When did you become a Zelda fan? Maybe you’ve been playing so long that you can’t remember a time when you weren’t a fan. Perhaps your love for the series was built patiently over time and over multiple games. Or, maybe you can pinpoint the exact moment when your status as a fan was solidified. My experience falls into the third category, for when I came to a special location in The Wind Waker, I knew that I would be a Zelda fan for life.
The Wind Waker wasn’t my first exposure to a Zelda game. I was familiar with the series through Ocarina of Time, which a few of my friends owned and had shown to me (and, of course, I heard all about the infamous Water Temple). I even borrowed it once, but I didn’t make it out of Kokiri Forest before moving on to a different game. I guess my juvenile mind just couldn’t comprehend its greatness at the time. Similarly, my best friend raved about Majora’s Mask and its unique three-day mechanic when it was released, but for whatever reason, I didn’t show any interest. Until I played The Wind Waker, most of my experience with the Zelda series actually came through Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
To be honest, I don’t even remember how I came to own The Wind Waker, but I do vividly recall that the gold cover stood out among the other video game cases. This title came out during a time when games were striving to be as realistic as possible, so I was initially skeptical of the cel-shaded art style. But despite my hesitance, I decided one day to pop it into the GameCube and give it a try. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this decision changed my life.
From the moment the music started up on the title screen, I was deeply intrigued. This curiosity evolved into genuine excitement as I watched the opening animation, telling the story of Hyrule’s downfall through beautiful tapestries set to epic music. I very much enjoyed exploring Outset Island, becoming acquainted with many of the main characters, and setting the stage for the adventure ahead. I struggled through the acrobatics trial aboard the pirate ship and the puzzles in the Forsaken Fortress, reveling in the challenges. I talked to every character on Windfall Island before returning to the King of Red Lions with a sail, knowing the location would be a hub to return to later in the quest.
While I had enjoyed myself up to this point, I still wasn’t completely sold on the experience. But the moment I arrived at Dragon Roost Island, I instantly fell in love.
As I approached Dragon Roost Island, the towering volcano came into view, with black clouds swirling around the peak and a red dragon (who I later learned is named Valoo) perched on top. The suspense mounted. Once I came close enough, the King of Red Lions slowed down, triggering a cutscene with different angled shots of the new locale I was about to explore. At that moment, the Dragon Roost Island theme also began to play. With the rapid mandolin stroke and castanet intro, I knew I was all in. I knew I was going to play this game to the very end, savoring every moment. I knew that, from then on, I was going to be a lifelong Zelda fan.
It’s hard to put into words what made this experience so moving. The music, the design of the island, and the buildup to the challenging adventure ahead just seamlessly blended together, creating a sense of wonder, curiosity, and excitement that few games have managed to replicate. This was the first moment in the game where I really felt like I was exploring exotic destinations and taking control of the journey (a sentiment that was confirmed when I received the Wind Waker before departing the island). I know it’s cheesy and cliché to say it, but the experience was truly magical. I never wanted to leave Dragon Roost Island, so I was sad when destiny eventually spurred me to move on (Luckily, it did bring me back one more time before the end.)
Arriving at Dragon Roost Island remains my favorite Zelda moment, and perhaps even my favorite gaming moment of all time. In a game designed to make you feel good from start to finish, my elation peaks as the peak of the island comes into focus. Somehow, coming to Dragon Roost Island never loses its magic, despite my numerous playthroughs. And just as the magic endures, so will my love for the Zelda series.
The Wind Waker is 20 years old on December 13, 2022! We’re celebrating with dedicated articles throughout the first two weeks of December!
