The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

UPC: 045496741556

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Publisher: Nintendo of America, Inc.

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Category: Role-Playing

Style(s): Third-Person 3D Action RPG

Synopsis: Link's first foray in 3D is fittingly adapted to the 3DS platform as an enhanced remake of the classic Nintendo 64 game. Ocarina of Time 3D features the same storyline, locales, and action as in 1998's game, but with updated visuals, a touch-screen interface, and several other surprises. The graphics feature higher resolution textures, improved character models, as well as a shift from the original game's pre-rendered elements to 3D polygons. The first-person camera that appears while aiming weapons like the slingshot or bow can be manipulated using either the Circle Pad or the system's built-in gyro sensor. You can now equip up to four items instead of three, and certain parts of the game have been reworked to minimize frustration. Also included is the "Master Quest," a more challenging version of the main game with redesigned dungeons. The Master Quest was previously available as part of a GameCube compilation disc for those who pre-ordered The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 20-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

One of Nintendo's enormous advantages over its competitors is the publisher's variety of exclusive franchises that have enjoyed decades of success. The publisher has proven that it can recycle versions of earlier console or handheld titles and still enjoy strong sales with almost zero effort. So it's a bit of a surprise that Nintendo is actually spending time (and money) to rework certain legacy titles for the 3DS. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, originally released in 1998 on Nintendo 64, is the first such title to be refitted for the 3DS platform. Ocarina of Time has long been regarded as one of the greatest games ever designed, so it's a perfect candidate for receiving some TLC to bring it in line with more contemporary titles. And the visuals -- arguably the original game's weakest aspect -- have improved considerably. Everything is now crisp and vibrant. More detailed textures and high-resolution characters make a huge difference, and the world pops off the screen even without the 3D effect. Yet you'll want to turn the 3D effect on, as it is easily the most impressive use of the technology on the handheld to date, which makes exploring the world seem like a completely new experience even for those who have traveled the 3D version of Hyrule more times than they can remember. While the visuals have received a significant facelift, the audio is mostly unchanged, which is a good thing. Ocarina of Time has one of the greatest soundtracks ever created for a video game, in part because of the emotional connection you feel when hearing the themes for specific characters, places, and events. There are some misfires, however. Navi, Link's rather demanding fairy companion, constantly yells out "Hey, listen!" to almost comedic effect. None of her information is particularly helpful, either, and yet she cannot be silenced. There's also an incessant beeping sound effect that plays whenever you are critically low on health, which makes you worry about taking too much damage like in no other game. The changes outside of the presentation are minimal. You can use the system's gyroscope to look around and aim, but since your eyes have to be in the same position for the 3D effect to work, it's not practical to move the handheld in different directions away from your gaze. The touch-screen interface makes inventory management easier, but it's an obvious inclusion. The only real new features of note are 1) the option to replay any of the boss fights independently from the main game and 2) the inclusion of the more challenging "Master Quest" mode, previously available in the States as part of a pre-order incentive for the GameCube's The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Unfortunately this Master Quest mode, a rearranged version with stronger enemies, is locked from the start. You have to beat the game to unlock it, which is sure to disappoint longtime fans hoping to experience their favorite title in a slightly new way. Noticeably absent are standalone mini-games that could have easily expanded on the archery, horseback riding, slingshot, and fishing features in the main adventure. The gameplay in Ocarina of Time 3D is nearly unchanged, but aside from some clumsiness associated with targeting enemies in groups and some relatively limited combat moves, this is not a problem. The adventure still holds up as one of the best in the series to date, gradually introducing new gameplay elements as you progress, and enticing you with new areas to explore, characters to meet, and side-quests to complete. The game is at times challenging, sweet, funny, intimate, epic, scary, and surprising. It's always enjoyable. As a remake, the end-result isn't quite as impressive as it could have been, but this a minor complaint considering how great the game looks and plays. Even after 13 years, Ocarina of Time hits all the right notes and should be an essential addition to your 3DS library. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.