Zelda Review HQ

[GameKinG]

Well, you can still post in the other threads but Ill just take the opportunity to compile them in one thread:

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GameSpy
Score: 97%

The Lowdown: A stunning video game that comes as close to perfection as any other.

Pros: Incredible design, balance, visuals, sound and gameplay; engrossing story; highly polished; superb controls; excellent learning curve; one of the finest games to date.

Cons: It's hard to find fault but some may dislike the Toon Shading; no widescreen mode; some aspects are a little repetitive; needs a GBA with link cable to get ALL the secrets.

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IGNcube
Score: 9.6

Presentation
Wow. Zelda perfectly realized as a cartoon. Everything from a slick interface to so much of the Zelda universe to behold. 10.0

Graphics
Gorgeous. Whether you like the style or not, you have to appreciate the technique and technology. Huge world, detailed locales, beautiful animation and particles, all at 30 frames and in progressive. 9.0

Sound
Some great music and sound effects mix with some less than stellar, MIDI-like samples and muted speech work. 8.0

Gameplay
Just about as perfect as can be. Finely crafted play mechanics, control, balance, design, and more, but it's occasionally scarred by tedious fetch quests and a sense that the game lacks difficulty. 9.0

Lasting Appeal
20+ hours the first time through and twice that for completionists -- and you'll want to come back after you beat it. Superb. 10.0

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GameSpot
Score: 9.3

Gameplay: 9
Graphics: 10
Sound: 9
Value: 8
Tilt: 10

While some may be a little put off by the late-game item fetching and the game's easy puzzles and boss battles, The Wind Waker is nonetheless a strong achievement in every way, from its stunning graphical presentation to its tight control and interesting story line. It may not have fallen too far from the tree Nintendo planted back in 1998, but the way it refines one of the polygonal generation's most important games makes The Wind Waker every bit as much of a must-own game as The Ocarina of Time was before it.

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Gamers.com (EGM)
Score: 10.0

There's plenty more to talk about in Zelda--minigames, side quests, secrets--that we'll leave to the sidebars and individual reviewers. But, honestly, you really need to hear only five words about The Wind Waker: You must play this game.

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Play Magazine
Score: 10

Nothing can prepare you for the greatness that is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. I only hope I’ve told you enough to make you rush out and buy it the instant it comes out. Mark my words: there will be no finer gaming experience this year.

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GamePro
Score: 5/5

FUN FACTOR: 5.0
Graphics: 5.0
Sound: 5.0
Control: 4.5