In 2003 as I remember it Wind Waker had come out for gamecube. Initially I wasn't a big fan of the game but that was only because I thought Link looked so ugly. Like everyone else, I was pretty turned off by the cell shaded presentation. It didn't mean that I wasn't willing to play it, a new Zelda coming to me is pretty much an epiphany. I wasn't about to judge it just because it didn't look like the "lord and savior" game Ocarina of Time (though I love OoT I just don't think it's the best). My brother actually got it before me and everyone I knew pretty much was playing it. I was instantly addicted, simply put.
My opinion on the style of the game changed, everything changed. One thing that really drew me into the game among everything else was the story. Up to this point, the Zelda series had always carried the theme of the saving Hyrule, saving Zelda, defeating Ganon(dorf). I was so amazed by the way they not only incorporated that but also added on little Link's own personal story. Forced to leave his home and grandmother to find his lost sister. Personally I felt for Link so much, it was sad. He wasn't right away the chosen one, just a little determined boy who was the only hope for his own sister. I liked that more than anything, beside the memorable facial expressions he bore, it made me want to keep playing honestly.
The graphics to me were nothing short of amazing either. People to this day argue the fact that they are too "kiddy" and sometimes stupid. I couldn't be more frustrated by those people. I understand the initial reaction but most people had those reactions because the game was still in development and most Zelda fan's tastes were still lingering from Ocarina of Time. But to still say it even after playing it or just being judgemental about it now kinda get's to me. For me, the graphics were a work of art, inovative and crisp. They also described for me the way things could be seen through Link's eyes since he was indeed a child. So they were absolutely to look at, and yes my mind changed also that I now think Link is the cutest thing in the world :3
The music was another factor in the game that of course inspired me and motivated me. The score had a lot of re-done tracks from previous Zelda's. Including a prominate track that was the theme of the King of Hyrule and was originally a track in my favorite Legend of Zelda (by not much though) A Link To The Past. So I was so thrilled to hear this track, and some others that were also re-done from ALttp also made me so happy to hear! The original tracks in this game are so beautiful as well, they absolutely warm my heart that I had to buy the soundtrack to it right away.
This game sometimes is often misunderstood among fans but not among critics. Rightfully, it recieved many awards including "Best Game of The Year" for many types of review sites and magazines. Undoubtably it was the best and will remain that way I believe. The game also went on to inspire other Zelda game titles in style and some, direct relation such as Four Swords, Minish Cap, and the Wind Waker's direct sequel Phantom Hourglass! In 2008, Wind Waker Link has made his way into Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Nintendo's fighting game which features all-star casts he essentially replaced Super Smash Bros. Melee's Young Link from OoT.
The Wind Waker is definately one of my top two favorite Zelda's (right under ever so slightly to lttp as I mentioned above) and I say a big :P to all those who think that's weird because it's not Ocarina of Time.
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