dspsycho
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
Introduction
With the release of Nintendo's then new console, the Nintendo 64, the idea of reinventing popular Nintendo franchises in 3D was enough for fans to start salivating. The Legend of Zelda series involves a boy named Link donning a sword and shield in an epic adventure to save Princess Zelda and defeat the evil villain. The first four games in the series had built up a very large fanbase, so for Ocarina of Time, the first on the N64, and the first to be in 3D, expectations were high, but nobody really knew what to expect.
Gameplay
Ocarina of Time (herein referred to as OoT) will feel very familiar to anyone who has played other games in the series, and for those who haven't, the learning curve is fairly easy. As in other Zelda games, the player explores the vast world of Hyrule, traveling to dungeons and temples, solving puzzles, finding items and battling enemies, although some temples are more fun than others. The Water Temple can be considered a bit tedious and overly complex, while on the other hand, playing through the expertly designed Spirit Temple is video gaming at its best.
Most Zelda games have some sort of major mechanic unique to each game, and OoT is no exception. This game will have players switching between a young and older version of Link through the means of time travel, once they acquire the Master Sword. Speaking of swords, the fighting in this game is quite fun, and uses a battle system called Z-targeting, which was revolutionary for the time, and gave players an effective way to fight in 3D spaces. Pressing the Z button allows the player to “lock-on” to an enemy, and circle around them, keeping both Link and the enemy clearly on screen at all times. The R button brings up the shield, the A button can be used to jump back or side to side, and the B button attacks with the sword.
You may be wondering what the hell an ocarina is, or why it is in the title. Well, early on the player acquires an ocarina (which is a flute-like instrument), and it can be used to perform songs that the player learns throughout the course of the game. Some songs will warp the player to certain locations, drastically cutting down travel time. Other songs will have different effects when played in specific areas or in front of certain people.
OoT was also the first game to introduce Epona, a horse Link can ride throughout Hyrule Field, allowing him to access new areas. Winning ownership of the horse through a race is actually required to progress in the game, but unfortunately its use is limited. Nevertheless, just the inclusion of the horse in the game is a big plus. While on the topic of animals, it should be noted that OoT features an owl. An owl named Kaepora Gaebora. An owl that will stalk you throughout the game, providing information that you almost certainly already know or don't care about, and then will try to trick you into reading what he has to say again. Consider yourself warned.
Story
A young boy named Link is told by the guardian of his home forest that he must travel to Hyrule Castle to meet the “Princess of Destiny.” Upon meeting her, she informs him that he must gather spiritual stones in order for them to access the Sacred Realm and obtain the Triforce before the evil man Ganondorf does. Some twists and turns occur, but nothing that anyone couldn't have seen coming. Along the way, the player will learn of Hyrule's history through cut-scenes and text dialogue that unfortunately cannot be skipped. Hardcore fans of the series will eat it up, others probably will not. Despite the fact that the plot is mildly engaging at best, the sheer fun of OoT is more than enough to keep the player motivated.
Graphics/Sounds
For the N64, and for 1998, OoT was the best looking console game around, with spectacular effects and fantastic looking environments. Of course, that was the N64, and that was 1998. Anyone deciding to pick up this game now will not be playing it for the graphical prowess. The game sounds quite good, with catchy and well developed music that always suits the on-screen action. Sound effects are many and varied, and they always sound just like they should.
Replayability
After the main storyline has been finished, there is still a lot to do in OoT. 36 heart pieces, 100 gold spider tokens, 4 bottles, 10 big poes, upgrades to your wallet, quiver and bomb bag as well as a convoluted trading sidequest to get an awesome sword that deals twice as much as the Master Sword. Indeed OoT has a lot to keep you coming back, and the rewards are always, well, rewarding.
Bottom Line
Despite the fact that OoT has been surpassed in every category by newer games, including The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, this is still a game that should not be missed by anyone. It's not just a game for fans of the series, it's a game for gamers. Truly a classic in every sense of the word, and one that every action/adventure title made since has taken lessons from. If you don't have an N64, or don't want to see that ugly display on your HDTV, it was also faithfully ported to the Gamecube, and is available as a download on the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console online market.
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What is your favorite 13th century painting?
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8/20/2009, 6:11 pm
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Massive Weaponry
Labyrinth Level 1
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Registered: 11-2006
Location: Canada. I win.
Posts: 286
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Re: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
A good review, got the point across, but you probably should have included the technical information and boxart for the game.
Aside from that, a very solid review, I enjoyed it! 
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8/22/2009, 2:19 pm
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