The transition to a smaller touchscreen device has brought with it a few other changes. The 3DS allows you to assign two of the face buttons to items or gear (one fewer than the N64 original) but it does give you instant access to the map, your inventory and two touch-screen buttons without having to fumble through layers and layers of menus and submenus. You’ll appreciate this especially in the infamous and infamously difficult Water temple, where you’ll be switching to and from using Iron Boots; that you can now do this just by tapping the touchscreen makes one of the best games ever made even better.
Another addition is the ability to use the 3DS’ built in gyroscope for aiming. Whether you’re shooting your catapult, hookshot, arrows with your bow or throwing a boomerang around, you can do so just by pointing the device in the desired direction. It seems cumbersome and awkward, but after extensive use I found it to be rather accurate. It does, however, tend to break the 3D when you’re moving about, but you can use the analogue circle pad if you prefer more traditional control.
Despite the changes, Ocarina of Time is still the same game, retaining the magic of Shigeru Miyamoto’s classic. So yes, by modern standards some elements may feel a little awkward or clunky (particularly the camera that would benefit from a second analogue) But Ocarina of Time has lost none of its magic or charm – and is as eminently playable today as it was all those years ago. It feels new, even though it isn’t. If there is something to complain about, it’s that Navi is still super annoying – and because she now calls out every 20 minutes or so asking if you need to rest,she’s double so. The save system also plants you back at the entrance to a dungeon or your home if you die, instead of right where you left off.
If you’re a 3DS owner looking for something to play on your new, admittedly bare-catalogued system, you ought look no further that the wondrous, magical adventure of Ocarina of Time.
Scoring
Gameplay: 10/10
It’s still an amazing game. Everything about its gameplay, from exploration and combat, to the mind-bending iconic dungeons borders on perfect. There’s no hand-holding, no fast travel and requires a surprising amount of mental dexterity.
Design and Presentation: 9/10
The visuals have been beautifully updated, the 3D effects, particularly in the few cutscenes are incredible. The touchscreen has been put to particularly good use, refining elements that used to be cumbersome.
Value: 9/10
It’ll take you at least 30 hours if you’ve never played it before. There’s a new Master Quest that opens up when you finish the game that increases the challenge and changes item locations. There’s also a boss attack mode where you can fight any of the bosses you’ve already beaten in time attack mode. there’s little replayability – but that’s fine because there’s a deluge of content to begin with.
Overall: 9.0/10
One of the best game just got better; it’s the ultimate version of a timeless classic – and it fits in your pocket. The Legend of Zelda : Ocarina of Time is a game every 3DS owner should have.
Last Updated: July 8, 2011
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