The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Game review by Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

An excellent game with a great story and quest.

Nintendo GameCube 2003
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 16 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 51 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

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.

Community Reviews

rianne.astle
rianne.astle Adult
August 9, 2014
age 13+

Brilliant game but disturbing ending

VIOLENCE + Cartoon violence is not particularly scary for *most* of the game. - ***spoiler alert*** I was VERY shocked and disturbed by the violent end to the final battle, when Link jumps and stabs Ganon through the top of his head. If it were not for this one violent moment, I would have said this game is appropriate for ages 9+. LANGUAGE + None. SEX - None. OTHER + Incredibly fun and beautiful game with a great soundtrack. A must-play for any fan of the Zelda franchise or other adventure games.

This title has:

Great messages
Easy to play/use
Too much violence
AlphaZK93
AlphaZK93 Adult
December 22, 2010
age 8+

Perfect for Zelda fans of all ages that can play and appreciate the games

This is one of Nintendo's best Zelda games (top 5). I got this game about a year after it came out, and I LOVED IT. It's pretty easy to play, but the only concern that i have at ALL is the final scene. Let's just say (to avoid spoilers) that you see Link bury the Master Sword into the top of a villain's head. It's totally bloodless and not gorey at all, but it would disturb some younger audiences, since the bad dude still talks after it, and then turns to stone (with the sword still there). That's my ONLY concern. Other than that, kids will find it fun because of it's cel-shaded graphics, ease of play, likeable characters, and the occasional humorous scene. Great game for kids!

This title has:

Too much violence
Great messages
See all 16 parent reviews

What’s It About?

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.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Game Details

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