The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Reviews
While tiny hiccups blight the full experience, Ocarina of Time is a game that can only be described as superb.
- Posted Sep 25, 2006 5:00 pm PT
- Recommended by 3 of 3 users.
- Gameplay
- 9
- Graphics
- 10
- Sound
- 10
- Value
- 9
- Tilt
- 10
- Difficulty:
- Just Right
- Learning Curve:
- 0 to 30 Minutes
- Time Spent:
- 20 to 40 Hours
- The Bottom Line:
- "Instant classic"
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time begins its deceptively extensive fairy tale with a young boy named Link, destined to save his native land of Hyrule. While the story is seemingly clichéd in that it revolves around the “unsuspecting chosen one” narrative, through the course of Link’s adventure the story gradually leads into a very original tale of epic heroism. Luckily, Ocarina of Time’s presentation is equally as epic.
The sheer amount of areas to explore in Ocarina of Time is simply staggering, and traversing the numerous dungeons within each is a delight. Link performs a variety of perilous acts with ease and fluidity, however a jump button would have made executing these stunts even more fun. The puzzles inside each dungeon are always challenging and innovative and never resort to redundant methods like key hunting or pulling innumerable levers. Around and within Hyrule is a wide assortment of enemies, and subjugating each is satisfying for the most part. Link is equipped with a shield, a sword, and various other weapons, and can execute each of his attacks and combos effortlessly. Coupled with inventive (yet at some times methodical) bosses, combat is a pleasing experience overall. On the whole, the varying aspects of gameplay in Ocarina of Time are thoroughly enjoyable.
Along with great gameplay, this game also features some spectacular graphics. From the blithe woods of Kokiri Forest to the serene water filled cavern of Zora’s Domain, each region of Hyrule has its own distinctive appearance. Be it the majestic lake or the begrimed prisons of the Spirit Temple, almost all of the places to explore are a sight to behold, despite some muddy textures here and there. Not only are Ocarina of Time’s environments stunning, but also the characters living in them are beautifully animated and articulated. Each citizen of Hyrule has his or her own distinct personality, and, despite all of the dialogue being text-based, their emotions are conveyed to great affect through various facial expressions and animations.
Since a musical instrument is in the very title, it is only fitting that Ocarina of Time’s graphics meet their parallel by magnificent sound. With the possible exception of Link’s fairy companion, each sound effect and melody is a joy to hear. Every milieu in Hyrule has its own distinct musical score. A band of gallant trumpets and flutes accompany you as you cross Hyrule field, while the melancholy air and distant moans of the Spirit Temple make for an atmospheric and downright chilling experience. It is this wonderful diversity in sound and music that bring the environments of Ocarina of Time to life.
Not only does this game offer an excellent gameplay experience, but the protracted campaign and steep quantity of side quests and mini games make for a pretty lengthy adventure. There are approximately 14 dungeons in Ocarina of Time, and all are densely packed with puzzles, pitfalls, and secrets. The total amount of secrets and side quests inside and outside the dungeons is staggering. From finding heart pieces, to killing golden spiders, to mask selling, to horseback riding, to item trading you will hardly ever find yourself at a loss of things to do. Even if you were to keep on the path of the main story, you would be hard pressed to finish Ocarina of Time without devoting at least 20 hours to it.
The sum of the great cinematic presentation, fun and innovative gameplay, and long-lasting campaign result in a truly unforgettable adventure. Add in an intriguing story and memorable characters and you get icing on a cake that was delicious to begin with. While some tiny hiccups here and there blight the full experience, Ocarina of Time is a game that can only be described as superb.
The sheer amount of areas to explore in Ocarina of Time is simply staggering, and traversing the numerous dungeons within each is a delight. Link performs a variety of perilous acts with ease and fluidity, however a jump button would have made executing these stunts even more fun. The puzzles inside each dungeon are always challenging and innovative and never resort to redundant methods like key hunting or pulling innumerable levers. Around and within Hyrule is a wide assortment of enemies, and subjugating each is satisfying for the most part. Link is equipped with a shield, a sword, and various other weapons, and can execute each of his attacks and combos effortlessly. Coupled with inventive (yet at some times methodical) bosses, combat is a pleasing experience overall. On the whole, the varying aspects of gameplay in Ocarina of Time are thoroughly enjoyable.
Along with great gameplay, this game also features some spectacular graphics. From the blithe woods of Kokiri Forest to the serene water filled cavern of Zora’s Domain, each region of Hyrule has its own distinctive appearance. Be it the majestic lake or the begrimed prisons of the Spirit Temple, almost all of the places to explore are a sight to behold, despite some muddy textures here and there. Not only are Ocarina of Time’s environments stunning, but also the characters living in them are beautifully animated and articulated. Each citizen of Hyrule has his or her own distinct personality, and, despite all of the dialogue being text-based, their emotions are conveyed to great affect through various facial expressions and animations.
Since a musical instrument is in the very title, it is only fitting that Ocarina of Time’s graphics meet their parallel by magnificent sound. With the possible exception of Link’s fairy companion, each sound effect and melody is a joy to hear. Every milieu in Hyrule has its own distinct musical score. A band of gallant trumpets and flutes accompany you as you cross Hyrule field, while the melancholy air and distant moans of the Spirit Temple make for an atmospheric and downright chilling experience. It is this wonderful diversity in sound and music that bring the environments of Ocarina of Time to life.
Not only does this game offer an excellent gameplay experience, but the protracted campaign and steep quantity of side quests and mini games make for a pretty lengthy adventure. There are approximately 14 dungeons in Ocarina of Time, and all are densely packed with puzzles, pitfalls, and secrets. The total amount of secrets and side quests inside and outside the dungeons is staggering. From finding heart pieces, to killing golden spiders, to mask selling, to horseback riding, to item trading you will hardly ever find yourself at a loss of things to do. Even if you were to keep on the path of the main story, you would be hard pressed to finish Ocarina of Time without devoting at least 20 hours to it.
The sum of the great cinematic presentation, fun and innovative gameplay, and long-lasting campaign result in a truly unforgettable adventure. Add in an intriguing story and memorable characters and you get icing on a cake that was delicious to begin with. While some tiny hiccups here and there blight the full experience, Ocarina of Time is a game that can only be described as superb.
More Player Reviews
-
- TombRaider90's Score
- 10
- perfect
-
- TombRaider90's Score
- 10
- perfect
This game is called The Legend of Zelda Ocrina of Time. continue »
- Posted Sep 25, 2006 5:24 pm PT
-
- TombRaider90's Score
- 10
- perfect
just love it!!!!!!!! this game rules its kick butt!!!its one of my favorit games ever!!!!! continue »
- Posted Sep 25, 2006 3:45 pm PT
-
- TombRaider90's Score
- 10
- perfect
-
- TombRaider90's Score
- 10
- perfect
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- Posted Nov 21, 2009
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- Posted Nov 21, 2009
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Related Unions
- Nintendo
- Fantasy Action Adventure
- Release: Nov 23, 1998 »
- ESRB: Everyone
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