The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Reviewed by Ian McClain
Since the release of the Nintendo 64 fans have waited eagerly for the
next installment of the Legend of Zelda games. It was a long, long wait,
with a couple of delays (long delays). Gamers where getting little to bide
the time with. Quest 64 was the only thing close to an RPG that came out,
but let us not dwell on that. but now, behold Ocarina of Time. A game that
is truly worth the wait and lives up to it's hype. If ever there were a reason
to buy an N64, this is it. This game is an experience that gamers everywhere
should try. I myself was skeptical and weary of the hype, but now I repent
for my skepticism. Enough of my rambling, on with the review...
Graphics 5 out of 5
Ahhh, the graphics. Beautiful, awe inspiring, magnificence: from the sun
rise to the sun set, the graphics are dazzling. The easiest way to describe
the visuals is to have you think of Final Fantasy 7 or even (shudder) Quest
64 (okay, so it looked nice, I'll give it that) and make them better. The maps
are detailed, the colors are rich, and there is little or no fog. The game play
is smooth, silky smooth. What else can I say, it's virtually perfect.
Music and Sound 5 out of 5
You must play this game in stereo sound to enjoy the full sweetness. The
music is the best I've heard on any 64 game yet, it's like an orchesta. All
the classic Zelda sounds and songs are hear, improved to perfection. For
any other game I would skip this section as I don't care for it much, but
Ocarina of Time truly deserves a 5.
Game Challenge 4.8 out of 5
What, I didn't give it a perfect score? Well, this game is not impossible,
and that's the way I likes it. If a game is impossible I'd probably throw
a tantrum and break it. Ocarina is possible to beat without a strategy
guide, at least for me. It's about as difficult as the other Zeldas: There
are multi-level dungeons which consist of series of puzzles and usually
end with a boss. The dungeons become more elaborate and the bosses more
difficult. Each dungeon contains a different item to defeat the boss and
expand Link's resources. The only difference is it is three dimensional If
you liked the others in the series your sure to like this one.
Game Play-Fun 5 out of 5
This game is big and in depth, unlike another 64 RPG. Of course it's fun.
Exploring is fun. Defeating the boss is fun. Playing the mini-games to
earn pieces of heart is fun. Fishing is really fun. What more could you want?
Rumble Pak 5 out of 5
I hate the rumble pak. I think it is stupid. The only reason I have it is because
it came with Star Fox. However, I think Ocarina of Time makes great use
of it. I doesn't annoy me as usual and there's even an item called the stone
of agony. It works like this: whenever you are in close proximity of a
secret, the rumble pak vibrates. It may sound dumb but it actually pays
to have a rumble pak in this game. It's fun to use when fishing, too.
Frustration
Yeah, I got stuck in a couple of dungeons, but that's because I forgot that
what worked in the other Zeldas usually works in this one, too. (A friend
pointed out to me that I could move the tomb stones in the graveyard.)
Replayability 5 out of 5
Could you replay the other Zeldas?
Game Value 5 out of 5
Ohh yeah, glad I pre-ordered mine. I would have dished out much more
than $60. It's my favorite 64 game.
Fishing 5 out of 5
You must try fishing on the edge of Lake Hyrule. The casts, the stuggle, the
satisfaction of reeling in a real lunker. The environment is serene and
soothing, the music is calming, and the service is friendly. The rumble pack
alerts you of a bite and warns you when the line is about to break. I spent
an hour my first time there!
Overall 5 out of 5
This game is a masterpiece. I have yet to find a flaw in it. Even though it
is the first 3D game of the series, Ocarina of Time stays true to the theme
and fun of it's ancestors. My first impression was that they were taking
Zelda in a whole new direction, but I soon realized the resemblances to the others.