The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review

If there is one game that everyone considers epic and timeless, it would be Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Since its debut on the Nintendo 64, the game has been ported to various Nintendo consoles such as Gamecube and the Wii. Over a decade after its initial release, a remake of Ocarina of Time with enhanced visuals is coming exclusively to the Nintendo 3DS. Using the 3D capabilities of the handheld and its dual screen feature, Ocarina of Time 3D is the remake everyone has been waiting for.

For newcomers to the Legend of Zelda series who haven’t played Ocarina of Time, now is the time to play it in 3D. However, gamers who played Ocarina of Time over a decade ago are wondering if re-purchasing the game is worth it. Let’s take a look at the changes in the Ocarina of Time 3D review.

HOT

Improved Visual Presentation
Ocarina of Time 3D is not a straight port of the Nintendo 64 version. One of the major differences in the remake of Ocarina of Time is the improved visuals. Every character model and the gorgeous scenery of Hyrule has been completely remade for the Nintendo 3DS. If you noticed the weak and blurry visuals in the N64 version of Ocarina of Time, the 3D version will be a welcome change, as the graphics have greatly improved. However, Ocarina 3D does not utilize a new engine. The visuals are improved but it’s not completely remade, and it cannot compare to the graphics of current generation Zelda games.

In addition to having improved visuals, 3D effects have been added to the game as well. Whether or not gamers are playing at the minimum or maximum settings of Ocarina 3D, they will be pleased to know that Grezzo and Nintendo did a good job of making the graphics pop out. The maximum 3D effects work well and demonstrate the capability of the 3DS.

Master Quest is Included
After players finish the main quest, a Master Quest version will be unlocked. Similar to the Master Quest that was included in the Gamecube version of the game, players who choose to play Master Quest will have a new gameplay experience waiting for them. In the Master Quest mode, players can expect enemy appearances and dungeons to be randomized. If players seek a challenge after the lengthy adventure of Ocarina of Time, the Master Quest will definitely provide.

Replay Boss Fights
The bosses in the Legend of Zelda games are pretty epic and it would be nice to fight them more than once. In the 3D version of Ocarina of Time, players can now repeat boss battles after defeating them in the main game. The Boss Gauntlet Mode in Ocarina 3D can be accessed from Link’s house in Kokiri Forest. Players who play the Boss Gauntlet Mode will be able to see the fastest time they completed the boss battle. Sorry folks, there are no online leader boards, but the completion time can still be compared with friends to determine Zelda bragging rights.

Relive the Classic Story
The story of Ocarina of Time was left unchanged. For newcomers, the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D follows the story of Link as he saves Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf. Following Link’s journey inside the Deku Tree, he was tasked to meet with Princess Zelda of Hyrule. In Link’s conversation with Princess Zelda, the princess reveals that she has seen darkness coming in her dreams and asks Link to protect Hyrule from it. More twists in Ocarina of Time will be unveiled as players progress through the game. For those familiar with the Legend of Zelda games, expect to go through eight different temples and fight tough bosses at the end of each one. The story is so strong that it will stay with you long after you beat the game, and many gamers will find themselves playing through multiple times just to experience the story again.

Gyro-Aiming System and Improved Controls
Aside from having 3D effects and improved visuals in Ocarina 3D, there is another big improvement that fans will appreciate. For anyone who complained about the targeting system from the original game, you will be pleased to know that it has been fixed here. Using the Gyro feature of the Nintendo 3DS, players can now use the technology to aim and shoot. Players who use the gyro can move the 3DS around and aim it at the enemy. Compared to the complicated Z aiming system of the Nintendo 64, the Gyro feature works much better.

Playing Ocarina of Time 3D on the Nintendo 3DS is so easy that players will have no problem getting used to the controls. Using the bottom screen of the handheld, players are able to simply touch and select the items and gears that Link will have. The maps of every dungeon and town will no longer appear on the main screen, as they’re now located on the bottom screen for easy access. Thanks to the Circle Pad of the handheld, navigating through dungeons is easier.

NOT

No Street Pass or Spot Pass
Ocarina 3D is one of the few 3DS games that doesn’t support StreetPass. It would be nice if this classic game utilized the StreetPass feature to exchange stats from the Boss Gauntlet mode. Another semi-disappointment that I’ve found is that the game doesn’t offer online functionality. If Nintendo wants a complete Ocarina of Time 3D remake, online support in one form or another is essential.

VERDICT

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is one very good reason to buy a Nintendo 3DS. The classic tale that gamers have been enjoying for over a decade has finally been remade in 3D. With improved visuals and slight changes to the gameplay, revisiting Hyrule in this 3D classic will be more than worth it. Without a doubt, Ocarina of Time 3D is a must-have game for every 3DS owner out there. Newcomers to the Zelda series should start with this game and find out why Zelda is a series that every Nintendo fan loves.

[Editor’s Note:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D was reviewed on the Nintendo 3DS platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]