When Nintendo showed some action footage at E3 a few years back, everyone went crazy in anticipation of a new Zelda game featuring a more mature look. With the GC hardware wowing people at the time, expectations were high for the next installment of this long running series. Some early screens appeared and caused a massive rift between Zelda Fans. Not everyone was impressed with the new Cel Shading look, especially after that E3 tech demo. The producer said in interviews that the radical change in the look of Zelda was to incorporate more expression and life into the characters. Well the wait is over and the game has been released in the US. Japanese players have had the game for some months now. Does this game do justice to the Zelda name or has Nintendo taken a step back with its new look?
I am not going to go into any of the details regarding the story of Zelda it is pretty straight forward and begins with the kidnapping of your sister. This becomes your priority at first until the true quest is revealed to you.
First things first, those graphics. The Cel shading actually works really well within the Zelda universe. Creating an impression of controlling a cartoon in real time. The worlds and dungeons are simple yet retain all the character of previous games and then some. Lighting effects are more prominent and the day /night cycles are present also. Impressive shadows are also used to create an eerie atmosphere in those darker areas. The environments are spacious and varied complemented by the sailing sections, which add a real sense of scale to the whole proceedings. Character animations are great but the team has done remarkably well on the facial expressions of the characters especially Link. The facial expressions create more feeling towards the characters as you are playing and bring life to the many cut scenes, which will make you laugh at times.
Playing Zelda has always been a straightforward affair and this version is no exception. Controlling Link with the Cube pad is good but not as good as the N64 controller. Precise movements can be a bit troublesome at times as can camera control in certain areas. However this does nothing to hinder your enjoyment of this game so just relax and learn to deal with it. There is no timer here so you can spend the time talking to characters and admiring your surroundings. In fact this is encouraged as you will often stumble on a side quest or useful information along the way. Your means of transport is a boat this time which at first seems pretty mundane. As you progress though you begin to face more water based enemies which can prove be a real pain if your not careful. Other enemies are colourful and well animated. I especially liked the Knights which you de-armor before you strike the final blow. A varied bunch of misfits awaits, which you will learn to dispatch with ease. The Zelda game play remains unchanged whereby the core game play revolves around gaining items by solving puzzles, then using those items to aid you in your quest. Many of the old favourites make a welcome return here including the Bow, boomerang grapple and bombs. The sense of exploration has been retained well, as there are many areas which begged to be investigated that are off the beaten track. The way everything works together is pure classic Nintendo game play , Rarely will you be stuck as to your next objective which keeps the game flowing nicely. However I did find the overall experience a bit on the easy side but that may just be me.
The sounds used are also classic Zelda. Many of your favourite tunes return in cameo like appearances. The sound effects themselves are simple yet effective especially as there is no real speech in the game. I think Link may have a few more lines this time round even if they are moans and grunts.
Overall Zelda The Wind Waker is a very accomplished title. Oozing pure quality the moment you place the disk in the Cube. Filled with loads of neat touches and game play elements. Once you forget about any pre-conceived ideas you had regarding the look of the game you find a compelling and engrossing adventure to get your teeth into. As always Nintendo has not disappointed here as this game is a definite must have for fans and non fans alike.
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