Zelda: The Ocarina of Time -3ds-
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time 3DS
Review by Andy
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time 3DS
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Zelda franchise, Nintendo globally launched the re-mastered Nintendo 3DS version of The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. Now many of you think this is a silly idea: “why would I want to play this on a portable devise when I still have my N64”. I can understand your skepticism, but until you actually see what they have done to this game don’t rule it entirely out. Remakes and ports to other systems have had a long history of screw ups. Just ask pete, most of the ports to XBOX 360 were pretty bad. Not to mention the recent Secret of Mana port to the iPhone was atrocious. But I have to admit, the Chrono Trigger port to the DS was pretty sweet.
TLoZ:TOoT for the 3DS not only overcomes any negativity towards re-makes by its astounding 3D graphical rendition and re-master of the game but it brings back that ever so sweet nostalgic game play including captivating and excellent post gameplay. This game gets a solid 5 out of 5.
The legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time for the 3DS was spectacular to play. Just the idea of being able to bring the highest rated video game of all time with you everywhere you go is unbelievable. I bought this game for my birthday and decided to play it on the way to California for a family reunion. Never has any 12 long trip gone by so fast in my life. I was taken aback by the incredible graphical detail as I began my quest in the Kokiri Forest. As I approached the Deku Tree, I actually thought it was a real tree. The Detail of the bark and roots are so believable. Couple that with the 3D and you actually feel like you are in the game playing as Link. Words can describe the awesomeness of the graphics. In addition, each character looks more beleiveable. They don’t look like misshaped polynomials connected together. Limbs and appendages are smooth and detailed. They bend and move properly.
I want to talk about the actual port and gameplay of TOoT. With most remakes, ports, and reduces contact areas, controls, and movements are off and clunky. With this game; however, I think they made it better than the original. The 3DS joystick is much precise than the old N64 controller. So when you move around with the hover boots it’s easier to dodge baddies or not fall off the cliffs. The battle system is greatly enhanced. You have two extra slots to equip items so you are not always pausing and equipping items. They also added two additional features to the gameplay. They added more to the Time stones. In addition to giving you fairies when you play Zelda’s Lullaby, they offer hints or ‘visions’ to help you when you are stuck. It’s a nice feature to newbies. Also there is a new tuning fork item that automatically rings when you approach a secret. Again to help out newbies to the game. Other than that everything else is spot on and parallels the classic on N64
There is, however, one aspect to the gameplay I failed to address. The 3DS incorporates a built in gyroscope. This detects the movements of the system. Nintendo incorporated this feature with any item that takes you to first person. For example, the fairy slingshot, the boomerang, the hookshot and bow. Instead of using the joystick to move, you use the entire system. When you move the system to the left so does your cross hair. It’s a genius addition to the game. The thing is, its stinkin’ accurate. In every shooting mini game, I beat it in one try using the gyroscope feature.
The Ocarina of Time features two post games. There is a boss run and they also included the Master Quest. The boss run is nice. It allows you to play over every boss in succession. There is also a time attack so you have to beat it as fast as you can. The Master Quest is very intriguing. You play the game all over on hard mode but the game is inverted. It’s almost like you are playing the game facing a mirror. The controls aren’t backwards but Link swings with his right hand not his left. To further explain this when you reach Hyrule Field Hyrule Lake and Lon Lon Ranch is on the right not the left. Interesting is the only word to explain it.
All in all this game is a great way to commemorate and celebrate 25 years of incredible fun. The remake was flawless and so enjoyable. No doubt in my mind this game gets a perfect 5 out of 5.
andy
