The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - 10/10

Note: This review was written for the Nintendo 64 version rather than the Virtual Console version. Thank you for reading! =]

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the first Zelda installment for the Nintendo 64 platform and is by far one of the greatest games to be released. From when you first insert the gold cartridge to the time you find that very last Gold Skullata, you'll be immersed for its in-depth storyline, revolutionary visuals and sounds, new control scheme and its strong gameplay. Ocarina of Time will have any gamer hooked and long-time fans will be impressed with the changes that has made this game into one of the greatest games to hit the shelves.

The story begins us thus, the vile evil known as Gannondorf is once again spreading his darkness across the land of Hyrule. Even though his intentions are not present at the start of the game, you'll have a dark feeling that something bad is about to happen. As a young boy living in the forest of Kokiri, Link (or the name of your choice) repeatedly sees visions of the tyrant spreading his darkness across the land and is unable to do nothing about it.

At this time, he is awakening by a forest fairy named Navi. She notifies Link that they have become partners and that the Great Deku Tree has requested his assistance. He tells Link of the horror he has foreseen and that he has been placed with a curse. To show his courage to the Great Deku Tree, Link destroys the curse but it is too late the Deku Tree. Before he passes on, he tells Link that he is not like the other Kokiri children and in fact, he is the one who must save Hyrule. So the journey begins, Link and Navi travel toward the "Princess of Destiny" in order to further on and come that step closer to meeting with the beast, Gannondorf.

Ocarina of Time definitely takes a step into the future, basically re-making most parts of what you would expect from a Zelda series. It follows it in the way of how you progress through the game. For example, Just like A Link to the Past, you'll receive various items that are used to defeat stronger enemies and advance through the game. And what has been part of the Zelda trademark, various puzzle-solving throughout the game will be just as challenging if not more difficult.

Now we come to the changes. These changes are probably what make Ocarina of Time stand out from the rest of the series including future releases. The new control scheme set out for the Nintendo 64 controller is by far the easiest to use, and well-balanced for any of the Zelda series. The only control function that isn't used is the D-pad and the L button will be barely used as it's for putting the map away which nobody does. The A button acts as the action button, used to open doors, talk to people, etc and the B button will be your primary weapon, the sword. You can switch between different swords, but you can not use inventory items such as deku sticks or bombs (in some cases, you can use the B button for the bow). The C buttons are the buttons which do use the inventory items such as the bow, bombs and deku sticks. The top C button however is used to switch to the first-person perspective view which leaves the three other C buttons to be occupied with items. The R button is used to draw Link's shield but what will really excite gamers is the new targeting system used through the Z button.

The new Z-targeting system is used to target enemies, objects and people at a distance. With this, it eases the use of manually aiming a bow or an attack of any sort and gives you the option of talking to people from a distance. It proves really efficient and you'll find yourself using it against most of your enemies, although this makes most enemies a breeze. Not only does it make it easier, but it allows strategy to come with your attack. Whilst in Z-targeting mode, you can dodge sideways, backwards and forwards to move around your enemy and strike with a Jump Attack (also done while in Z-targeting mode) at the most appropriate time. This control scheme that was introduced for Ocarina of Time has set the standard on how future Zelda releases will be played and if you enjoyed using it, then look forward to the future as all releases will use a similar control scheme, if not the same.

This isn't the last of the changes. Ocarina of Times' predecessors all have the protagonist being portrayed as a child. However, later on in the game, you'll have the chance to play as an older, more mature Link. He'll be capable of using stronger items and has a stronger attack, but he'll also be restrained from using some items he could use as a child. But don't panic, because you will be able to revert back to child Link once you reach a certain part of game.

Enemies look spectacular and although the new Z-targeting system makes them seem weaker, they're not. Each has their own strength and weakness which sets them aside from other Zelda franchises. Unlike its 2D brothers, you now fight enemies in the 3D realm making their attack ranging 360 degrees and they can attack you from all directions adding a new sense of how defeating your enemies will become.

Now visually, it is strongest a Zelda game has ever looked. Both graphically and artistically, it looks amazing. All characters and the vast environment look superb and truly shine as you continue on through the game. Although there are a few glitches with some of the graphics, it’s nothing that can't be ignored. As far as the sound goes, it tops all of its predecessors and even other games not apart of this genre. All sound effects fit in well but it’s the music that will addict you. The simple tunes that Link plays on his Ocarina will have you playing them over and over again. Even the music in the background will want you traveling around an area in circles just to listen to it. Although it will become dull during the night since it’s mainly silence, except when enemies begin to attack, then it changes to its dramatic battle sound.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time offers everything a gamer wants and expects. An Addictive storyline, simplistic and strong gameplay, beautiful visuals and sounds just show what this wonderful series of games is capable of in the future. Only one word can be used to describe this game; perfect and calling it anything but that is a serious understatement.

Submitted by renagadez 14/08/2008 130 5

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More Info:

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The

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