Before September 11, 2001, the gaming world was primarily concerned with pushing the limits of graphical realism. At the time, developers and console makers were all eager to show the potential of the new hardware, particularly with the imminent release of the PlayStation 2 and the GameCube. In this environment, the *Zelda* series, with its established popularity, was expected to push the boundaries of technology, producing a game that focused on realistic, detailed graphics, as had been the trend in the gaming industry. Initially, *Wind Waker* was supposed to adopt a more traditional, realistic aesthetic in line with *Ocarina of Time* and *Majora's Mask*. However, the shock and reverberations of September 11 altered the mood and priorities of both the public and creators, resulting in a pivot in how *Wind Waker* was conceived.

In the aftermath of the attacks, a sense of collective uncertainty, disillusionment, and a yearning for escapism began to take hold. As the world grappled with the terror and confusion brought on by the tragedy, there was a cultural shift toward content that offered comfort, nostalgia, and more optimistic, less gritty experiences. In this context, the creative team behind *The Legend of Zelda* took a step back from the focus on realism that had been so dominant before. Instead of crafting a dark, serious game with hyper-realistic graphics, they chose to embrace a more stylized, cartoonish visual style with the cel-shaded graphics seen in *Wind Waker*. This decision was radical for its time and contrasted sharply with the hyper-realistic trends in gaming.

The use of cel-shading in *Wind Waker* allowed for a more vibrant, colorful world that invited players to immerse themselves in a sense of adventure, wonder, and exploration. It was a stark contrast to the growing somberness and heaviness in many areas of society post-9/11. The game offered an escape into a more innocent, whimsical world, reminiscent of a simpler, more carefree time. Additionally, *Wind Waker's* themes of hope, courage, and the triumph of light over darkness resonated strongly in a world struggling to come to terms with the consequences of terrorism.

Beyond its visual design, the game’s emphasis on the adventure of exploring vast, open seas, discovering islands, and solving puzzles evoked a sense of freedom and adventure—qualities that provided players a comforting break from the harsh realities of the world post-9/11. In this sense, *Wind Waker* became not only a creative milestone for Nintendo but also a response to the global cultural shift, offering players an experience grounded in escapism and optimism at a time when such sentiments were deeply needed.

Thus, the development of *The Wind Waker* can be seen as indirectly influenced by the events of September 11, 2001, in how it departed from expectations and embraced a bold new direction that reflected the changing moods and needs of society. The game’s shift in tone and design mirrored a broader cultural trend toward seeking refuge in more uplifting, fantastical narratives in the wake of real-world tragedy.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5691274&forum_id=2#48729877)

Further proof we didn't need that game journalism and 'criticism' are laughably easy compared to actual gaming, even considering games made for 5 year olds

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5691274&forum_id=2#48731645)