The game in my opinion is in my heart as a story first, and a game later. There are plenty of gameplay design choices which were less than spectacular. Generally, when you're playing a game, the fact that you can look over your shoulder and do something else is particularly... bad.
The characters, plot and setting all make for a rather unique experience storywise, and the sailing bits I found relaxing and made the world seem huge and not just a disjointed series or rooms, as until I played this game I had never played a Zelda game, or anything, really, other than First Person Shooters. It's this game that got me away from FPS bullshit and towards the glorious fantasy and adventure genres.
And for that, it will always remain a positive influence on my life.
Good review. For someone who has played and beaten Zelda 1, 2, Link to the Past, Link's Awakening DX, Oracle of Seasons/Ages, Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, this is one of my favorites.
The only complaint I have is the sailing, but even the first couple of times doing that was fun, and eventually you get to just teleport with music so it's not even throughout the whole game.
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Most underrated Zelda game ever.
First let me begin by saying: If you're the type who hates on a game simply for being colorful or "kiddie", you're playing the wrong series. When it comes down to it, Wind Waker has the same gameplay elements, story progression and dungeon aspects as any other title barring Adventure of Link.
One thing that makes Wind Waker a step up from the N64 Zelda titles is the enhanced controls. While being able to parry makes some fights a little too easy, it's nice to be able to L-Target on reflex and avoid being bombarded by Keese.
I'll give that sailing can get tedious, but unlike the DS titles you rarely have to focus on the game. Nine out of ten times I can just do something else while checking over my shoulder. There are also less dungeons in the game than I'd like, but the abundant amount of side quests make up for it. One of the things I loved most about the game is the dozens of little islands, each bringing their own unique surprises. The secret caverns inside Boating Course and Shark Islands are especially fun.
The story brings to the table a rare treat for the Zelda series: Confirmed continuity. Not a doubt is left in your mind that this game takes place after Ocarina. I actually played WW first, so it was interesting to go back and see how the legend of the hero of time started.
Another thing rarely seen among Zelda games is the abundance of characters, each with their own little name and story to tell, from the young woman who returned to Outset to take care of her sickly father, to the arrogant rich man who learns a lesson in humility after his daughter is kidnapped. That of course has little relevance to the true plot, but it's one of the touches that make the game endearing.
The dungeons themselves are never particularly frustrating, nor are they exceedingly easy the first time. I can admit having to run to Gamefaqs a couple times, but otherwise it was a fun ride. None of the dungeons create that dread OOT players have from the Water Temple. The monsters themselves aren't too difficult (especially thanks to the aforementioned parry) but some of them can be really annoying. Floormasters.
And those of you who've wished that the Princess for whom the series is named would actually DO SOMETHING, you get your wish in the form of one of the most spectacular final battles in the series.