Genre: Third-Person Action
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

Wind Waker HD's cel-shaded graphics almost continually beggar belief, with some of the game's vistas and the sheer resolution of its special effects-- particularly the rays of light that appear when the character opens a chest-- being some of the most impressive visuals ever seen in a video game. The aesthetically appealing use of colors and always interesting character and baddie designs complete the package.

The game's dramatic theme, heard during day-time ocean runs in Link's ship, is about as grandiose as they come, and really is emblematic of the game's theme of exploration. The rest of the score, and the sound effects as well, are about as good; nothing about Wind Waker HD's aural arrangement comes off as "best of all time" material, but it serves the game's themes and locales well.

Wind Waker HD alternates between exploring vast tracts of ocean, documenting its islands one tile at a time, and exploring the kinds of puzzle-oriented dungeons the series is known for. The control scheme works well, and it is easy to get Link to utilize his various sword maneuvers and special items in the ways intended. The game does feel a bit flat in parts though, especially as the ocean exploration aspect isn't quite as engaging as it could be.

The only problem with Wind Waker HD is that the pacing feels a bit too slow from time to time; it's a difficult thing to pin point, since the game's world is absolutely littered with secrets and things to find. Maybe it's down to the presentation, which is incredibly beautiful, but lacks a spark. All the same, Wind Waker HD is a great game, if not only for the fact that it's the only 3D Zelda title to date that feels true to the open-ended formula of the classic NES original.