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. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    9
    Only thing that is bad about this game is its post-duengons part, without internet its pain in the ass to find all these trioforce parts, and in addition you must pay a lots of rupees. The rest of the game is fantastic, loved it.
  2. joehi1
    Jan 15, 2018
    9
    The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a visual masterpiece and an amazing addition to the already phenomenal series. Wind Waker completely overhauled the graphics of the Zelda series, and while some may say that the graphics catered too much to a younger audience, in reality, the cell shaded graphics are the best fit for Zelda. Wind Waker offers some of the most fluid gameplay ZeldaThe Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a visual masterpiece and an amazing addition to the already phenomenal series. Wind Waker completely overhauled the graphics of the Zelda series, and while some may say that the graphics catered too much to a younger audience, in reality, the cell shaded graphics are the best fit for Zelda. Wind Waker offers some of the most fluid gameplay Zelda series, with fast-paced exciting combat, and one of the first experiences of an open world in video games. A large part of Wind Waker involves riding on the sea and it's truly amazing how free you feel while operating the King of Red Lions. Sailing around gives the game such an open feeling that makes the player feel as if they are in control of where they want to go and not the feeling of linearity that players so used to in the Zelda franchise. Puzzles are still as fun as ever, and the game does a fairly good job at directing you where you have to go to continue the story without outright forcing you to go there. The story is still as charming as ever to the triforce shard quests do feel quite boring and uninspired, causing a part of the game to lose its immersiveness. Overall Wind Waker is by far one of the greatest games ever created by Nintendo and probably one of the greatest games ever made. Wind Waker proves that changes to a well-established franchise are not always a bad thing and can sometimes rejuvenate a franchise and make it feel new to players all over again

    Cons
    Triforce shard quest is still boring.    … Expand
  3. DarrionVale
    Aug 14, 2019
    9
    My personal rating for "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker" (GC): 8,6/10 - Awesome
    Gameplay: 9
    Video: 8
    Audio: 8
    Scope: 9
    Balance: 8,5
    Story: 7
  4. castillo2war
    Sep 21, 2019
    9
    Only problem this game has, for me, is Tingle. The game would be a perfect 10/10 if it had no Tingle.
  5. Ernest_Figueroa
    Nov 23, 2018
    9
    Un excelente juego de la saga, la grafica cartoon no me agrada, música excelente, la historia inicia bien y luego se estanca, aun así la exploración de las islas es un llamado al explorador que todos llevamos dentro. Esta historia me a gustado mucho y ganon se lleva mi respeto para siempre.
  6. Fletch1027
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    A fun Zelda game with great music, fun character designs and one of the most charming versions of Hyrule.
  7. JayNxtGen
    Nov 10, 2019
    9
    The Wind Waker the first game I owned on the Nintendo Gamecube and I still love to this day with the Wii U HD release.

    This game is one of the best adventures you could have even by todays standards the graphics are timeless and the world is rich making even Sea of Thieves look weak (and I like Sea of Thieves) each island had a different feel and theme and it makes things feel so fresh    The Wind Waker the first game I owned on the Nintendo Gamecube and I still love to this day with the Wii U HD release.

    This game is one of the best adventures you could have even by todays standards the graphics are timeless and the world is rich making even Sea of Thieves look weak (and I like Sea of Thieves) each island had a different feel and theme and it makes things feel so fresh from a dark sea fortress to a happy little town with weird people and mysteries. if you want to jump into this game I would suggest the Wii U version as it does make improvements to quality of life issues such as the tri-force hunt and travel speed. Nintendo did it again and made one of the best adventure games ever.    … Expand
  8. spencerplewe
    Nov 14, 2020
    9
    With an expressive art style, fun personalities, wonderful music, and the unmistakably tried and true controls of the series, The Wind Waker is a unique main Zelda entry that took a major risk in shifting its aesthetic and world building formula, and largely pays off.
  9. MaoZedong
    Dec 1, 2020
    9
    It is easily one of the best games from the GameCube, and if played on an emulator with a widescreen hack, it looks like it could be a modern game. The dungeon design is some of the weakest in the series, but still very fun. The triforce piece hunt is annoying though, and I wish they kept the cut dungeons.
  10. INU4SH4
    Jun 22, 2020
    9
    It's 2020 and today I finally finished this Nintendo Gem.

    Wind Waker is an exceptional open-world adventure game. Surely a must for fans of the genre. Its world and aesthetics are pretty unique to this day and I rarely find a video game world that hooked me this badly. Every island was fun to discover and explore and I really appreciated the small details and secrets. When it comes    It's 2020 and today I finally finished this Nintendo Gem.

    Wind Waker is an exceptional open-world adventure game. Surely a must for fans of the genre. Its world and aesthetics are pretty unique to this day and I rarely find a video game world that hooked me this badly. Every island was fun to discover and explore and I really appreciated the small details and secrets.

    When it comes to story, it starts quite slow and simple but later on, it becomes really interesting and quite mind-blowing. The characters and the dialog were pretty comical and fitted the game's visuals like a glove. Gameplay-wise it was simple but at the same time pretty challenging when it came to some bosses and challenges. Just what I expected from a LoZ game.

    Now, let's talk about the small things that held this game from being a true masterpiece to me. There were a few times when cruising though the ocean and backtracking before unlocking 'fast-travel' that turned out a bit tedious and at times some instructions and puzzles weren't very comprehensive. But that's pretty much all the negative stuff I have to point out.

    Overall, great game and definitely on par with my favorites Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild. I'd give it a 9 or 9.5/10.    … Expand
  11. 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 more dynamic gameplay.
  12. Classy
    Jun 28, 2020
    9
    My favourite Zelda game. The reason i gave it a 9 because the wii u version is on an entirely different planet.
  13. Toasty87
    Jul 16, 2020
    9
    Still holds up today with its beautiful animation and sound rough in small parts though.
  14. Okevin212
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    I had to get used to the cel graphics. This game is super fun I love the deku leaf. Controlling the wind, riding a boat through the open sea, looking for treasure, this game was a nice twist. Really fun.
  15. 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
  16. Uncle_Steve
    Jul 14, 2021
    9
    The most fascinating and unique Zelda game in my opinion. The ocean world is very big, the story is simple and gripping and the dungeons are fun, albeit very easy. With more development time, there definitely could've been more. It included a bonus Disk with Ocarina of Time, which made this game a phenomenal value for 60 bucks back then in 2003.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. MichaelW.
    Sep 8, 2006
    8
    Zelda WW was a great game. I bought into the animation style and I enjoyed the story. My only complaint about this game was in the pacing. I felt that too many time, especially near the beginning of the game, I was sailing for what felt like hours on end. This problem is the one reason that I have not played this game through multiple times, like I have done for other Zelda games. It is Zelda WW was a great game. I bought into the animation style and I enjoyed the story. My only complaint about this game was in the pacing. I felt that too many time, especially near the beginning of the game, I was sailing for what felt like hours on end. This problem is the one reason that I have not played this game through multiple times, like I have done for other Zelda games. It is the one thing that keeps this very good game from becoming truly great.… Expand
  23. JerradH.
    Mar 13, 2003
    8
    Fun game and a worthy edition to the Zelda series, but because of the graphical style that I really don't care for (I don't mind kiddie Link, I just don't like toddler meth-addict Link), and the occasional bit of boring repetitiveness in the gameplay department, its still not as good as Ocarina of Time, and Metroid Prime still rules the Gamecube roost.
  24. XISMZERO
    Jul 13, 2003
    8
    Fine visuals, and gameplay - that doesn't last long enough - Am I the only one who thought Wind Waker fell apart at nearing the end of the game with all those tedious tasks?
  25. EricH.
    Sep 28, 2003
    8
    The reviews written by magazine and internet critics explain the good parts of the game but I don't believe the game deserves a 10 or a 9. The reason is that the game has flaws. The game is too easy. Players do not get as many dungeons like in other zelda games. I find the small amounts of land in the game annoying but that is just a personal complaint. The first part of the game is The reviews written by magazine and internet critics explain the good parts of the game but I don't believe the game deserves a 10 or a 9. The reason is that the game has flaws. The game is too easy. Players do not get as many dungeons like in other zelda games. I find the small amounts of land in the game annoying but that is just a personal complaint. The first part of the game is real good. Then the second part is bleh... you have to find maps that lead to the triforce. The problem with that is to get the maps you have to go down several holes and fight bad guys which pose no challenge. Then you have to pay a fairy to decode the maps and then go pull up the treasure beneath the sea. … Expand
  26. SamD.
    Oct 12, 2005
    8
    When you think zelda, you think greatness, you think amazing, you think best game ever made: windwaker is the black sheep. It is good, but when i first turned it on the words 'what the f*ck were they thinking' were the first to leave my mouth the visuals as most people now, look like freaking anime. plus, link is a kid the whole effing time. this game single-handedly gaveWhen you think zelda, you think greatness, you think amazing, you think best game ever made: windwaker is the black sheep. It is good, but when i first turned it on the words 'what the f*ck were they thinking' were the first to leave my mouth the visuals as most people now, look like freaking anime. plus, link is a kid the whole effing time. this game single-handedly gave gamecube the nick-name "kiddie-cube"… Expand
  27. XaviorR.
    May 17, 2006
    8
    After you get over the graphics this game is awesome. Also I like exploring the seas. There weren't very many dungeons, and I didn't like changing wind direction all the time.
  28. drlowdon
    Jun 8, 2013
    8
    The Legend of Zelda franchise is highly regarded in gaming circles with the Ocarina of Time regularly featuring near the top of 'Best Ever Game' lists. As a result The Wind Waker had a lot to live up to on release, fortunately Nintendo have yet again delivered.

    Taking place 100 years after the classic N64 title The Wind Waker is arguably the most epic in the series to date. The game    The Legend of Zelda franchise is highly regarded in gaming circles with the Ocarina of Time regularly featuring near the top of 'Best Ever Game' lists. As a result The Wind Waker had a lot to live up to on release, fortunately Nintendo have yet again delivered.

    Taking place 100 years after the classic N64 title The Wind Waker is arguably the most epic in the series to date. The game starts on Link's birthday as he is given the famous green outfit that every boy receives upon reaching a certain age. Before the celebrations are over however his sister is kidnapped and thus begins his quest. Players will soon notice that Hyrule has changed greatly in the past 100 years and following a great flood everyone is forced to travel by boat. Despite this the play mechanics are similar to its N64 predecessors with the islands dotted around the world acting as the usual dungeons with puzzles to solve and enemies to defeat.

    Some of these dungeons are perhaps a little similar but a number of minor tweaks and improvements help to differentiate the game from others in the series. Control of Link is now far more intuitive and every action can be executed with a level of precision that even most modern games cannot match with the Gamecubes C-Stick now allowing for manual control of the camera helping to alleviate any line of sight problems. Combat is also improved with enemies offering visual clues as to their next attack allowing the player to react with cinematic attacks if they time there moves correctly.

    A sense of scale is maintained throughout the game with players being able to travel virtually anyway right from the get go with only few areas being inaccessible for plot reasons. Travelling across the seas in your boat is for the most part an enjoyable experience with random enemy encounters keeping you on your toes. Strangely it is the Wind Waker instrument itself that is the biggest annoyance. Playing it changes the direction of the wind allowing link to sail in the desired direction but an animation sequence, that cannot be skipped, means this takes far longer than necessary and can be particularly irritating when you need to change direction two or three times to reach your destination.

    It is easy to forget any minor problems however when given over twenty hours of gameplay and the best graphics of any game on the console (or most other consoles for that matter). The Wind Waker is an underrated gem in the Zelda series and well worth picking up on the Gamecube or Wii console.    … Expand
  29. 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.
  30. snowsnows85
    May 19, 2012
    8
    An epic game but could have been so much more. Less sailing would have been a lot more enjoyable and maybe better dungeons and richer story line. Saving your sister and bumping into Zelda is kind of strange. I did enjoy the art style very much though. Needed better items and better dungeons too.
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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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