Windwaker is a great addition to the
Zelda series, and with a few more dungeons and a little
less treasure hunting at the end, it would have been perfect.
Windwaker play like the original N64
title, the Ocarina of Time, with a few
refinements here and there. A direct sequel to the aforementioned
game, Windwaker takes place in a future
where the land has been covered with water. So the game
takes place on various islands and you will be traveling
by boat often.
And what a way to travel! When you are at sea and it turns
to night or a storm comes in, the game is truly breathtaking.
The graphics, while cartoonish compared to the last Zeldas,
are amazing in their refinement and art direction. The
character designs are unique and don't have the traditional
anime look that many japanese games have. However, the
do have a Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away) flavor to them.
A big component to the game is wind, and you eventually
learn how to control it.
This time around you have direct motivation for your quest.
Your sister has been kidnapped. As you progress through
the game, fight monsters and get items from dungeons,
it becomes apparent that the evil King Ganon must again
be defeated and the story ties in nicely with the
Ocarina of Time.
Windwaker could have been better in a
few ways. Many of the bosses could have been more challenging,
and a few more dungeons would have been most welcome.
The game world is vast and exploring it is one of the
game's assets, but as you near the end of the game, there
are a few too many treasure hunts that can get a bit monotonous.
While not quite measuring up to the perfection of the
first N64 title, Windwaker is a great
game and well worth your time.
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.