The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Introduction:

Hey guys, what’s up? Ok, first thing’s first. I’m still the same Gold Yoshi but my e-mail address has been changed due to the fact that my clutzy computer crashed on me…

Anyway, a couple of months ago I reviewed the 2006 Nintendo Game Of The Year, The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Today, I’m going back in time, Ocarina of Time that is. Yes, this game started a revolution in the Zelda franchise. The first 3-D Zelda to come out. Since that day in 1998, there have been many requests on getting another Zelda installment for the at-the-time ‘new’ Nintendo Gamecube. So the designers came up with an idea of creating a Gamecube version. Everything was the same basically, except for the C-button controls. Later on in 2003 they produced a Collector’s Edition that included the two NES Zelda games, Majora’s Mask - a direct sequel to OoT, the actual OoT game itself, and a demo of Wind Waker. But before this, they released a packaged OoT game along with the much more difficult version called Master Quest. They recently installed another installment of OoT for the Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console.

Story:

… A long time ago, there was a boy, who went by the name of Link. Unknown to Link was he chosen to protect the land of Hyrule from a malicious man of the desert, Ganondorf. Along with the Princess of Destiny, Zelda, Link must collect the three spiritual stones and use the fabled Ocarina of Time to open the Door of Time, and retrieve the blade of evil’s bane, the Master Sword. But Link gets sealed within the Sacred Realm for seven years allowing Ganondorf to obtain the Triforce of Power. Link, now a mature adult must find and awaken the six sages to seal Ganon in the Evil Realm. Will Link overcome the powers of time, and thwart the evil known as Ganondorf? … Or something like that.

Gameplay (8/10):

The gameplay revolutionized the Nintendo 64 with its intuitive controls. It even introduced something not seen in any previous Zelda installments, the all-important Z-Targeting System. It was later renamed to L-Targeting in the Gamecube version for button purposes. This changed the control scheme of many future Zelda games.

Graphics (9/10):

The graphics at the time astonished many Zelda fans, old and new alike. Link was given facial expressions never seen in any other Zelda game before this. Sure they look bad now, but if you were sixteen during that decade you probably would have exploded at the sight of TP’s graphics. So don’t take OoT so lightly in the graphics department.

Sound (8/10):

Out of this world, although they should have given Link a better voice. Though they provided dialogue, the sound effects of grunts and screams are impressive. The game’s SFX are also breathtaking. From the sword slashes to Ganon’s laugh.

Replayability (10/10):

The first time you beat it will be the most awe-inspiring thing since sliced bread. But the second time through will definitely be as much fun as the first time.

Challenge (6/10):

Really fun but boring in the beginning, but it tends to get harder as the game progresses, much like most games. But, it can get a little frustrating near the end.

Frustration (4/10):

There are times where the game can get on your nerves, but nothing too difficult.

Overall (10/10):

Overall, this game is a must-play for all Zelda fans, including me. If you haven’t played it yet but have the Wii, now’s your chance to get this incredible installment.

Conclusion:

No doubt one of the best, if not the best, Zelda installment to date. Sure TP is insane, but OoT is really what started the greatest game of all. Many games have stories, but only one is a true legend. Hope you enjoyed another one of my many reviews, and please e-mail me and comment my various reviews, thank you. Stay in the Nintenzone!

Screenshots