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From the Desk of Mr. E

“Video Games, 'Cause real-life is for sissies”

May 29, 2010 Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

A new take on an old classic

So, we’re back from a short hiatus due to the various bits of chaos related to the start of summer with what I’m sure is a surprising review for our readers.  Recently, I’ve been replaying (again) one of my favorite games of all time since I was just a wee lad, Wind Waker.  This game was immediately more approachable than the past Legend of Zelda games and, in my opinion, any of them since.  Now many will tell you that this is a kids game…I disagree.  In fact, I don’t count something a kids game unless it asks me to count the number of jumping bunnies on the screen and select that to save the princess.

This game’s new take on the LoZ formula created a powerful new way to approach the franchise, using cell shading and key open world elements.  It sets itself apart from the the others in that it doesn’t take place in Hyrule with the original Link, but hundreds of years later, in the aftermath of the Hyrule’s disappearance, leaving an open sea with just a few islands dotting the landscape.  All of this serves to create a very new interest in the, let’s face it, over used LoZ formula.

So what makes this game more approachable?  Well the cell shading is an obvious candidate.  Its simplicity and bright colors make the game seem at least a bit more playful, a step away from the franchise’s generally dark color set.  It also seriously simplified the item choosing system, making changes such as shields permanent instead of having several to choose from, removing Ocarina of Time’s overpowered spells, making changes to the way you choose arrows, as well as having no armor changes to speak of.  With this simple weapon system and simpler menus (there are two menus rather than 4) this game is much easier to manage for a novice gamer.

So if it’s geared for a novice gamer, why would an expert play it?  Like all open world/sandbox games, it is another new, wonderful experience, based on the pull of the open sea.  The excitement of seeing a new island creep up from the horizon in uncharted waters is terribly exciting.

Sailing into the Unknown

Various mysteries such as the Ghost Ship and the mysterious telescope man keep you moving from island to island, searching for answers.  This game is simply a full experience, not by being so deep that you can’t figure out what to be doing, but still being open enough for the player to still get that wonder, within this foreign water world.

OK, so this game is a bit out of the ordinary for this site since its not publicly available because it’s from a dead system, the Gamecube.  While this may not be one of the games that you’ll pick up on a random afternoon, it is one I personally want remembered as one of the most powerful games of the time, making advances in open world as well as exploration in use of animation styles to create a certain mood.  It will always have a special place on my game shelf.

Mr. E

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