Jeepers, Creepers, Where'd you get those peepers?

Way back in 1998, when Ocarina of Time released, I didn't even have an N64 yet. Even after I bought the system, I didn't really care about the game. I scoffed, "How can this game possible be as good as everyone says it is?" Then, one of my friends let me play it, and in a flash I realized what a total moron I was. OoT was everything that it was cracked up to be and more.

Flash-forward to the fall of 2002. Wind Waker had just released in Japan, and was doing all kinds of funky stuff, like getting perfect scores from Famitsu. This time around, I needed no convincing that this new Zelda game would be an instant classic, and I put my pre-order down as soon as I could, on 4 December 2002 (I still have the confirmation email floating around my in-box!).

I finally received my copy of the game yesterday. The game was in stores on Tuesday, but my copy came a little later because it had to be shipped via US Mail instead of FedEx. After about 3-4 hours, these are my impressions:

Graphics: I am really enjoying the graphical approach taken to this game. There are many people (including some that I know) who refuse to play this game because it looks so "kiddy," but I say screw 'em. There have already been many moments of sheer visual comedy that have made me laugh out loud. Link's shifty-eyed expression as he stealthily slides along a wall is a great example.

Gameplay: I haven't done much of this yet, but what I have completed so far feels like a very refined OoT. There have been a few new elements added, such as swinging Tarzan-style from hanging light fixtures, but overall this game feels very much like its predecessor.

Sound: The music has been very well done thus far, although none of it has yet struck me as particularly memorable. Many of the tunes are recognizable as re-mixes from OoT, such as the theme that plays inside shops. The sound effects, especially the character voices, are particularly well done. The quality is greatly enhanced from the N64 Zeldas, as well as their variety. I think that they add a lot of character to the game.

Well, that's about all I have for now. Back to Zelda!