Classic Games

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Cel-shaded seas

Wind Waker divided opinion with its cartoon aesthetic but delivered timeless visuals and ocean exploration that endure better than any realistic alternative.

gamecubewii-u adventurenintendo 2002

Overview

The Wind Waker shocked fans expecting realistic Zelda after a tech demo at Space World 2000. Instead, Nintendo delivered cel-shaded cartoon graphics that aged beautifully while realistic games of the era look dated. Players sailed a flooded Hyrule, discovering islands and dungeons across a vast ocean. Initial controversy gave way to enduring appreciation.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Nintendo EAD.
  • Director: Eiji Aonuma.
  • Artistic style: Cel-shaded toon rendering.
  • Setting: Great Sea (flooded Hyrule).
  • HD remaster: Wii U (2013).

Visual controversy

Initial reaction:

  • Space World 2000 showed realistic Link.
  • Wind Waker reveal shocked fans.
  • “Celda” mockery online.
  • Nintendo defended vision.
  • Time proved them right.

Cel-shading technique

Why it works:

  • Imitates hand-drawn animation.
  • Expressive character faces.
  • Timeless rather than dated.
  • Scales well to HD.
  • Unified artistic vision.

Ocean exploration

Sailing the Great Sea:

  • King of Red Lions boat companion.
  • Wind direction control (Wind Waker baton).
  • 49 squares on sea chart.
  • Islands with dungeons, mini-games, secrets.
  • Triforce fetch quest (infamous).

Wind Waker baton

Musical gameplay:

  • Conduct melodies for effects.
  • Change wind direction.
  • Control time.
  • Teleport to locations.
  • Central mechanic and title.

Combat evolution

New elements:

  • Parry system for counters.
  • Enemy weapon stealing.
  • Targeting lock-on refined.
  • More cinematic fights.
  • Expressive animations.

Story and tone

Darker than appearance suggests:

  • Flooded kingdom beneath waves.
  • Ganondorf’s tragic motivation.
  • End of an era themes.
  • Surprisingly emotional.

Pacing criticism

Common complaints:

  • Sailing can feel slow.
  • Triforce quest padding.
  • Some fetch quests tedious.
  • Swift Sail added in HD.

HD remaster improvements

Wii U version (2013):

  • Full 1080p resolution.
  • Swift Sail (faster sailing).
  • Triforce quest streamlined.
  • Miiverse integration.
  • Gamepad as map.

Legacy sequels

Follow-ups on handhelds:

  • Phantom Hourglass (DS, 2007).
  • Spirit Tracks (DS, 2009).
  • Same art style, different gameplay.

Critical reappraisal

Changing perception:

  • Initial mixed reception.
  • Grew in esteem over years.
  • HD version widely praised.
  • Now considered series highlight.
  • Art style proved prescient.

Design lessons

What Wind Waker demonstrated:

  • Artistic style trumps technical fidelity.
  • Timeless over contemporary.
  • Bold choices age better.
  • Trust your vision.

See also