Why It Made Your Top 100 List

The Subject of much questioning prior to its release, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker didn't seem to send the message fanboys wanted. Around the time of its release, the media really highlighted the fact that Nintendo was a "kiddie company," and so to update one of its more serious franchises with cel-shaded graphics was not really doing anything to change anyone's minds. But if you look past the departure from a realistic art design, you'll notice that the art really is beautiful. With all the lighting effects that it displays, it's still a technical marvel to say the least. Sometimes, developers forsake substance for style, and I am happy to report that Nintendo didn't even ponder that option here. This is a massive adventure, one that may seem like more a side-story than a sequel, and possibly not canon -- but one for the ages nonetheless.
— the12inchpianist