Summary

A triumph in video game remaking, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D combines nostalgia with innovation, presenting a timeless adventure in a new light. It’s a must-play for fans of the series and a compelling entry point for newcomers to the saga of Hyrule.

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Developers: Grezzo
Publishers: Nintendo

Introduction

Released in 2011, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D breathes new life into the timeless classic, offering both long-time fans and newcomers an opportunity to experience the game with the technological advancements of the 3DS. This remake enhances the original game’s legendary status with updated visuals and gameplay, making it a must-have for any Zelda enthusiast.

Synopsis

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D” is a remarkable action-adventure game that was developed by Grezzo and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console. This game, released in 2011, is a remake of the original 1998 Nintendo 64 game. It features updated graphics, stereoscopic 3D effects, and mirrored versions of the rearranged dungeons from Ocarina of Time Master Quest.

The game’s protagonist is the series’ trademark hero, Link, who resides in the land of Hyrule. The plot revolves around a young boy named Link who must gather the three Spiritual Stones and awaken the Seven Sages to overthrow Ganondorf, a tyrannical warlock terrorizing the land of Hyrule. Link, originally from the Kokiri Forest, must defend the Kingdom of Hyrule and the Triforce from the evil Gerudo King Ganondorf.

Link uses the power of the mysterious Ocarina of Time to travel through time and set things right. The game provides a glimpse into Link’s life before he became the hero of Hyrule. This narrative is deeply intertwined with the gameplay, creating a rich and immersive gaming experience.

The gameplay for the remake is very similar to the original version, but it made some modifications to the game. One new feature is the use of the touchscreen to manage inventory items. The touchscreen is also used at times to play the Ocarina songs. The game uses the system’s gyroscopic technology to look around and aim the player’s bow, boomerang, hookshot, longshot, and slingshot in first-person mode.

The 3DS version has the modified Master Quest dungeons and mirrored overworld in addition to the original game. A new “Boss Challenge” mode allows the player to fight all of the bosses one at a time, or in sequential order. The Master Quest has its own version of the “Boss Challenge” mode, where the boss arenas are mirrored and enemies will do twice the usual amount of damage.

Another new addition is the inclusion of optional brief video clips called “Visions” that serve as hint videos in case some new players get lost or have trouble solving the game’s numerous puzzles. These are accessed via Sheikah Stones, which are located at Link’s house in the Kokiri Forest and inside the Temple of Time.

Due to the 3DS having no equivalent to the Nintendo 64’s Rumble Pak feature, the Stone of Agony from the original version of the game was replaced with the Shard of Agony which serves the same purpose, only with a sound signal to inform the players of secrets nearby.

“Ocarina of Time 3D” received critical acclaim, with some calling it one of the best video game remakes of all time. It was also a commercial success with over 6.44 million units sold worldwide as of December 2022, making it the thirteenth best-selling Nintendo 3DS game.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D” is a masterful remake that not only enhances the original game with updated graphics and new features but also stays true to the spirit of the original narrative. It offers a rich and immersive gaming experience that continues to captivate players around the world.

Characters

Link, the courageous young hero; Zelda, the wise and powerful princess; Ganondorf, the malevolent antagonist; along with a diverse cast of friends and foes that enrich the story and challenges Link encounters on his quest.

Gameplay

The gameplay remains true to the original, with exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, but is enhanced by the 3DS’s gyroscopic controls for aiming and first-person perspective, as well as touch-screen functionality for inventory management. Master Quest and Boss Challenge modes are also included, providing even seasoned players with new challenges.

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a masterful remake of a game many consider to be among the best of all time. With its enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and additional content, it not only pays homage to the original but also sets a high standard for video game remakes.