Legends of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Gamecube)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * * * )

After a dormant three years, Zelda fans are finally presented with a new adventure. To say that Legends of Zelda: The Wind Waker has been highly anticipated is an understatement. This GameCube title pre-sold 560,000 copies in North America two weeks before launch date.

For the past year, gamers and the game press have debated the game's new toon-like appearance. Even Nintendo's leading game guru, Shigeru Miyamoto, caught some heat over the issue. Considering his near-legend status, the criticism seems almost blasphemous.

While cel-shading is in vogue, it hasn't come into its prime until now. The way this type of animation translates to Legends of Zelda is mind-boggling from the moment you fire up the game.

But you diehard Zelda fans need not worry. Once you've stopped drooling, you can still enjoy the traditional aspects that made you fall in love in the first place. The across-the-generations appeal of this game gives it a charm, much like that of the gameÕs reluctant protagonist, Link.

As you assume his character you will embark on a sweeping adventure, discovering islands, townships and interacting with the game's many colourful characters.

In Zelda's world, combat is still focused on trigger-targeting. Link can attack in several ways and unload a barrage of tactics that include thrusts, wild slashes, ranged combat and a fairly decent counter attack.

Like the two N64 Zelda titles, this game takes its handle from a magic object.

The Wind Waker is a tool that allows the player to manipulate the wind. Should have been obvious, right?

This tool comes in quite handy considering you will have to do a fair bit of island-hopping on a tiny yacht.

Players can expect to get between 40 and 50 hours of gameplay from this game depending on your desire for exploration.

Though limited in numbers, some copies will include a free bonus disc that contains the full version of the N64 classic, Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But wait, thereÕs more. You also get another previously unreleased version of the same game.

Nintendo have another winner on their hands, and even better, it looks like a Saturday morning cartoon. If you own a Gamecube, this must-own title is released this week.

Price: $129.95

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