9.9

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

This is probably one of the most anticipated games for 2011 and if you're an owner of a Nintendo 3DS, than this is the game to rule over all games... The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. That's right, one of the most innovative and amazing games of 1998 from the Nintendo 64 has been ported (more specifically remastered) to the 3DS but best of all, it utilises the new technology of the 3DS, so revisiting this world again is like visiting it again for the first time. From the first  time that you insert the cartridge into the 3DS, the game captures you immediately as you get lost in this amazing world and even if you have played the original title before, enough time has passed (13 years) that it still captivates you.

Historically, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time revolutionised gaming at the time as not only did it transport this franchise to 3D but it contained one of the best control systems to date and thankfully this remastered version makes full use of the 3DS so in essence, it's like playing a totally new game. Apart from the amazing graphics on the 3DS and comprehensive yet entertaining gameplay, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D still has one of the best gaming stories to date, albeit cliched. The story revolves around Link who must help the beautiful Princess Zelda stop the evil Ganondorf from enslaving the world.

Unfortunately for Link, he is the only person in his village not to have a fairy until one day, Navi, his fairy arrives who will help fulfil his prophecy. Before you engage in this epic story, you must first help Link find a sword and shield that once found, you must then visit the great Tree which commences your journey. However what made this story so fun was the ability to play Link as a boy and also a young man which was definitely the precursor for games such as the Fable series. The story may be a little clichéd today but at the time, it was one of the most original stories and dare I say... Disney like due to its epic nature.

The gameplay of Zelda 3DS works just as well on the 3DS if not better than the Nintendo 64 thanks to the innovative controls. As you jump, attack and engage in all the colourful characters of this world, the only drawback to the game is the camera angles. At times, it feels a little disconcerting because you cannot use the analog stick to move the camera angle as this is being used to control Link. You can however reset the camera angle via the shoulder buttons that actually does work but it takes a little getting use too.

The touch screen is used well in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D to not only access your menus but more importantly, your items and weapons. Link can also equip four items which makes the gameplay considerably smoother than the original game, thanks to the touch screen and the X/Y buttons. Combat albeit a little simplistic works on many levels from blocking to various attacks that flows rather well with the gameplay. My favourite aspect of the new control system is the gyroscope that goes into a first-person mode and makes projectile attacks a treat to use. As opposed to using the Circle Pad which you can still do, you basically move the 3DS console to shoot your enemies or puzzles in the game. The only issue with the gyroscope is that the 3D needs to be turned off as it gets a little awkward.

As you explore the diverse environments of this game, you will visit a variety of impressive areas from forests to dungeons and some spectacular areas that will definitely leave a mark on your gaming memories. Besides all the fights that Link gets involved in, there are plenty of puzzles to keep you occupied and these can be quite challenging at times. For me, it was trying to get through a labyrinth that required you to use your memory and even though it was frustrating at the time, the reward far outweighed the frustration of the challenge. With lots of items to find or purchase, there's plenty of booty to be found in all your dungeon crawls that helps prompt the player on.

I also like the fact that if you get stuck in the game, you can access the Sheikah Stones which are littered throughout the gaming environment. By engaging in these stones, they will show you a snapshot of what you need to do next. These images are basically very short moves merged together in order to assist you. Like the original game, Zelda 3D will take you around 20 to 25 hours to complete, more if you want to explore the richness of this world. The developers have also added a new challenge mode which allows you to challenge the bosses that you have already defeated but this doesn't become available until you are well into the game. Just to prove how good this game is, I'm actually playing the title again because once you finish the game, Zelda 3D opens up a Master Quest mode that ups the difficulty of your enemies and the puzzles in the game. Brilliant!

Graphically, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is art. It's easily one of the most spectacular looking 3DS games and looks far more polished then the N64 version. The highlight is the 3D effects that really brings the game to life in this almost magical way. Everything looks brighter and more realistic when the 3D slider is set to full. From the detailed textures to all the polygons that make up this world, this is one environment that comes together perfectly. The developers fortunately made good use of the 3D depth capabilities of the 3DS and what I do like about this "remastered" version is that there is so much more attention to detail as opposed to the original N64 version. It basically jumps out at the screen to you.

Apart from the amazing visuals, Zelda 3D contains one of the best soundtracks for a game and has been faithfully recreated on the 3DS. The music really helps get you into the mindset of Zelda and all the characters that you meet and fight. Unfortunately there is no voice acting in Zelda and the only annoyance with the sound is Navi whose sound effects do get a tad annoying but it is cute.

Final Thoughts?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is not just a good game but it's a great game and really showcases the capabilities of Nintendo's latest and greatest console, the 3DS. With amazing visuals, a sturdy control system and 3D to die for, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a must have title for the 3DS and if you're into adventure games, than it doesn't get more adventurous than this. Buy this game, lock yourself away and get ready for the ride of your life... again.