secrets to uncover tight controls and solid story this an easy game to recommend. Visually this holds up extremely well it still looks good even to this day and has truly stood the test of time. Items are far more versatile in this entry compared to most of the games in series in and out of combat every item you'll be using throughout the entire game while still feeling fluid and organic to play. I wish their were more dungeons in the game and it was a harder but unless your 5 most entry's in the series are pretty easy anyways and with general feel good atmosphere that the game is going for it does fit the whole experience. I don't think the triforce hunt is that bad at all and asking the player to explore the overworld in a game about exploring works here. Another criticism against the game is its use of space with people counting up the squares and breaking it down to which islands are story relevant and which one are not and while I do think it can utilize it space better every 3d entry in this series has the same issue arguably worse (except  botw) and if they decreased the size of the world too much it'd feel more like the great puddle rather then the great ocean. The ending is incredibly climactic and satisfying and ends right when it should this game holds up and deserves a perfect score by modern standards 5/5… Expand
  23. Mr_Fish
    Apr 11, 2022
    10
    This game confirms that Tingle is a serial murderer and link aids him in his escape from prison
  24. ElRagnarLocro
    Mar 31, 2022
    9
    A estas alturas ya es repetitivo hablar de la saga Zelda, que se transformó en sinónimo de excelencia. Wind Waker no se queda atrás en los estándares de la saga y es precioso en todo. Lo único negativo que puedo decir es que se hecha en falta la presencia de grandes escenarios para moverse y explorar en tierra. La idea del mar es excelente y lo hace el gran juego que es, pero siento queA estas alturas ya es repetitivo hablar de la saga Zelda, que se transformó en sinónimo de excelencia. Wind Waker no se queda atrás en los estándares de la saga y es precioso en todo. Lo único negativo que puedo decir es que se hecha en falta la presencia de grandes escenarios para moverse y explorar en tierra. La idea del mar es excelente y lo hace el gran juego que es, pero siento que las islas presentes por el mapa son demasiados pequeñas y no tienen tanto por explorar dentro de ellas, y ni hablar que algunas son solo islas de un solo puzzle.
    Nota final: 9    … Expand
  25. Kadaz
    Mar 29, 2022
    10
    This game is amazing. Probably my favorite 3d Zelda. The ship was a nice addition.
  26. kyle20ellis
    Mar 10, 2022
    10
    Warning: Spoilers
    You know I really don't hesitate to use the word masterpiece here, and I can assure you I'm not one to whip out the word lightly! It is so damn enormously charming and endlessly fun to play and get into. You get monsters, pirates, bird folk, adorable tiny leaf people, a ghost ship that's a real pain in the ass and a half to track down, a funny talking boat that helps you    Warning: Spoilers
    You know I really don't hesitate to use the word masterpiece here, and I can assure you I'm not one to whip out the word lightly! It is so damn enormously charming and endlessly fun to play and get into. You get monsters, pirates, bird folk, adorable tiny leaf people, a ghost ship that's a real pain in the ass and a half to track down, a funny talking boat that helps you to explore the sea and haul up endless treasure, and a classically evil dark lord who's far more powerful than you and who laughs in the face of dragons! It's seriously one of the most memorable and satisfying gaming experiences ever. From the moment you are able to move around and hit the pigs until they turn demonic and chase you off the little island you're hooked and the other reviewers that say so are right, you really can't help getting sucked into the world of Wind Waker and falling in love with it, at least I sure couldn't. I love the cell shaded style that it has, I think it makes it, it's gorgeously vibrant and it allowed for a lot more expressionful movement in the faces of the characters than ever before, with the whole story being told without a single real word being spoken, just very expressionful murmuring, and I loved that. And the whole wind conducting and sailing motif is really the heart and soul of it all... Yes the sailing never ends but it gives the game the grand sense of vastness and of exploration that makes it feel like a truly epic adventure, and the at the time 'controversial' cell-shaded style goes together with the big tone and theme of it. The child version of Link is my favourite version of the character, I got Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks initially because of that and they were good games in their own right, if mere shadows of this one. For me it was fun just to explore and do all the side quests and smash the myriad types of Moblins and Chuchus into puffs of purple smoke with your sword! And the boss battles are suitably daunting, my favourite one is the battle against the giant bird, it's so satisfying to crush and conquer with the Skull Hammer the winged beast that swiped your little sister! My one complaint is that it's a bit on the easy side, with only the final extended boss fight against Ganon being genuinely difficult to defeat. It is a bit grindy at points, but that's hardly something to moan about the way I see it, at least it makes you work to progress through it a little. Anyway it's amazingly fun and I'll always love it, as it is a joy and a great classic of video-gaming. Thank you, and may you ride the fair winds of destiny wherever they may lead you!!!    … Expand
  27. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 4, 2022
    9
    To this day, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker boasts the most charming and visually appealing aesthetic in the entire franchise. This gorgeous game builds off the excellent Ocarina of Time in many ways, though it does feature fewer dungeons than its predecessor. Furthermore, while its core sailing mechanic is a grand time at first, it does eventually wear out its welcome, and late inTo this day, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker boasts the most charming and visually appealing aesthetic in the entire franchise. This gorgeous game builds off the excellent Ocarina of Time in many ways, though it does feature fewer dungeons than its predecessor. Furthermore, while its core sailing mechanic is a grand time at first, it does eventually wear out its welcome, and late in the game you're forced to utilize it for one of the most tedious quests in any Zelda title.… Expand
  28. Marwans
    Feb 24, 2022
    10
    An amazing piece of work! I love this game. It is very entertaining. The bad thing is the water the ocean is quite extensive but this doesn't mean it's bad it has an amazing soundtrack as well as its design.
  29. Mirza57
    Jan 26, 2022
    10
    I think there is a problem in the brain of those who find the visual, art design and graphics of this game bad.
  30. B00tador
    Nov 28, 2021
    8
    After OoT, this is the 2nd best 3D Zelda game for me. Timeless art style, best Ganon
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 80 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 80
  3. Negative: 0 out of 80
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    100
    10 / 10 / 10/ 10 - 40 platinum
  2. NTSC-uk
    100
    When one picks up the controller, the ability to step into that time and place (never more hauntingly beautiful than in this latest instalment) never loses its allure. Even the most hardened of cynics would have to admit that this title is something else entirely. It's the stuff of dreams. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    100
    Simply a stunning, magical game.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »