Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
Genre: Action-adventure
Release Date: 2002-12-13
Nintendo Systems: GameCube
Copies Sold: 4.43 million
Publisher: Nintendo
Game Length: 30 hours
ESRB Rating: E
Art Style: Cel-shaded
MetaCritic Score: 96
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a celebrated title in the iconic Legend of Zelda series, developed by Nintendo for the GameCube and released in 2002. Renowned for its distinctive cel-shaded graphics and expansive oceanic world, the game introduces players to a rich tapestry of lore and adventure set in the mysterious Great Sea.
The Wind Waker takes place in a vast oceanic world known as the Great Sea. This world is dotted with numerous islands, each with its own unique culture, history, and secrets. The sea and its islands form the remnants of the once-great kingdom of Hyrule, submerged beneath the waves by the goddesses to prevent the evil king Ganon from conquering it.
Long before the events of the game, the land of Hyrule was threatened by the dark sorcerer Ganondorf, who sought to obtain the legendary Triforce—an omnipotent relic capable of granting any wish. To protect Hyrule, the ancient hero defeated Ganondorf and sealed him away. However, Ganondorf eventually returned, prompting the goddesses to flood Hyrule and create the Great Sea to contain his evil.
The protagonist of The Wind Waker is a young boy named Link, living on Outset Island. Unbeknownst to him, he is the reincarnation of the ancient hero of Hyrule. His journey begins when his sister Aryll is kidnapped by a monstrous bird under the control of Ganondorf.
Tetra is the leader of a group of pirates who play a crucial role in Link's adventure. Initially, Tetra appears as a savvy and independent pirate, but it is later revealed that she is the descendant of Princess Zelda, the last royal line of Hyrule.
The primary antagonist, Ganondorf, seeks to regain control of the Triforce and resurrect his dark dominion over Hyrule. Unlike in previous games, Ganondorf in The Wind Waker is portrayed with more complexity, exhibiting a deep understanding of the world's history and a desire to restore what he believes to be his rightful rule.
A talking boat that aids Link on his quest, the King of Red Lions is eventually revealed to be the spirit of King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the last king of the submerged kingdom. He guides Link in the quest to stop Ganondorf and restore peace to the Great Sea.
Link's journey begins with a mission to rescue his sister Aryll, which quickly expands into a grand quest to thwart Ganondorf's plans. Throughout the game, Link must traverse the vast ocean, explore mysterious islands, and awaken the powers of the ancient sages to restore the Master Sword—a legendary weapon capable of defeating Ganondorf.
To confront Ganondorf, Link must gather the shards of the Triforce of Courage, which have been scattered across the Great Sea. This quest is a test of courage, wisdom, and power, representing the three virtues of the Triforce.
In the climactic battle within the submerged ruins of Hyrule, Link and Tetra, now revealed as Princess Zelda, face Ganondorf. With the help of the Master Sword and Zelda's Light Arrows, Link defeats Ganondorf. In a poignant conclusion, King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule uses the power of the Triforce to wish for a future for Link and Zelda, allowing the old kingdom to finally rest beneath the sea.
The Wind Waker explores themes of legacy, destiny, and the passage of time. The game delves deep into the idea of history repeating itself and the importance of courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The vibrant art style and whimsical world design juxtapose against the somber undertones of a world lost to time, creating a unique and emotionally resonant narrative.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker remains a beloved entry in the Zelda franchise, celebrated for its innovative gameplay, enchanting world, and compelling lore. The game's narrative intricately weaves the fate of its characters with the history of Hyrule, creating a timeless tale of heroism, hope, and redemption in a world reborn from the depths.
The Legend of Zelda series, created by Nintendo, is renowned for its intricate storytelling, beloved characters, and expansive world-building. One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is the official Zelda timeline, which interweaves the various games into a cohesive narrative structure. "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker," released in 2002 for the Nintendo GameCube, occupies a unique position within this timeline, following the events of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and branching out into its own distinct storyline.
Before delving into "The Wind Waker" specifically, it is important to understand the overall Zelda timeline. According to Nintendo's official timeline, the series is divided into three branches, which emanate from the pivotal moment at the end of "Ocarina of Time." These branches are:
"The Wind Waker" is part of the Adult Timeline.
In the Adult Timeline, after Link's victorious defeat over Ganon in "Ocarina of Time," peace returns to the land of Hyrule. However, Link is sent back to his childhood, leaving the timeline without its hero. Ganondorf, the king of the Gerudo, eventually breaks the seal of the Sacred Realm and returns, threatening Hyrule once more. With no hero to protect the kingdom, the people of Hyrule pray to the gods for deliverance.
In response to these prayers, the gods instruct the people to flee to the mountaintops. Subsequently, they flood Hyrule, sealing Ganondorf and the kingdom beneath the ocean. This great flood gives rise to the Great Sea, the setting for "The Wind Waker."
"The Wind Waker" takes place centuries after the flood, in an oceanic world dotted with islands. The legend of the Hero of Time has become a mere myth, and the kingdom of Hyrule is forgotten by all but a few. The protagonist, a young boy named Link, embarks on a quest to rescue his kidnapped sister, Aryll, which ultimately leads him to confront Ganondorf once more.
Throughout his journey, Link discovers the remnants of the sunken kingdom of Hyrule and learns of his destiny as the Hero of Winds. Guided by the King of Red Lions, a talking boat, and aided by various allies including Tetra (later revealed to be Princess Zelda), Link gathers the power required to challenge Ganondorf.
The climax of "The Wind Waker" occurs in the submerged Hyrule Castle, where Link and Tetra/Zelda confront Ganondorf. With the Master Sword and the power of the Triforce, Link defeats Ganondorf, turning him to stone. In the aftermath, King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the king of the ancient kingdom, uses the Triforce to wish for hope and a future for Link and Tetra, choosing to let old Hyrule remain beneath the waves.
"The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker" adds depth to the Adult Timeline by exploring themes of legacy, change, and the passage of time. It reflects on the cyclical nature of history within the Zelda universe, where new heroes rise to face age-old evils. As a key installment in the series, "The Wind Waker" not only tells its own compelling story but also enriches the overarching narrative tapestry of The Legend of Zelda.