Ah Ocarina of time, a game full of great moments. Often this is the first title that comes to mind when someone mentions N64. An entry in many top ten lists and regularly comes out as people's favourite game of all time. It's the classic hero adventure where once again the princess is captured and we have to save the day.

In comparison with previous games in the series this one is huge. There's so much to do from horseback riding to mini games, dungeons to side quests, and even fishing. With the increased physical space in the game the addition of travel by horse really helps -- as adult Link only -- to cut down on the tedious time spent walking across Hyrule Field. There's nothing more satisfying than picking off enemies from horseback with a bow and arrows.

One issue with the earlier games is that every dungeon has the same basic look. Sure the layout and puzzles are different, but the walls all looked the same (besides a difference in colour) and nothing really felt special. Ocarina of Time changed all that with every dungeon being completely unique. The sense that this could be inside a real volcano, sunken temple, or ancient ruin. Every dungeon has an atmosphere that really make it stand out. Add in time travel to solve puzzles as a child or adult to make this really unique.

Not every N64 game is any easier than it's predecessors (in a lot of cases it's the opposite), but Ocarina of Time is really the tipping point towards an easier, more modern style of gameplay in the Legend of Zelda series. There are many tutorials throughout the game as well as the infamous Navi the fairy who provides constant hints and tips. Enemies in general seem much less threatening than in previous games as well. Death is a common occurance  in Zelda games, but in Ocarina of Time it isn't difficult to go the entire game without seeing more than a handful of game over screens. The low difficulty is really the only negative about the game though as it excels in every other aspect.

This is one of the best transitions from 2D to 3D in a series largely due to the camera/targeting system. Being able to lock onto enemies which keeps them in front of you at all times, as well as focusing the camera in the direction you're facing outside of battle really saved this game from many of the pitfalls other N64 games experience. Of course it has it's share of hiccups especially over small platforms and difficult jumps, but overall it's much better than it could have been. Movement is fluid with the use of the joystick, and the combat system feels closer to a realistic fighting experience. Less button mashing until everything is dead, and more of calculated attacks intended to deal the most damage to the right enemies. The C-Buttons also really added to the well designed controls with the ability to hold 3 items at once as well as your sword, eliminating the need to step out of the gameplay to deal with a cumbersome menu as often.

As the name implies this game has a strong focus around musical elements. The ocarina is your most important tool for accessing new areas, solving puzzles, and travelling through space and time. Using the songs you learn throughout the game will trigger certain events or actions depending on when or where you use it. Want to make it rain, or change from night to day? This ocarina has you covered. The orchestral soundtrack is amazing as well. The first time you hear the twinkling music that signifies the dawn of a new day over Hyrule Field is always awe inspiring. From the mysterious Forest Temple music  to the catchy ocarina songs, from the soft lullabies to the dark battle music this is really Koji Kondo at his best.

Visually Ocarina of Time is great too, though somewhat plagued by blurred textures like many other N64 games. It has great atmosphere though and I often feel the style reminds me of a painting, walking through the brushstrokes of Hyrule. The day/night system also adds a touch of realism that makes everything feel much more dynamic and natural. Lastly, the use of colours to give a theme to each region of the game comes across really well. Lush greens for the Kokiri and Forest temple, reds for the Goron and Fire temple, blues for the Zora and water temple, browns for the Gerudo and Spirit temple, as well as Purple for the Sheikah and Shadow temple. It all paints the picture which is Ocarina of Time.

Lastly I'll touch on the story. While it has a more serious tone throughout, the basic plot is the same as many other games. The princess has been captured and it's up to the hero to save her as well as the world. The story is more fleshed out in this game than in previous installments through the use of cut scenes which really bring the characters to life. The effects of the main villain Ganondorf on the world permeate the land, as felt by nearly every character met along the way. As his name might suggest, we're dealing with a powerful foe who we've met many times before.

All in all, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a memorable experience that you won't forget, and one in which I love to revisit time and time again. A personal favourite for the N64 and the Zelda series, this is one that I can't recommend enough to the handful of people who haven't yet played.

Permalink | Comments [0] | Digg This Article | Tweet