Majora’s Mask is an odd beast of the series. It’s sometimes seen as the best in the series but also the worst. However, there is no way of denying this is the most stand out entry in the series, and it should not be missed- especially if you love the series. The dark and sad story grips you from the beginning and it has creative gimmicks that make it a unique experience all the way through.
Story
While yes, this is the sequel to Ocarina of Time, it is not necessary to play them in that order. This is coming from the guy who beat the original Metroid before he continued on in the series. Put that worry to rest. You are Link, and after saving Hyrule you are searching for a land that needs you. As you walk through a forest, you are mugged, for lack of better words and then must continue on to find the meaning of what just happened. After a short search, you are confronted by the “Skull Kid.” He has on a demonic mask, passed down by tribes and banished for its cataleptic powers. Somehow, the happy mask salesman (yes that bugger) found it, and the Skull Kid then stole it from him. After being cursed, (I’ll save it for you to find out how) you meet the happy mask salesman who pleads you to help him get his mask back. However, the beautiful gimmick is, you have three days to do it. The moon will crash in three days and destroy Termina, and now it is up to you to get the mask and beat the game. More on the three day mechanic later.
The idea of this story is so… original and interesting! This is the darkest and most interesting entry in the series for this reason. While you go throughout the three days, the characters become slightly more and more insane as they come to the realization that the moon is coming closer and closer. New characters and events pop up throughout the days as well. In addition to the fear factor of the population, there is a main quest, and many, MANY side quests. The main quest follows Link in his journey through Termina to acquire the Majora’s Mask, and on the way he finds some people who have left their saddened and damaged spirits in Termina. I don’t want to ruin the story of these characters for anyone. You acquire masks throughout the game from them that allow you to be a Deku Scrub, Goron, and a Zora. This is the one Zelda game that I cared to read all those word boxes. This game has the darkest undertone of them all, and when you talk to people you realize it! This game is filled with grief and then relief, sadness, happiness, forgiveness and pity. Some characters will say something that can come off as just normal NPC banter, but you reach the end of the game and then you see the nest clue, and it will either blow your mind or give you some feels. This game manages to show so many different and interesting characters who all have problems, and through your help they may not only be better off, but a different person as well. If you ever get the time, check out the lore for this game. The story of this game is amazing, and it gives you a reason to play.
Gameplay
Gameplay in a game is everything. This sounds like a monumental task, but the three day system really brings some beauty and originality to its overall design. Yes, you replay the same three days, but no it is never the same! (I should mention days are game days, not real days.) On day one you may help a person find their friend, and then they offer you a free boat ride. However, play the “Song of Time” and restart the three days, you can come back and there will be no boat ride. Because of this mechanic there are so many opportunities to mix and intertwine stories, and have multiple outcomes. It is amazing to see the game from so many different views, and adds a layer of interesting gameplay. You also get to control not only Link, who controls just like in Ocarina, but also a Deku Scrub, Goron and a Zora. The gameplay is well varied. This is a Zelda game of course, so where is the dungeons? Well, to be blunt, there are four. And for this reason I must rank it a tad lower, because I think they could’ve added maybe even a fifth one for the final area of the boss or something. However, these dungeons are extremely complex and overall creative, aside from the useless water temple (why, every time?) which I understand it’s a staple in the series. Forest, fire, water, we get it. However, they did manage to throw in some nice twists for their usual forest, fire temples. The final temple is just brilliant, and when you find the secret you just have to wonder where Nintendo comes up with their ideas. In addition to the normal dungeons in this game, there is also 15 stray fairies in each one which when returned to a certain spot, gives you a very nice bonus. There is a lengthy main quest and an abundance of side quests. This game has a large focus on masks. (It’s in the title) but the great thing is they change HOW you play. Not just extra damage or defense, but literal game changers. One is a bomb on your head, one makes you run twice as fast, and another allows you to talk to cows. …Okay that last one is kind of dumb but that brings up my complaint in this department. Some masks do nothing except to fill in the grid of masks they had to come up with. For example, one you receive at the end of a long and complex quest line… IT DOES NOTHING. Literally, it is a symbol you beat that characters story, but in a single player game there is not much value in these kinds of items. Of course, there are plenty of masks to entertain you so this one isn’t a major flaw, just a minor nit pick. You’ll get lots of items, most not being new, but some are. Also, you can upgrade your sword up two tiers from the beginning of the game, which I love this progression. Also, the sword looks cool. The final shield doesn’t make you feel powerful, just kind of goofy. The puzzles themselves are true Zelda fashion, and the freakin’ water temple is too. In this game though, the dungeons usually have an interesting gimmick to them that makes them stand out from your normal Zelda dungeons. However, the overall gameplay is your usual Zelda, with a very welcome twist on it.
Graphics
I’m going to touch briefly on this section because it’s an N64 game, and for the time these were great. It even requires the expansion pack which allows more high definition textures if you play it on the N64. The sword design is very impressive in this game. The final shield did let me down a little. However, the Zelda art style stays mostly true to Ocarina. It just has a much darker feel to it. I don’t mean dark as in literally darker, but the design helps you feel it while you play. If you grew up with an N64 or love classic games, you’ll be right at home with these visuals.
Sound
Sound is important. I don’t care what anyone says. I don’t play a single instrument but I adore good game music. The music in a game has the chance to sway the atmosphere and immersion in a game so much. Boss battle music allows the adrenaline to rush when life bar gets low. With all this said, Majora’s Mask’s music fits this game. It’s dark and scary when needed, and it’s sad a foreboding when needed. You’ll never forget the first time you have your first face to face with Majora and you’re helpless, the music tells you it’s hopeless. Then, once you begin healing these wandering spirits, it plays a sad song that can bring a tear to a grown man’s eyes. And when you first enter Clock Town, MMM it’s beautiful! I am someone who absolutely adores music in video games, so trust me when I say, the music does this game some serious good.
Verdict
Majora’s Mask is a great game. It has a lot of great things going for it, like its unique three day mechanic which allows different perspectives, and also its deep interesting story. However, there are too few dungeons and a few small blemishes that keep me from saying absolutely everyone need to play it. If you love Zelda games or thrive on great stories, take a dive. Read some lore on this game, it’s really, quite sad. I give this game an easy 9/10 and it’s just shy of a masterpiece. Thanks for reading guys, see ya in the next review.
You can get the game on the virtual console on Wii and WiiU, also in the Zelda Collection for Gamecube as well as a Colelctor's Edition and regular cartidge for N64. Check em' out guys!