Tools for this page
Print

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

(2003, Video Games - Role Playing Games, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo GameCube)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    An excellent game with a great story and quest.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some violence, but it is portrayed bloodlessly and in a cartoon style. Younger children may be scared by some of the storyline and characters.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was written by National Institute of Media and the Family

Parents need to know that violence is a common theme in this game; however, it is portrayed bloodlessly and in a cartoon style. Younger children may be scared by some of the storyline and characters. The game is very large and very time-consuming -- expect at least 40 to 50 hours of play.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the challenges in the game. Which kind of puzzles do you enjoy most? Why? What does this game have in common with other Zelda adventures? How is it different?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

What’s the Story?

In LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER, players assume the character of Link, a young boy who is celebrating his "coming of age" birthday. The day takes a disastrous turn when a giant bird swoops down and kidnaps Link's sister. At this point the adventure begins as players explore a massive oceanic world, charting new islands and meeting new characters while accomplishing smaller quests. Players eventually discover that the main source of evil is none other than the longtime enemy of Link -- Ganon, an evil sorcerer bent on destruction. Close

Is It Any Good?

The game consumes vast amounts of time and attention; it is worth the investment, since the game is so well designed and fun to play. There is much to explore, and many challenges to meet. Puzzles are varied -- for example, in one case the player may move blocks of stone in the correct order to clear the path, while in another the player may have to take "pictures" to solve a puzzle. The game is very creative and uses a variety of elements to support the theme of wind throughout the game.

Although exciting and fast-paced, the fighting is neither bloody nor realistic -- defeated enemy monsters disappear in a puff of purple smoke. Enemy characters could frighten younger players. Overall, Zelda: The Windwaker is an excellent game. An interesting story, vibrant imagery, and challenging quests that don't always focus on violence provide hours of entertainment.

Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 08/08/2003, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 31 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue

    Zelda does it again!!

    This Zelda is fun and bright. It's also probably one of the biggest Zelda's out there, because of the nearly endless ocean and multiple possibilities of exploration. Totally worth it.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    This game is super fun. I loved playing through it again and again. These is also pretty kid safe. So kids might get scared of the monsters though so not for really young kids. Fun game and worth checking out.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue

    get your kids into rpgs

    I have this. kids can play this if they're patient sailing from land to land. you may need to help them go to the right place, so it's better if the parents are into it like the kids.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    Awesome!

    This game is so great and very large. It is a rival of Mario 64! I loved this game, the plot, and everything else. Reccomended.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    damn...

    damn you CS. i know a couple of 3-year olds who LOVE this game. 3 YEAR OLDS! and you say 10+! it is OK for any normal 6 year old or abnormaly mature 3 year old.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name