The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker GameCube
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2003
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Image
Metascore
96 out of 100

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

User Score
8.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 539 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • 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. NTSC-uk
    100
    When one picks up the controller, the ability to step into that time and place (never more hauntingly beautiful than in this latest instalment) never loses its allure. Even the most hardened of cynics would have to admit that this title is something else entirely. It's the stuff of dreams. [JPN Import]
  2. Weekly Famitsu
    100
    10 / 10 / 10/ 10 - 40 platinum
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Eurogamer
    100
    Simply a stunning, magical game.
  4. 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: 241 out of 286
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 286
  3. Negative: 27 out of 286
  1. JonS
    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. imthenoob
    8
    IMO its probably the most improved/best looking Zelda game I have played. A lot more original as well. The bad part about it is that its a little bit confusing and at times rather tough to progress through the game. Other than that, Its still a good game.… Expand
  3. RangerGxi
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great character development, Very enjoyable but standard plot and Excellent soundtrack The quirky and silly nature of link is enjoyable but the boat rides were simply boring. Maybe I'm blinded by Nostalgia but the Ocarina of Time horse rides didn't feel this boring. My guess is the lack of naval combat in the game. The "Temples" were fun for the most part and employed classic's like the hookshot but also added new mechanics like the flying leaf. It's a must buy for young children who enjoy puzzle games, which I would think is a niche market.… Expand
  4. IanR.
    3
    The sailing is awful in this game. There's barely anything in the ocean to interact with, so you're mostly sailing across a big, blue oblivion trying to get to an island so hopefully you can do something interesting. The whole wind baton thing is tedious and not at all interesting or intuitive. Design-wise, it's extremely inconsistant and gameplay-wise is not very much improved over Ocarina of Time. I was just massively disappointed by this game, it's generally amazinly lackluster and doesn't deserve the praise it recieves. If you haven't checked it out yet, just give it a pass. Try Okami on the PS2 instead, it's very similar but doesn't share the majority of Wind Waker's flaws.… Expand

See all 286 User Reviews

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