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. Zilcell
    Nov 6, 2011
    10
    Traveling through the Great Seas of Zelda Wind Waker shows that few games have ever had greater visuals. It is such a fun game that it made me forget about Ocarina of Time for a while. It deserves a 10 for many reasons, but none more than for its graphics and gameplay, which are amazing. It is better than Ocarina of Time in my opinion.
  2. StevenEvans0
    Nov 3, 2011
    10
    Such a paramount piece of my childhood. i got this game back in 2003, shortly after its release, and was quickly addicted. To this day I love picking up the game with my college buddies and exploring the Great Sea. Great story, fantastic setting, unparalleled gameplay, and fantastic music.
  3. helena23
    Oct 31, 2011
    10
    one of the best games ever!!!! on par with oot and mm but very diferent, i ve played this game for more than 100 h just finishing side quests imagine how BIG is this game, it also features AMAZING visuals clean sharp with great animation a superb draw distance.....masterpiece.......haters go fawk yourself
  4. asggamefan
    Jun 18, 2011
    8
    Much better then I expected! Sure sailing around the ocean was tedious at times but it was part of what made the Wind Waker unique. The graphics and look of the game had it's ups and downs but it was still filled with predominately ups. Still a great game that I would recommend especially for fans of the Legend of Zelda series.
  5. doodlerman
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    When I saw the game's graphics I was pretty disappointed having grown up with OOT and MM, but I grew to accept it the instant I stared playing. This is one of the best Zelda games there is, and the animation actually works to invoke a certain emotional sense that previous games in the series didn't allow the characters to have. This really is a great game, and the story increases the loreWhen I saw the game's graphics I was pretty disappointed having grown up with OOT and MM, but I grew to accept it the instant I stared playing. This is one of the best Zelda games there is, and the animation actually works to invoke a certain emotional sense that previous games in the series didn't allow the characters to have. This really is a great game, and the story increases the lore of Hyrule and creates an entirely new world to explore. There's lots of great side-quests and a vast ocean to explore. There's very little not to do in this game, and you can't beat it in a matter of a few hours. This is a game that will take you a few days at the very least and is definitely worth buying.… Expand
  6. muzziklover
    May 27, 2011
    10
    Pretty much one of the greatest games ever made and have always preferred this over any Zelda game, especially the fan favorite Ocarina of Time. Amazingly charming and beautiful graphics which still holds up to this day, perfect controls, excellent music, fantastic gameplay, absolutely epic story and a seemingly endless and satisfying lasting appeal. There is so much to do and explore inPretty much one of the greatest games ever made and have always preferred this over any Zelda game, especially the fan favorite Ocarina of Time. Amazingly charming and beautiful graphics which still holds up to this day, perfect controls, excellent music, fantastic gameplay, absolutely epic story and a seemingly endless and satisfying lasting appeal. There is so much to do and explore in this game and all your time spent playing is worth the hours. If you have a Gamecube or a Wii, do yourself a massive favour and buy it for yourself, your friends, your family and your pets.… Expand
  7. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 26, 2011
    10
    The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker isn't perfect, but it is as breathtakingly innovative and visually groundbreaking as any NGC game will ever be. Pros: A visually stellar balance of cartoonish design and 3-D environment; excellent controls, camera, and audio; thoroughly involving story; charming characters; lots of bosses, puzzles, and secrets. Cons: The sailing is beautiful at first,The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker isn't perfect, but it is as breathtakingly innovative and visually groundbreaking as any NGC game will ever be. Pros: A visually stellar balance of cartoonish design and 3-D environment; excellent controls, camera, and audio; thoroughly involving story; charming characters; lots of bosses, puzzles, and secrets. Cons: The sailing is beautiful at first, but remember, this is more than half of the game; more islands to explore would've been even better; needs a GBA and link cable to unlock ALL of the secrets.… Expand
  8. ArkonBlade
    Mar 22, 2011
    6
    first off the graphics much like every one where shunning when it was first shown (and rightfully so) are rancid dog crap . i dont know what nintendo was thinking going for this dorky saturday morning cartoon look . that aside you still have the solid zelda gameplay and puzzles . problem is its not near enough its just to short . looking at ocarana of time which was 40-60 hours this gamefirst off the graphics much like every one where shunning when it was first shown (and rightfully so) are rancid dog crap . i dont know what nintendo was thinking going for this dorky saturday morning cartoon look . that aside you still have the solid zelda gameplay and puzzles . problem is its not near enough its just to short . looking at ocarana of time which was 40-60 hours this game is easily beatin in 20 hours and yes thats not doing every thing in the game but a good chunck of it . you could toss in another 10 hours if you do and thats mainly do to all the sailing you will be doing . infact thats what you will be spending about 30% or more of your time doing ... sailing a boat ... it just doesnt have the magic that ocarana of time or prevous zelda games had but is still heald together by its core game play and puzzles . deffinitly not recommended for any one new to the zelda franchise and only the hardcore and i mean the very hardcore and thoose who can get past thoose pissy looking graphics . dont defend them look at twighlight princess .. thats how this game should have looked and it should have had more dungeons and alot less sailing.… Expand
  9. selbaC
    Dec 18, 2010
    10
    Nintendo have certainly kept their expectations high while creating this game, an amazing story line (as always) and a very well though out layout (dungeons and the Great Sea). The "Wind Waker" for me, ranks higher than the "Twilight Princess" and "Majora's Mask", and can't wait for the next game to be released ..

    10/10
  10. ukiki19
    Nov 21, 2010
    10
    Zelda wind waker es de lo mejor, buena musica ,excelentes efectos , un arte deslumbrante ,una buena historia y sobre todo un zelda de pie a cabesa.
    Lo bueno es principalmente su arte y jugabilidad, deseño de personajes su fantastica banda sonora y sobre todo el ambiente que procrea zelda.
    Lo malo es que es un poco corto nada mas. En conclusion el mejor videojuego de game    Zelda wind waker es de lo mejor, buena musica ,excelentes efectos , un arte deslumbrante ,una buena historia y sobre todo un zelda de pie a cabesa.
    Lo bueno es principalmente su arte y jugabilidad, deseño de personajes su fantastica banda sonora y sobre todo el ambiente que procrea zelda.
    Lo malo es que es un poco corto nada mas.
    En conclusion el mejor videojuego de game cube que uno no puede dejar de jugar aunque ya sea muy antiguo sigue teniendo un enganche y grafica maravillosa    … Expand
  11. DeVr33z
    Nov 16, 2010
    9
    People should stop complaining about how bad the graphics are, they're actually really good. I didn't like how Link looked like an annoying little kid either, and the storyline is a bit immature but the gameplay is possibly the best there has ever been in Zelda. There are WAY more sidequests than in Ocarina of Time (and maybe even Majora's Mask) and the dungeons are a blast to playPeople should stop complaining about how bad the graphics are, they're actually really good. I didn't like how Link looked like an annoying little kid either, and the storyline is a bit immature but the gameplay is possibly the best there has ever been in Zelda. There are WAY more sidequests than in Ocarina of Time (and maybe even Majora's Mask) and the dungeons are a blast to play through, evne if they are a bit easy. Definitely worth your time.… Expand
  12. JesseR
    Jan 18, 2010
    9
    When the Wind Waker first was introduced I honestly wasn
  13. SpotR
    Nov 8, 2009
    6
    The game is not that good. It starts out fun and exciting but gets boring really fast. Sailing is a major pain. Changing the wind whenever you want to go a different direction gets old really fast. Also, you cant enjoy the dungeons because for half of them, you have to control another character as well as yourself.
  14. cameront
    Oct 31, 2009
    9
    Hate riding the boat, but I love just playing through the temple and beting the boss.
  15. JordanG
    Sep 21, 2009
    9
    This game is amazing but it requires patience. I'll say that. I greatly enjoyed exploring the vast seas but I do see why it is criticised for the long journeys. Gameplay elements remained mostly the same as other Zelda titles, but that never was a bad thing. The graphics were revolutionary, although I wouldn't say I'd ever want another home-console Zelda game to be This game is amazing but it requires patience. I'll say that. I greatly enjoyed exploring the vast seas but I do see why it is criticised for the long journeys. Gameplay elements remained mostly the same as other Zelda titles, but that never was a bad thing. The graphics were revolutionary, although I wouldn't say I'd ever want another home-console Zelda game to be cel-shaded. Adult Link for me please, I think the manga-esque realism of other titles emitts a better atmosphere.… Expand
  16. Lev
    Aug 23, 2009
    6
    At first, the new graphical style looked very lively and refreshing, but it gets dull very soon. There aren't much new gameplay elements compared to OoT, and as many others stated before me, the sailing part is very boring, the using the windwaker is boring, the dungeons are that great and well...I think Nintendo should just just stop raping Zelda. OoT was very good for it's own At first, the new graphical style looked very lively and refreshing, but it gets dull very soon. There aren't much new gameplay elements compared to OoT, and as many others stated before me, the sailing part is very boring, the using the windwaker is boring, the dungeons are that great and well...I think Nintendo should just just stop raping Zelda. OoT was very good for it's own time and is still a decent game. But it was enough once. I have to say that I really liked the intro though. The lino-cut ,(or maybe fake lino-cut) stilized images were great.… Expand
  17. SeanO
    Jul 27, 2009
    0
    The only Zelda game I haven't finished. The graphics were to cutesy for my taste, but if the gameplay and world detail were even half what they were in OOT it would have made up for it. A boring point A to point B railroading fest.
  18. 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 of content that is enjoyable and intriguing to the very end is just exceptional, if i could 9.8.
  19. BeauK
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    An epic quest for all ages. Brilliant story, imense world, and clever dungeons and islands. Must Buy.
  20. AlexC
    Feb 20, 2009
    10
    The sailing feature is brilliant, and the ability to control the wind makes this one of the best zelda games ever. A must if you have a gamecube.
  21. supert0n
    Feb 5, 2009
    10
    This is the best game in the world!The gameplay works perfectly,and the graphics has its own original style,making the game brilliant,and the storyline is perfect,you must play it!
  22. ArtinB.
    Feb 2, 2009
    10
    this is my favorite zelda game of all time and i have played ever zelda to date. on top of that, it is also my favorite game of all time. people may complain about the sailing, but it isn't too bad, plus you get a teleportation spell. the combat is fun, best story of any zelda game, as well as music, unique design, masterful ending, and really great exploration.
  23. Kevin
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    This game is practically flawless. It has tons of sidequests, great dungeons, beautiful graphics, wonderful controls, amazing music and a brilliant story. Much better then it's predecessor Ocarina of Time.
  24. OscarO
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Awesome game! The mood, the puzzles, the feeling of sailing in a created world. Mmmm..!
  25. HarrisonS.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    Incredible style, gorgeous animations, lovable characters, incredibly vast, open world with no load times, sailing, great boss battles... it's too easy, but nothing can stop this game from being one of the best of all time.
  26. GamingLlama
    Sep 22, 2007
    5
    I actually found the sailing quite fun. I liked discovering new islands and such which weren't on the map. I also enjoyed using Link's sword and the variety of combo attacks. The windwaker gets less lame once you learn how to do more than just control wind with it. The plot line is good--a boy from a small island village who goes off to rescue his kidnapped sister and ends up in I actually found the sailing quite fun. I liked discovering new islands and such which weren't on the map. I also enjoyed using Link's sword and the variety of combo attacks. The windwaker gets less lame once you learn how to do more than just control wind with it. The plot line is good--a boy from a small island village who goes off to rescue his kidnapped sister and ends up in an epic quest to fight the darkness of evil. There were a couple things about this game that frustrated me, however. One is the limit to rupies and such, and having to find faeries to increase your capacity. The only reason why I was able to find 90% of the faeries I did manage to find was because I accidently ran into them by sailing. And I haven't found all of them yet. Another was when Link has to swing across ropes on the pirate ship to get the bombs. No enemies here, just moving ropes. It's way too boring and pointless to be the main part of the plot that it is. It'd be better off as a mini game. Then you can't even fight for the majority of the first dungeon. Just sneak past the guards and avoid the rabid animals. It's fun for the first couple hours, but then constantly getting lost in an endless maze in which you can't even take out your frustration on passing enemies is not fun at all. I had to rely on a walkthrough for this level, which completely defeats the whole point of actually playing the game. Which brings me to my last point. The dungeons are extremely large and complicated, but they're basically empty. The few monsters that do pop up are so wimpy, it makes Link seem like some cold hearted bully. As the game goes on monsters become more numerous and difficult, but they still aren't enough for the complexity of the dungeons.… Expand
  27. KingethJ.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    Hey, cool it with the bad graphics stuff will ya!?! And don't give me any of that zero stuff either. Dispite the "childish" cell shaded gfx, this was a superb game! If there is a downside it's that you aren't travelling across Hyrule... because it's underwater! The sailing was just as good as Hyrule field anyway, besides, Ian R, when was the last time you were in the Hey, cool it with the bad graphics stuff will ya!?! And don't give me any of that zero stuff either. Dispite the "childish" cell shaded gfx, this was a superb game! If there is a downside it's that you aren't travelling across Hyrule... because it's underwater! The sailing was just as good as Hyrule field anyway, besides, Ian R, when was the last time you were in the middle of an ocean? 'Cause last time I checked, IT IS A BLUE OBLIVION!!! And for you "purists", may I call to your attention "A Link to the Past"? I don't know about you, but, it would seem to be the basis for the gfx in this tremendous game.… Expand
  28. JackB.
    Aug 22, 2007
    1
    What is wrong with everybody? These reviews are terrible! This has got to be the worst game I've ever played. I find myself getting addicted to video games, but this is the first time a game caused more impatience and stress than a day job! Constant sailing, ridiculously easy bosses and dungeons, beyond stupid story. I might be biased because of my expectations from Ocarina of Time, What is wrong with everybody? These reviews are terrible! This has got to be the worst game I've ever played. I find myself getting addicted to video games, but this is the first time a game caused more impatience and stress than a day job! Constant sailing, ridiculously easy bosses and dungeons, beyond stupid story. I might be biased because of my expectations from Ocarina of Time, but I have every right to have high hopes for a game with a label of Zelda on it. Seriously, how much did Nintendo pay off these game reviewers to suck up to Miyamoto?… Expand
  29. WilhelmB.
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    The music, the bosses, the enviroment, the animations, have left a permanent imprint on me of what an amazing game should be.
  30. IanR.
    Jun 27, 2007
    3
    The sailing is awful in this game. There's barely anything in the ocean to interact with, so you're mostly sailing across a big, blue oblivion trying to get to an island so hopefully you can do something interesting. The whole wind baton thing is tedious and not at all interesting or intuitive. Design-wise, it's extremely inconsistant and gameplay-wise is not very much The sailing is awful in this game. There's barely anything in the ocean to interact with, so you're mostly sailing across a big, blue oblivion trying to get to an island so hopefully you can do something interesting. The whole wind baton thing is tedious and not at all interesting or intuitive. Design-wise, it's extremely inconsistant and gameplay-wise is not very much improved over Ocarina of Time. I was just massively disappointed by this game, it's generally amazinly lackluster and doesn't deserve the praise it recieves. If you haven't checked it out yet, just give it a pass. Try Okami on the PS2 instead, it's very similar but doesn't share the majority of Wind Waker's flaws.… Expand
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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

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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
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