When I first heard that Nintendo were going to use cel-shaded graphics for this game it completely put me off buying it. I didn't like that the whole look of Zelda was going to be changed, and thought it looked far too cartoony and babyish.
However, I was proved wrong when I finally played it. I had decided to approach it with an open mind, and I am so glad I did.

The graphics really look amazing, and I was blown away just from watching the opening title. Yes it's different from previous Zelda games, and it is a more cartoony look but it really works effectively.
While playing it, you feel as though you are actually there, because it's so atmospheric.

As well as a whole new visual makeover, the game has a completely new and very interesting plot. You start off on Outset Island. The game is set on many different islands of various sizes, spread out over a vast ocean which you can travel around on your own boat, the talking King of Red Lions. There are also some interesting twists in the plot along the way, one in particular which I wasn't expecting at all, but I won't spoil it for you. It's much better to play it and discover these things as you go along.

Another differnce is that Link has a family: his little sister Aryll and his grandmother. His sister is kidnapped by a giant bird, and Link is determined to rescue her. He meets Tetra, the young girl pirate, who is also the leader of a band of pirates. He sets off with them to the Forsaken Fortress where Aryll is being held captive.

There is a big change of scenery here, going from the peaceful Outset Island to the dark, gloomy and scary Forsaken Fortress. You end up having to sneak around the fortress as you lose your sword, and when I was playing the game at this point it made me jump a few times when I almost got caught! This point in the game is one of my favourites. You have to "turn off" the searchlights as you progress through the fortress, tip: make sure you stop all while you can, otherwise you'll end up being caught near the top.

It is after this when you meet the King of Red Lions, whose real identity is revealed later on (I won't spoil it for you, it's much better to play it and find out these things as you go along). Sailing is easy, and you find a melody to play with the legendery baton, The Wind Waker, (given to you by the King of Red Lions) which can change the wind direction. This allows you to go much faster, whatever direction you're heading in. While sailing you will also come across treasure under the sea, which you need the hookshot to reach. Sometimes you will only find a red rupee (worth 20 rupees) while other times you can find heart pieces. Later on you can get a song to warp you to various places across the sea, which makes getting around much easier and faster. The sea is very dangerous at parts, with cannons firing at you and mini-gyorgs (anyone who played majora's mask will know that gyorg was one of the most difficult bosses ever!)

The controls are easy to master, especially for any fans of the N64 Zelda games. The game also has different races etc. that relate back to previous games eg. the Rito tribe are descendents of the Zoras. If you're a big Zelda fan like me, you'll notice several small things in the background that relate back to older games. One obvious one is stain glass windows in Hyrule Castle which picture the six sages from Ocarina of Time. A lot of the music is remade songs from previous Zelda games, along with original tracks. However it's still very enjoyable music, and I even own the soundtrack to it!

The game is shorter than I had expected it to be. There are only four dungeons, compared to the eight dungeons of Ocarina. Although Majora's Mask also had only four, there were many sidequests, unlike with this game. However, with this game you feel more as if you are actually inside the temples yourself. Sometimes, the game is too easy, especially for expeienced gamers. In saying that, there are some pretty tough challenges eg. one of the final battles.

Although fairly quick to complete, the game is still great fun to go back and play again, even just to sail around or try little mini games such as sorting the post on Dragon Roost Island.

I would recommend this game to anyone, and it's suitable for young children too.

It's easy to find this game online. The best price I have found for a new copy is on amazon for £16.99. However their marketplace has 2nd hand copies available for about £12 (£2 more for postage). Also try ebay, which I have found to be the best site for quality and value. Ebay does not only sell used copies, it also has new copies for sale form trusted sellers. Always make sure to check that the game is in good working order, is compatible on your console and that the seller has a good feedback rating.