Released in November 1998, 20 years ago to this month, Ocarina of Time marked the much anticipated debut of The Legend of Zelda series into the world of 3D and is heralded by many as quite possibly one of the most influential and greatest games of all time. This fantastical adventure begins with a young boy, Link, who is the only child to live in Kokiri Forest that is without a fairy. When sinister schemes are put into motion by a wandering Gerudo, Ganondorf, Link sets off on a grand quest to save the kingdom of Hyrule. Little does he know the key to smiting this evil force will require the kingdom to fall to ruin, as Link will travel through time and enter a future where Ganondorf has taken rule by means of uncontested power. Exploring these sprawling lands and discovering the many colorful characters that inhabit such, split across two timelines, makes for what feels like such a classical and epic saga. The remorse of leaving a dear friend to embark to new lands. The bond between a horse and a melody that time cannot break. The intrigue of a mysterious stranger who offers wisdom and always seems to be just one step ahead of you. The feelings this game is able to evoke is the quintessential embodiment of fantasy.
Aside from this mastering of narrative undertones and world-building, Zelda's first jump into 3D was also handled with tremendous grace and wonder. The new mechanic of Z-targeting kept the combat focused and created compelling duels with the many variety of foes in which to encounter. What more, the worlds made use of 3D to create gameplay experiences that could otherwise never be experienced or felt in its 2D counterparts. And no where was this better displayed than the game's phenomenal dungeons. The use of height in the Great Deku tree used as a puzzle solution to break through the stick spider web. Or the captivating effect of the twisted tunnels in the Forest Temple, which has rooms literally turning on their side for Link to navigate. Or how the boss of this temple would travel between various paintings, requiring the player to constantly rotate about the room keeping tabs on all these portraits in the full 3D space. This incorporation of environmental design serving also serving as a key component to gameplay and puzzle solving makes the world that much more important and invests the player into it that much more.
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| Concept art for Ocarina of Time. |
As the subtitle of the game would suggest, the ocarina and music are also pivotal components of making this game a masterpiece. The musical scores, written by key Nintendo composer Koji Kondo, create such evocative emotions associated and strongly attached to the many characters and locations of this game's wide world. Adding to that stirring sense of memorability is the unique immersion of gameplay and music with the ocarina. Players would learn a variety of simple melodies, of which would often be tied to a specific location or unique effect. The direct interaction of calling your horse or summoning a storm through means of a simple tune is not only magically enchanting, but makes the simple action that much easier to recall and fondly remember.
I could go on and on about the many outstanding qualities and achievements Ocarina of Time, but I'll reel myself back and just reminisce a little more over some of the many fond moments in this enchanting world. The unnerving shock to witness the desolate Castle Town the first time in Link's adult timeline, from what was once a lively and bustling market. The daunting labyrinth that is the Water Temple, which halted many a play-through in my youth with its confusing, twisting structure and assorted water levels. It always felt like I was one key shy than was needed, and the feeling of impossibility always led to the start of a new game months later after I had given up hope. What a love-hate relationship I had with this dungeon, but the immense satisfaction that was felt upon overcoming such could not be matched. Or there was the time when I fell into a cave surrounded by undead, to which I briefly felt a stride of clever boldness and ingenuity to use Din's Fire to strike down all the encircling foes at once. What instead proceeded was a moment of horrifying regret as I was then struck still by fear of a horde of now inflamed zombies closing in around me, ready to gnaw away with their fiery jaws. (shivers) And how about the climatic conclusion of the game, escaping the collapsing castle and Ganondorf's enraged transformation into the demon lord Ganon, perhaps my favorite depiction of this pig-like incarnation. Nothing is quite as striking and awe-inspiring as this shadowy behemoth dual-wielding lethal blades atop flamed-engulfed ruins amidst a threatening storm of lightning and thunder.
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| Artwork produced for Ocarina of Time: 3D, later released in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS. |
If you've never experienced this masterpiece in gaming, there are an abundance of means in which to play such. From the N64, GameCube, Wii, Wii-U, and 3DS, Ocarina of Time has seen release on each of these systems in some form or another, be it physical release, collector's edition, virtual console, or an enhanced remake. Whatever your preferred system or play-style, this game is sure to leave a lasting and magical impression. For those who have likely rolled into this adventure countless times, share some of your favorite Ocarina of Time moments in the comments below. And stay tuned for more nostalgic memories and gaming goodness to come as we come to the gripping conclusion of the Top 100. Thanks. And happy gaming!
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