The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is an open world action-adventure game with role-playing elements. The control scheme is comparable to its predecessors: the player moves the protagonist Link in three dimensions from a third-person perspective.[1] Link fights with a sword and shield as well as a variety of other weapons and items. He interacts with non-player characters and objects via the action button.[2] Like the previous games, The Wind Waker features a targeting system allowing Link to "lock on" and constantly face an enemy or target.[3] A new feature is the ability to move the camera system around Link.[4] Onscreen meters track Link's health and magic; Link can expand his health meter by finding "heart containers" and container pieces in the game.[5]
The game world comprises 49 gridded sections of the "Great Sea", each containing an island or island chain. Some must be explored to continue the story, while others are optional.[6] Like all Zelda games, The Wind Waker features several dungeons—large, enclosed areas where Link fights enemies, finds items, and solves puzzles to continue. Each dungeon quest concludes with a battle against a boss, a singularly powerful enemy.[7] In addition to the main story, the game includes many sidequests, minor objectives the player can optionally complete to attain rewards. For example, Link can use the "Picto Box" – an in-game camera – to take pictures to fulfill quests.[8]
Throughout the game, Link acquires items and weapons that provide new abilities.[9] Items are often needed to reach certain areas, defeat bosses or other enemies, and advance the story. For example, the grappling hook is necessary to pass obstacles and defeat the boss in the Dragon Roost Cavern dungeon; it can then be used to enter previously inaccessible areas elsewhere. The "Tingle Tuner" is a special item allowing a second player to control the character Tingle if the system is connected to a Game Boy Advance by a link cable.
