The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)

INTRODUCTION

When it comes to video games that not only help to define a genre or a console, but also to video games that help to define an entire industry, it is simply impossible to overlook the iconic “Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” which was originally released for the Nintendo 64 console way back in the 1990’s. As the first 3D Zelda title, Ocarina of Time also went on to become regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, a title which the game still boasts to this very day in 2012. Since then, the game has been ported to the Nintendo Gamecube, the Nintendo Wii and more recently, the Nintendo 3DS and despite several other successful Zelda titles being released since then including Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time still boasts a huge fan-base that continues to increase each and every day.

So, why exactly is Ocarina of Time such a special game? Well, simply put; the game takes you on a magical fantasy adventure with a perfectly in depth storyline, immense gameplay, flawless and challenging puzzles and a true, timeless, replayable masterpiece in its entirety; very few games can boast what Ocarina of Time had, and still has to offer.

ABOUT THE GAME

The game takes place in the Kingdom of Hyrule, a once peaceful land that has been the setting for the majority of the Legend of Zelda games. The story follows a young man by the name of Link. He lives in the Kokiri forest, but he is not a forest being like the rest, meaning he can grow up but more importantly, he doesn’t have a fairy, something which several Kokiri folk often bully him over. However, one fateful morning, the Great Deku Tree feels that his death is drawing near, and he sends a fairy by the name of Navi to the Young Link – and Link is summoned to the dying Deku Tree where he learns of a great evil that seeks to destroy Hyrule.

Link is soon sent on a huge adventure to see Princess Zelda, a mission which soon turns into a quest to obtain the Ocarina of Time and stop the evil Ganondorf using the powerful Master Sword while rescuing the sages from the temple to enlist their aid. The storyline of the game in general is flawless and in such a short space of time, new gamers and players replaying will constantly find themselves immersed in this game from start to finish. There is simply nothing not to like.

The dungeons of the game are where it really shines. Everything about the dungeons is perfect. At first, as a child, you only have access to a few dungeons, but when Link grows older as the storyline progresses, you get access to many more dungeons, all of which are increasingly difficult. You can travel across settings of beautiful green, perfect ice or vicious fire, not to mention, a terrifying shadow temple and a majestic desert temple among countless others, all in the name of rescuing sages, completing puzzles and collecting useful items to try and stop the Evil Ganondorf.

The game puts you in Link’s boots. You make his decisions, you control his every move; can you stop Ganondorf from submerging Hyrule in darkness?

GRAPHICS

The graphics of Ocarina of Time are widely regarded as truly timeless. It is the first ever 3D game in the Legend of Zelda series and the game just looks graphically amazing. In places, it is truly beautiful such as in the Kokiri Forest and the Lost Woods and at times, it can be incredibly dark and sinister such as the Shadow Temple and Ganon’s Castle. From the maps to the dungeon layouts to the characters and enemies alike, everything is 3D bliss, albeit very simple, but still perfect to this day.

MUSIC

The music in Ocarina of Time is one of its greatest attractions. It re-masters timeless Zelda classics including Zelda’s Lullaby which first appeared in “A Link to the Past” but the Ocarina of Time rendition of this song is the most famous. The majority of the songs can be played on the Ocarina but when played, the game gives you a cheeky play of the song in the background played properly. Some of the best songs in the game include “Saria’s Song” which is the theme in the iconic Lost Woods, “The Bolero of Fire” which is the fire temple theme, not to mention, each temple having its own unique, beautiful song. Everything about the music in Ocarina of Time is sheer perfection.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

If you want Ocarina of Time in perfect condition on the Nintendo 64 console, be prepared to pay high prices of around £50.00. Alternatively, the game is available in two ways on the Nintendo Gamecube. You can buy the Wind Waker collectors edition to get a special Gold disc of Ocarina of Time complete with the new Master Quest, but this is also rare and expensive. You can opt for the Legend of Zelda collectors edition on the Gamecube which also includes Majora’s Mask and Legend of Zelda 1 and 2 from the NES console, you can opt to buy it from the Wii Virtual Console or you can buy the Nintendo 3DS re-master of the game which was released in 2011, which is arguably the cheapest option these days.

FINAL WORDS

There is no other game out there that will ever compare to the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The game tore down boundaries and took the gaming world to a brand new 3D era, and it did so in a way that has only since been surpassed by other Zelda games such as Twilight Princess. Ocarina of Time changed the gaming world for the better and still to this day, it remains one of the greatest games ever made. It is suitable for everyone and it is an absolute must-play for the entire family. Boasting challenging puzzles, timeless adventure style gameplay, gorgeous graphics and flawless music among countless other amazing elements; a single play through of Ocarina of Time will leave you breathless and leave you longing for a second play through. There is only one Ocarina of Time, and it should most certainly be on every gamer’s video game bucket list to say the least; one of the few games that can be called 100% perfection.