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. S.J.
    Apr 13, 2004
    10
    Beautiful absolutely beautiful, sound is crisp , and visuals are great.
  2. JaredF.
    May 27, 2004
    9
    A really good game . Can i say anymore? yes I can. Due to the fact you only play a couple of dungeons its not like ocarina of time. But the stunning graphics and great gameplay make it one of the zelda series games.
  3. JorgeC.
    Jul 16, 2004
    10
    GREAT
  4. CurtisG.
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    If you shun this (or any game) for its unrealistic graphics, you are a moron and you are nolonger allowed to play videogames lest the knives of a thousand ninjas pierce your corneas. [Ed: A little extremel?]
  5. RPierce
    Jul 7, 2004
    10
    Incredible. Replay value is high and options are endless; I have played it 4 separate times, enjoying the experience on a different level each time. Highly recommended for gamers of all ages. A+
  6. Clay
    Jan 13, 2005
    10
    Subtle, unique and superlative. Verging on video game as form of artistic expression reminiscent of the best subversive childrens literature. Very young boy is given a sword and and some clothes and sent out into the wide world to face truly frightening villians alone.
  7. Scott
    Jan 27, 2005
    10
    This game is fun.
  8. JustinB.
    Oct 3, 2005
    9
    If you can grow up and get past the graphics, Wind Waker draws you into this creative and believable world, eventually growing into a tale with the epic feel of an excellent Legend of Zelda game.
  9. MorkN.
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    This is the best style I'v seen in a zelda game yet or in any game in general. I hate ignorant tards who say the graphics of this game are childish and stupid. The style used in windwaker is a perfect example of what a zelda game is supposed to be like.
  10. DittoLink
    May 20, 2005
    10
    Not as good as OOT but that doesn't mean it isn't one of the best games I have ever played. The cellshading is flawless. The style fits in with the story perfectly. A better combat system than any other Zelda game. If you can't wait for the new Zelda game that will be out later this year, I suggest you buy this to pass the time. One of the best on the Cube.
  11. GM
    May 24, 2005
    10
    The most beautiful game ever created, all flaws seem like nothing in comparson to the detail and skill that has gone into this game. Put simply, a masterpiece.
  12. AndyE.
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    This game was awesome! Really all levels are bit of challenging and I like that! It was almost as cool as the Majora's Mask just that game was more challenging... Um, a bit. And by the way you that guy that gave this game a 0, really, you and your friend just want to end the game fast. What's wrong about a bit of challenge? I guess you never have ended a game that is challenging This game was awesome! Really all levels are bit of challenging and I like that! It was almost as cool as the Majora's Mask just that game was more challenging... Um, a bit. And by the way you that guy that gave this game a 0, really, you and your friend just want to end the game fast. What's wrong about a bit of challenge? I guess you never have ended a game that is challenging like this one.… Expand
  13. CodyK.
    Aug 27, 2005
    7
    This is a very cool game. The graphics and animation are great and the story is not that bad, but the major downfall of this game is the pacing. The game lurches in story because of one of the most annoying and time consuming features that the game prides itself on
  14. ZiftZifter
    Jan 18, 2006
    9
    This game really is a gem. If you like zelda, you'll like this. Actually if you like games, you'll like this. If you have a gamecube this is a must have. For those who say the games bad. You dint play it. I don't need to know you. It's that simple, you dint play it. Just trust the green reviews. This is truly a great game. For those who gave it bad, i mean for those This game really is a gem. If you like zelda, you'll like this. Actually if you like games, you'll like this. If you have a gamecube this is a must have. For those who say the games bad. You dint play it. I don't need to know you. It's that simple, you dint play it. Just trust the green reviews. This is truly a great game. For those who gave it bad, i mean for those who dint play it, which is them. You truly are missing on a great game.… Expand
  15. BrandonB.
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    anyone who gave this game an 8 or less obviously lacks the mental capacity to recognize the beauty of this chapter in the Zelda series. the simple fact that the hero of time took so long to arise onc again to defend the land of hyrule is enough reason (for a true fan of the series) to dive right in and right any wrongs with "courage and valor". a bit frustrating, though, was the distance anyone who gave this game an 8 or less obviously lacks the mental capacity to recognize the beauty of this chapter in the Zelda series. the simple fact that the hero of time took so long to arise onc again to defend the land of hyrule is enough reason (for a true fan of the series) to dive right in and right any wrongs with "courage and valor". a bit frustrating, though, was the distance between bodies of land, that is until you have the cyclones at your disposal... other than that, this game is nothing short of brilliant as far as storyline, graphics and gameplay. and for the record... the NES and SNES titles were the greatest games of their time. no one other than miyamoto could tie these timeless classics together in a way any more heart-felt. hats-off to you, sir.… Expand
  16. PaulW.
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    One of the reasons that i love this game is that, by sailing between islands that you explore, it reminds me of The Secret of Monkey Island series. It's not as funny as that series, of course, (and not trying to be) but no videogame is. Coupled with this is animation that is the equal of or better than the very best that has ever been put on film- the guards, the lava and heat haze, One of the reasons that i love this game is that, by sailing between islands that you explore, it reminds me of The Secret of Monkey Island series. It's not as funny as that series, of course, (and not trying to be) but no videogame is. Coupled with this is animation that is the equal of or better than the very best that has ever been put on film- the guards, the lava and heat haze, the town or the dragon, for instance. It is games like this that convince you that videogames shouldn't have to have their own Oscar-style cermemonies- they should have their own Oscar category like animation does. This is one of those pieces of entertainment that should be put in a time capsule for future generations. They will probably get the wrong idea about our times in general though because not everyone is as creative or peace-loving as the cast-iron genius and great man Shigeru Miyamoto. By being the perspective of a young boy, with eyes wide like saucers, it gives the game an additional amount of wonderment. 'Beyond good and evil' is perhaps the closest to the characterisation of this game in this generation. The Wind Waker keeps the formula even more classically simple. It's a fairy tale, a fable, a quest, an adventure. You could regard it as the story of a boy forced to become a man who still retains his innocence. The game gives Link enough space in his character for you to fill in the blanks how you want though. This is a game that allows you to savour just enjoying the sights. There are moments that are more poignant than cinema has realised- the guards, depicted in black and white, frozen in time in a great hall. I found it too difficult to find the pieces of the map, though, and the game is too generous with jewels. The level design many not be as intricate as Metroid Prime but then I am comparing two classic games. The sound is wonderful and the game is elegant in philosophy and style. Finally, this game is perfect for newcomers to Zelda like myself. It is not quite flawless but, in the grand scheme of things, in a world that needs innocence, elegance and art, I give this game a 10.… Expand
  17. TimS.
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    The Wind Waker is easily one of my favorite games of all time. I find it to easily fit the phrase "next-gen expansion of OoT." I love nearly everything about it, including controversial aspects like the sailing.
  18. JoshK.
    Jul 24, 2006
    9
    Ignore the "fans" who couldn't see past the beautiful cel-shaded visuals. An ugly early stealth section and some rather easy bosses aside, this game is a treat from start to finish.
  19. KevinB.
    Aug 2, 2006
    10
    this game is so dum that what I said a 2years ago but then my cousin showed me that it was cool then I stared to enjoy it and now I am real far in the game but i have not beat it but it took me to years to love this game this game rocks.
  20. MichaelA.
    Sep 14, 2006
    10
    This could possibly be the greatest video game ever made! Bosses:10+, Story:10+, Gameplay:10+, Graphics:10+, Puzzles:10+, Side missions/quests:10+, Music:10+ Characters:10+, Other obstacles:10+, The places you go (islands):10= 100%. Made to perfection. (the credits theme made me cry) Booger boy lol
  21. 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.
  22. OscarO
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Awesome game! The mood, the puzzles, the feeling of sailing in a created world. Mmmm..!
  23. Sorcerer289
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Awesome! Zelda is my favorite series along with Fire Emblem!
  24. BrunoF.
    Apr 14, 2007
    9
    Wind waker is the sort of game which misleads you: at first you may either think that it is just a regular game or you can begin to think that it is one of the best games ever. In time you will find out that it is either not just a regular game or, in case you were lead to think it was nearly flawless, it will let you down for sure. In any case it has qualities which no one can take from Wind waker is the sort of game which misleads you: at first you may either think that it is just a regular game or you can begin to think that it is one of the best games ever. In time you will find out that it is either not just a regular game or, in case you were lead to think it was nearly flawless, it will let you down for sure. In any case it has qualities which no one can take from it and for those qualities - great graphics, probably the best graphical display on GameCube - it deserves much praise. The new visual style is completely welcome. What isn't so brilliant is the fact that you basically play the same game you played before, only with a slightly different character in a more expansive world. Sometimes we beg for more innovation and better sense of humor.… Expand
  25. SabuC.
    May 5, 2007
    10
    This game is simply outstanding; from graphics, to gameplay, everything seems almost flawless! Those who whine about the graphics are really rather...dull. Although this game LOOKS like it's intended for only children, the GAMEPLAY makes up for it. Yeah, a game about a boy slaying creatures and slashing at them until they die is really a game for kids. *rolls eyes* Me and my dad both This game is simply outstanding; from graphics, to gameplay, everything seems almost flawless! Those who whine about the graphics are really rather...dull. Although this game LOOKS like it's intended for only children, the GAMEPLAY makes up for it. Yeah, a game about a boy slaying creatures and slashing at them until they die is really a game for kids. *rolls eyes* Me and my dad both enjoy playing this game! It's simply outstanding; all TRUE Zelda fans will love this. The music, the storyboard, the unique and beautiful graphics, the gameplay, the lack of loading times! What more could you ask for? This is a MUST have for anybody who has a gamecube. If anyways says, "Don't get this game 'cause it's too kid-ish," Don't listen to 'em. They obviously don't know great things D:… Expand
  26. JasonC.
    Jun 14, 2007
    9
    A fun and inventive game with a unique visual style.
  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. cameront
    Oct 31, 2009
    9
    Hate riding the boat, but I love just playing through the temple and beting the boss.
  29. 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.
  30. BeauK
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    An epic quest for all ages. Brilliant story, imense world, and clever dungeons and islands. Must Buy.
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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.
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