The combat has been refined slightly. There is now a counter move – while fighting, Link’s sword will glow green, and you’ll be able to press A to perform a spiffy move to damage your opponent. At first this doesn’t seem important, but later in the game it is. As a whole, this game plays like Ocarina in most respects.
I guess the biggest point of debate for this game will be the graphics. The graphics are gorgeous, but I have found a few areas where there are some nasty blemishes. Sometimes during close-ups or cut scenes the characters look absolutely horrific. I wish for some of these things Nintendo had actually gotten some real cartoon animation done, but instead we get the polygons.
The rest of the time, the game looks fantastic. From the effects of Link running, to the grass, to how his eyes move before he does, every aspect of the gameplay graphics is highly tuned and polished. There are moments when the sun is setting, the colors are just incredibly vibrant, and your jaw just hits the floor. There are some moments of remarkable beauty in the game.
The animation is also top-notch. When you watch Link engage in a sword duel, the fluidity of it is remarkable, and unparalleled. There are just so many times where it blew me away. I love the character designs, some of the enemies are so elaborate, they’re just a joy to fight and kill.
A blooper from the short lived Legend of Zelda The Wind BreakerThe soundtrack is top-notch. I have been humming the tunes for the past week. There’s a very pirate feel to it at times. I love some of the new tunes, and the remixes of the old ones are great. The title-screen music is good, but the intro remix of the overworld theme sent chills down my spine. From the new tunes you play with the wind waker, to the sound effects of the weapons and enemies, it’s a solid, solid, audio package. Tie in the fact that the game support Dolby Pro Logic II for surround sound, and this rivals
Metroid Prime for sound on the GameCube.
This will not dethrone Ocarina of Time or Link to the Past due to the shortness and graphical technicalities; it’s still a very solid Zelda title. This is one of the best tiles to hit the GameCube, and the early frontrunner for Game of the Year.
Are the winds of the world not blowing in your favor? Then we suggest you pick up BradyGames' excellent strategy guide. Its signature series guide features maps, hints and everything you need to make your stay in the land of Zelda as pleasant as possible.
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While it can't dethrone Nintendo's previous magnum opus, The Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker is a masterpiece in its own right. Anyone who owns a GameCube simply must own this game, end of story.
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