The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker GameCube
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Image
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 80 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 580 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: In this ninth entry in the Legend of Zelda series, Link debuts on GameCube with a fun new cel-shaded look, but the game stays true to the respected heritage of the series. The classic mix of sword-swinging action, perplexing puzzles and stirring story lines remains intact, but the stunning cel-shaded graphics give the people and places of Link's watery world a wildly artistic new look. And for the very first time, Link sails freely on the high seas. Join Link on his most epic and scenic adventure yet. Face unimaginable monsters, explore puzzling dungeons, and meet a cast of unforgettable characters as he searches for his kidnapped sister, Aryll. … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 80
  3. Negative: 0 out of 80
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Nothing can prepare you for the greatness that is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker... Mark my words: there will be no finer gaming experience this year. [Mar 2003, p.24]
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    100
    It's only March, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is destined to be the best game of the year on any platform.
  3. Weekly Famitsu
    100
    10 / 10 / 10/ 10 - 40 platinum
    All this publication's reviews
  4. IGN
    96
    It's Zelda's unrivaled design, balanced and varied, and its polished play mechanics and control that ultimately set the game apart from just about every other competitor on the market.
  5. GameSpot AU
    95
    Tingle does make the game a touch easier, but at the same time it makes the story aspects of the Wind Waker a great deal more communal, leading to fewer arguments over whose turn it is. It's also the first game we've seen to really justify the cost of the link cable.
  6. Game Revolution
    91
    While the game has some minor pacing and audio problems, the brave new art style, tightly evolved gameplay and humorous story takes the famous series in a bright, new direction.
  7. Console Gameworld
    85
    An entertaining, albeit unoriginal Zelda title that fails to be revolutionary yet still has the classic gameplay elements that make the series so great.

See all 80 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 251 out of 296
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 296
  3. Negative: 27 out of 296
  1. JonS
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    Okay, so maybe it doesn't deserve a perfect score. Sure there's like two bits where i got stuck or kind of bored but the sheer wall of content that is enjoyable and intriguing to the very end is just exceptional, if i could 9.8.… Expand
  2. AndyE.
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    This game was awesome! Really all levels are bit of challenging and I like that! It was almost as cool as the Majora's Mask just that game was more challenging... Um, a bit. And by the way you that guy that gave this game a 0, really, you and your friend just want to end the game fast. What's wrong about a bit of challenge? I guess you never have ended a game that is challenging like this one.… Expand
  3. D.C.
    Apr 3, 2003
    10
    Ups: Awesome graphics and visuals, incredible environments, great overall theme, fun combat and cool new items Downs: The Ocarina was better than the Windwaker, but if you're patient and don't mind sailing A LOT then there isn't much to complain about.… Expand
  4. Kirisoul
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    If you can get past the graphics (which I personally prefer) then this is perhaps the best entry in the Zelda series. It has an absolutely massive overworld, it's often hard to progress the story because there's just so much random interesting stuff! Once you do get to the dungeons, they are cleverly designed, and the game overall has a sense of epicness to it. My favorite Zelda, and I have played all of them from OoT.… Expand
  5. Kilik
    Apr 11, 2003
    9
    Were gonna get some action yeah were gonna get some action soon trapped in a world of ordinary nightmares...blah blah cant remember-does anyone believe this is me i tried to tell you there is something like that more to meeeeee. I tried to tell you. Yeah this is a good game. The camera is good whoever that was that said that probably has no coordination and cant reallly use the controller. The story is good as for the guy who said it doesn't make sense go back to pre school it is very simple. a good game . play . it. now.… Expand
  6. Watermelon789
    Feb 2, 2012
    9
    The graphics are gorgeous , very gorgeous from the beginning to the end . While some stupid Zelda fans cried foul over that , they are considered the thrash in this list full of positive reviews. It looks fresh , tantalizing, impressed and pleased that Nintendo did this bold movement. The gameplay and the exploration are the main themes here. Even the sound/music is beautiful.… Expand
  7. JayB.
    Sep 28, 2003
    0
    Even if this game had the best graphics in the world, this would probably be one of the most overrated, poorly designed games I have ever bought in my life, being made only as a result of the publicity and money made from Ocarina of Time. Stop giving this sorry game pity votes!… Expand

See all 296 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. 6 Picks, Games, TV, Movies, Music

    This Week in Metacritic: Not So Lovely Bones

    This Week in Metacritic: Not So Lovely Bones Image
    Published: December 10, 2009
    Our quick roundup of the newest releases in movies, music, games and TV found at Metacritic.com for the week of 12/7 - 12/11.
    More »