Everybody that I've talked to was quite disappointed with the graphics of Windwaker, they saw the 2001 Spaceworld video of Link looking realistic and they really wanted that Zelda. Nonetheless they got a Cell shaded Zelda, which, believe it or not, is still the same Zelda we all know and love.
Let's start with what we all want to know about, the graphics; The game is cell shaded and is nothing like what we've seen from a Zelda Game. However, that being said, the graphics are so unique and plain good, that it's hard to believe that the game could look any different. Although bright, the facial expressions are unreal, the enemies are sometimes creepy, however never scaringly so. The game just plain worx.
As for Sound; the sound from the Zelda u all know and love is back, and u'll recognize most of it, with some variations. The sounds for attacks, link, and enemies is well tuned and perfect to match the graphics and game play. However, the only drawback that held it from a 10 in this category was the Windwaker tunes. In Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, and even some from Majora's Mask, the tunes were memorable and kept playing over in my head, like Saria's song for example. This is not apparent in Windwaker, the themes that Link "plays" with his Windwaker aren't very memorable at all, and i hate to say it but I've forgotten them already. However not a large drawback from the overall game.
The most important part of the game, the game play is just what you'd expect, and more; Link fight like he should, slashing, rolling, jumping, etc. However, this time around there is a parry ability that allows the person to dodge an enemy attack and counter-attack. The animation is quite fluid and really cool to see. The sword slashes have different combinations that are nice to have as a refreshment. The enemy A.I. is improved and quite smart for a Zelda game, with some of the enemies giving the gamer some trouble. This being said, the game lacks difficulty, although sometimes long, there will be very rare occasions where the player will actually die. Also, in Windwaker, they have gotten rid of the horse and replaced it with a boat, which although a nice refreshing touch, gets tedious, especially with the amount of water in the game.
The value of the game is incredible and you could tell Nintendo really put their heart and soul into this game, and it paid off. The story is kinky yet essentially good. And the pure amount of side quests really puts this game a notch above the rest. I recommend this game to any GC owner, and i do mean ANY.
