Rediscovering The Ocarina of Time

Well, I received a Nintendo 3DS for Christmas and have spent some time rediscovering an old classic: The Legend of Zelda – The Ocarina of Time.

The Ocarina of Time is a well-known title and one that often needs little introduction. It is a game that is widely pontificated as one of the finest ever created due to pitch perfect gameplay, a well-crafted story and excellent (for the time) graphics. Not to to mention the memorable soundtrack. In fact, one of my most favorite aspects to the games was its music. From the lively tune of the Lost Woods to the wild beats of the Gerudo Desert, the soundtrack perfectly sets the mood and gives every area a unique character. The music also plays a pivotal role in the gameplay,  played on the mystical ocarina that is the game’s namesake. Every so often, you have to whip out the ocarina to activate doors or trigger events like raising the water level in a certain dungeon *cough*Water Temple*cough* and you can even warp to certain areas in Hyrule once you learned the appropriate song.

The gameplay is so enjoyable due to the tight control scheme used which features the “L-Targeting” mechanic that was introduced for the first time on its debut on the Nintendo 64. Back then it was known as “Z-Targeting due to it being activated by the Z trigger button the N64 controller. The targeting mechanic makes combat fluid and fast, allowing you to strafe around enemies and switch focus between foes easily. Your items can be equipped to the Y and X buttons on the 3DS with two more slots being moved to the touchscreen. All in all, the controls have migrated rather well to their new positions on the 3DS.

The story is the delicious gooey center to the game that helps draw together the gameplay and music into an unforgettable experience.  The game features the hero Link, who must set out on a journey across Hyrule to stop the evil Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce and dominating the world. The quest spans the entirety of Hyrule and even across Time itself as you must travel between the present and the future as you become the legendary Hero of Time. Along the way, you’ll meet a colorful cast of characters. From the feisty Princess Ruto of the Zora to the fierce Darunia of the Gorons, every character adds to the masterful portrait that is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. At the center of it all stands Link, our young hero who must use all of his courage and his wits (not to mention clever use of his items) in order to save Hyrule from the grip of evil.