The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - Review

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

System: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Nintendo/Grezzo
Publisher: Nintendo
Year: 2011

In 1998, Ocarina of Time was released to a critical reception, gaining it a hotly disputed title of greatest game of all time. Here on the 3DS in The Legend of Zelda's 25th Anniversary year, Nintendo promised to deliver an upgraded version without the niggles that were present in the original. Have they succeeded?

Firstly, it would be silly to have 3D in the title and not have great 3D effects. As soon as you get into the game it is at first quite astounding how good the 3D compliments the shiny upgraded graphics. Orbs of light fly at you and swirl around you as you explore the Kokiri Woods and sparkles fly off Navi as she whips around Link's head. It's a good example of how subtle 3D effects just alter your perception a tiny bit, making it much sharper and deepening your immersion in this beautiful fantasy world. However, it is by no means a fault of the game but a fault in 3D in general, that as you play the game more the 3D effects are pushed into the background and you don't notice them as much. But still, as long as you are aware of them, it really heightens key moments when needed, such as pulling the Master Sword from its pedestal in The Temple of Time.

Those shiny upgraded visuals themselves are very welcome when looking back on the low polygon character models and flat plain textures of the original. Practically everywhere has had a touch of paint. The first time you notice this is Inside the Deku Tree, where the walls actually look properly defined than brown and green smudges. Shops in both past Hyrule Castle and future Kakariko now have their own unique shop fronts, which as well as making it easier to see which shop you need to go to - the bloke's face for general items like bombs and arrows and the potion bottle for potions and fairies - they also give each shop its own unique character. This continues throughout the game, from wall carvings in Goron City to light streaming in through the stained glass windows in Ganon's Castle. The character models have also benefited, with detailed faces and clothing - even though Link still remains expressionless in the main gameplay. It's great to see that it has been given all this care and attention, which carries on through to one of the major problems of the original.

For most Zelda players, the mere mention of Ocarina's Water Temple sends a wave of fear through them - said to be the most annoying dungeon in the series, it required you to access the rotating menu screens constantly to remove and put on the iron boots - an upgrade that allows you to sink in water. Ocarina of Time 3D completely eliminates the problem by featuring touch screen menus and the fact that every main item can be assigned to one of four instant access slots. You have your standard X and Y button assignment, plus two touch screen icons, replacing the four C-stick directions. Your Ocarina has a separate icon, leaving room for the items you need on the buttons. It's definitely one of the best features in this remake, allowing easy access to whatever items you need, be it those iron boots or a quest item.

Speaking of quests, the main game is exactly the same, although you get Master Quest bundled in as well as a boss attack mode. The former can only played after you have finished "normal" mode once, while the latter is accessible when you reach a certain point in the game. The main game is around 25 to 30 hours long (to complete it 100%), so you're getting double that playtime with the remixed, more difficult dungeons of Master Quest. The boss attack mode is a good distraction if you want to take a break from the main adventure and just want to get some action in.

The main story itself has not been touched and is still presented in its glorious original form. This can be seen both ways. For one it recognises how good the game was in the beginning, which is brilliant for the younger player who didn't experience the game first time around. However, if you're a Zelda veteran you're essentially playing the same game you bought almost fifteen years ago if you played it on N64, and around eight years ago if you played either the Wind Waker or Collector's Edition re-release. In this instance additional content to the actual game could have benefited long-time players, such as the challenge dungeon in Wind Waker.

The game also makes use of more of the 3DS' tech by adding in some gyroscopic controls. These are mainly for items like the slingshot, bow and boomerang, and when you're using the first person view. They actually work better than expected, often offering a precise method of lining up that vital shot in the shooting minigames. There is a conflict with the circle pad however, as if you're using both, the next time you use the gyroscopic controls they won't be in exact alignment with Link, and can often need recalibrating. Nevertheless a very useful addition to the control mechanics.

Finally, you have to commend Nintendo on how well it handled the game's launch as well as promoting the 25th Anniversary in general. The soundtrack CD was an excellent bonus to those that pre-ordered, presenting the glorious soundtrack mostly in full. This leads me to the final nice touch of Ocarina of Time 3D, using a fully orchestrated presentation of the main theme for the final credits. If you're a core Zelda fan be sure to play the end in private, as that powerful music is very emotional.

No matter if you've played it before or if you haven't, Ocarina of Time 3D is still the exhilarating classic it has always been and the current must have title on 3DS. Best Zelda game of all time? It comes close, but Wind Waker is still the king.

9/10