10 Ways The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker Is Secretly A Masterpiece

5. Epic Introduction

Bringing an all-new twist on the kingdom we've come to know and love, The Wind Waker had quite the task providing a rationale as to why they flooded the iconic setting. The Hyrule we were presented with was decidedly different from other entries into the series, and it was clear that there was some context needed as to why such changes occurred in the story.

To communicate this, Nintendo provided a detailed backstory of this version of Hyrule, teaching us of the desperation in its citizens when faced with the threat of darkness. The story speaks of the heroics of Link in 1998's Ocarina of Time, and creates a sense of fear towards Ganondorf that immediately puts pressure on the player to succeed.

Though the information the introduction provides is essential, it is the nature of its delivery that was simply wonderful.

Replacing the upbeat tune of the violin-dominated opening theme is a hopeless, almost melancholic track that, when partnered with the simple, yet beautiful, cave painting-ish art design makes for an introduction that manages to evoke a sense of history that the game's main narrative hinges upon.

The first impression was critical, and boy, did it deliver.