The Legend of Zelda: A Look Back Part III

The Nintendo 64 was sold on the marvelous world that was Super Mario 64. Nintendo had perfected the 3D platformer so expectations were high for the next biggest horse in their stable, Zelda. Could Zelda work in 3D? The answer was an easy yes. With The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Nintendo put out one of the finest games of all time. The game drew on the past games while expanding the Zelda world and creating a truly beautiful and cinematic game. Looking back the plot mirrors “A Link to the Past” pretty closely with just enough changes that really perfect the game. The dungeon design was amazing with the two forest temples being my favorites. And who could forget the feeling of riding your horse, Epona, across Hyrule field. While trying to run away from that giant jellyfish looking thing that would come out at night. The game also really introduced the use of music in Zelda, except of course for the transport flute. I’ve played the game many times over the years and it remains one of my favorites.

We waited so long for “Ocarina of Time” that I was afraid that only one Zelda game would be released this generation like on the SNES. Fortunately I was wrong and “Majora’s Mask” was released. I was reluctant to it the first time I played it. No Gannon, No Zelda, I mean come on, how can this game be good. Well it wasn’t good, it was great. With a three day time travel scenario, a few crazy characters and a fun mask system the game took the Zelda franchise and got experimental. I eventually dove into the game, found every mask and loved every minute of it. A great game that usually gets forgotten because of how great “Ocarina of Time” is but is really just as good as it.

I’m now about 28 hours into “Skyward Sword” and the whole experience keeps getting better and better. I’m through the first 5 dungeons and every time I start to feel like I’m getting board with the sword play, the game gives me something new to do with it. The items feel fresh and unique with new ways to use them. The only thing I’m starting to get bored with are some of the non playable characters. I wish that it had more Groose, but it is still a great game so far.