Finding the Footing
I had a rather unconventional order of playing the Zelda games. It was the encouragement of the fans that motivated me to experience the series in my own way. A few years back, I first attempted to get into the franchise by playing A Link to the Past and the original The Legend of Zelda (you can read my updated experience here). However, neither of them captivated me enough to continue at the time.
This year however I really wanted to get into the lore of the franchise. For these story-driven franchises ( or so I thought ) getting interested in the lore always helped me to play most if not all of their entries. So this year to put the Hyrule in a 3D perceptive I started the Legendary Ocarina of Time. I honestly didn’t know the legendary status of this N64 and 3DS title at first. When I started the game somehow the devious algorithms of social media knew it and brought the news of Ocarina of Time. So going in you could say my expectations were both high and mild.
It’s Heroing Time
As I journeyed deeper into Hyrule, it never once crossed my mind that I was playing a game originally conceived in 1995. You take on the role of a young boy (canonically named Link) who lives in Kokiri Forest. One day, the guardian of the forest, the Great Deku Tree, calls upon him, entrusting him with a mission to save the world from an evil Gerudo king, Ganondorf. Before succumbing to death, as a result of the rising darkness in the land, the Great Deku Tree instructs Link to travel to Hyrule Castle and seek out Princess Zelda. The moment you step into the castle courtyard and meet Zelda, the adventure shifts into a grand, otherworldly scale.
In Awe
As one of the pioneers of 3D open-world game design, Ocarina of Time clearly set benchmarks that influenced titles for over a decade. The enemy variety, side activities, quests, and diverse biomes within the vast open world remain impressive, even by today’s standards.
You encounter series staples like Deku Scrubs, Armos, Beamos, and Gibdos, while newer enemy varieties like Skulltulas and Wolfos make their franchise debut. Each enemy type demands a unique approach, adding strategic depth to combat and exploration. The level of interactivity in Hyrule’s world design still holds up, reinforcing why this game is regarded as a masterpiece.
Puzzled
One of Ocarina of Time’s most compelling aspects is its puzzle design. The game challenges players with a total of twelve dungeons, each varying in complexity. While all of them are difficult in their own right, none have earned as much notoriety as the infamous Water Temple. It remains the most complex and backtracking-heavy Zelda dungeon I’ve encountered.
On the other hand, my favorite dungeon is the Fire Temple. Its puzzle design, intense boss battle, and the way it creates an immersive atmosphere make it a standout experience. Solving tricky puzzles and overcoming challenging bosses make every step of Link’s journey through Hyrule feel rewarding.
Musical Mastery
Ocarina of Time is a prime example of how seamlessly music can be woven into storytelling. Many modern games use music merely as a background tool to mask developmental limitations. However, in Ocarina of Time, the music feels like an integral part of the world itself. Each area has its distinct theme, perfectly complementing the storytelling and atmosphere.
Beyond ambient music, Link’s ocarina plays a central role in gameplay. It’s as essential as his sword and shield, used for puzzle-solving, fast travel, and other mechanics. Throughout the game, Link learns various melodies that aid him in his quest. While all of them are beautifully composed, my favorites include Bolero of Fire, Song of Time, Song of Storms, and Saria’s Song.
Spoiler Warning: If you are a person who hasn’t heard or seen much about OOT and you plan to give this classic a go, skip the following paragraph and continue. Do not want to spoil it. People who’re here just for a good read, march along.
Cause and Effect
One of the most satisfying mechanics in the game is time travel. Midway through the adventure, Link wields the iconic Master Sword, transitioning into his adult form (long story). Later, he gains the ability to return to his child form by placing the sword back in its pedestal.
The game doesn’t explicitly tell you how crucial this mechanic is, but mastering it is essential for acquiring key items and heart pieces. Discovering this organically and using it strategically adds a whole new layer of satisfaction to the gameplay.
Character Arc
Among the highlights of the game that comes to my mind the most interesting one is the character arc that is provided both to Link and Zelda throughout this epic adventure. Although some of the plot devices in the game do help it to speed up, it always feels like it was a natural progression.
The game also brilliantly establishes the relationship between Zelda and Link. Their dynamic isn’t the typical “hero rescues damsel” setup. More than a mere afterthought; Zelda is very much an integral part of the story in this installment.
My Gateway
Ocarina of Time was my gateway into truly appreciating the Zelda franchise. It’s a challenging, satisfying, and immersive experience that has stood the test of time. If you’re interested in experiencing a classic, meaningful, and engaging retro adventure, I highly recommend taking a stroll through Hyrule as our green-clad hero.
