Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

It's N64's greatest gift. Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been called, as Nintendo's television blitz rudely informed us during Corrie this weekend, "a masterpiece" (Edge), "pure undiluted genius" (GamesMaster) and, in the pre-skyscraper-advert magazine format of this very website, "the best game ever".

But let's face it, after years of technical and artistic advancement - plus a lot of lager - whenever this classic's been mentioned, we've probably been looking back with more than a morsel of nostalgia.

Or have we? Could it be that the game that wrote the rule book for open-world action games still casts its Miyamoto magic 12 years, two home consoles and three 3D series instalments after its release? After all, it and still holds the all-time crown on Metacritic with a stonking 99% score.

Having spent more than a week fixated with the remastered 3DS Director's Cut, we think we have the answer: we've fallen in love with Ocarina all over again...

HERO OF TIME

Ocarina of Time 3D is brilliant. We love it. Lots. If you're one of the seven people involved in the hobby of gaming not equated with Link's time travelling adventure, you'll love it too - and covet the envy of all those who've previously seen the credits roll. 

It feels a bit unfair to pour praise on a title so incredibly accomplished that even George Lucas would have trouble buggering up an update, but it's surprising how successful the 3DS version has turned out. Especially considering, as red-circled above, Ocarina has been succeeded three times by its own maker.

Let's be honest; Twilight Princess has the most inventive, surprising dungeons, Wind Waker holds a charm and sense of exploration beyond what was capable in 1998, while Majora's Mask's impressive persistent world surely would've improved the 64-biit opener. But somehow, Ocarina is still king.

When we picked up the N64 controller on that busy release day in December '98, the technical aspects - the framerate, blocky character models and robust game engine - never crossed our mind as we quickly became utterly engrossed by the memorable characters, deep, puzzling dungeons, massive boss fights and numerous sub-games.

All the elements for a pure, complete and (more importantly since) gimmick-free Zelda adventure are there: an origin story involving a boy, a princess and a mental bloke from the desert about to mess up a fantasy dynasty. A mythical Tri-Force, parallel game worlds and six sages hidden in the forest, on a mountain and over a vast river.

We still remember galloping through the desert on our noble steed Epona, navigating the eerie mazes of the Lost Woods, and fiddling with Link's awesome gadgets to make it to the intimidating boss fight in one piece.

The magic moments N64 veterans cherish dearly return with newfound clarity on 3ds; that drama when Link first gazes on the vast expanse of Hyrule field (though it feels more snug these days), the catchy, magical melodies and the puzzles they solve, and the emotion when Link first tip-toes from the Temple of Time to see his childhood stomping ground in ruins... 

Ocarina of Time is, even with the subsequent genre advancements by both third-parties and the Zelda series itself, all of Nintendo's creativity enriched in a single, series-defining quest.

A LINK TO THE PAST

For fans of the original the 3DS update has been intricately updated by Japanese developer Grezzo, with caverns that previously looked like blurrly, polygonal holes transformed into flaming, lava-filled beauties, in a colourful, charismatic and - pleasingly - immensely faithful update to the original art. The 3D effect arguably looks better in some environments than others (interiors look particularly striking), but returning adventurers will surely adore rediscovering the world of rock-eating Gorons and angry chickens all over again.

Beyond the visuals, the most impactful change in the handheld version comes via the addition of touch screen inventory management, which undoubtedly makes dungeon trekking more enjoyable. All the occasionally jarring pauses of the original, when you'd have no choice but to bring up the sluggish inventory screen to swap around items or (shudder) constantly equip and unequip the dreaded Iron Boots, are now a thing of the past. Simply tap away on the bottom screen and your equipment's swapped out in seconds. 

The added pixel space has also allowed Grezzo to make room for a permanent map, ocarina button and an extra two equipment hotkeys. The dreaded boots have also been reclassified as items rather than 'gear', making the oft-moaned-about Water Temple far more bearable with the ability to stick on new shoes at the press of a button.

And while we're on the subject of that awful Temple - the subject of many a 90's child's most upsetting nightmares - Grezzo's thankfully tinkered with that too, changing the colour scheme of its various levels and making water raise points more visible. Dare we say it, it's actually quite enjoyable on the 3DS.

That very welcome bit of house cleaning is one reason the 3DS edition is the best version of Ocarina of Time available, but there are more tangible additions to the handheld package. The new Boss Rush mode, Super Guide hints videos and GameCube port's Master Quest, which now also mirrors the entire world of Ocarina, are there to be discovered, even if they are clearly an afterthought of the core paint job.

Grezzo's also added new gyroscope controls for aiming ranged weapons, which is certainly a welcome addition. It doesn't always work smoothly when frantic arrow shooting demands you move the system away from your 3D 'sweet spot', but most would argue this is more a flaw of the console than the game itself.

It's clear that much of Ocarina of Time 3D's appeal comes from the opportunity to revive the nostalgia - and for N64 stalwarts this love letter to your childhood is a striking experience. The main quest, sans a few minor Easter eggs, is exactly how we remembered from the days of Rumble Paks and excessive Lens Flares, but we still absolutely adored returning to Hyrule, ogling at the detailed textures that would've seemed impossible on our old 17-inch telly.

Nintendo fans remember what it felt like when Hyrule field was the biggest virtual space ever seen, when the sun setting to reveal a glowing moon was a magical experience, and when Miyamoto's team demonstrated exactly how engrossing 3D game worlds could be - and that's why they'll adore the opportunity to experience it again.

For newcomers, much of the impact felt from the N64's original innovations could admittedly be lost, but Ocarina is none-the-less a true classic and just as rewarding to experience for the first time. In fact, we're jealous.


Twelve years on, Nintendo's veteran Zelda team is still looking to emulate, learn from and exceed the 3D entry that kicked off the revolution - but for those who hold a special place in their gaming hearts for Ocarina, the series will probably never make us feel the same again. Which is exactly why, to wheel out yet another old press quote, "years from now people will still be playing and enjoying this game". 


Rejoice. That's exactly what you've got the chance to do this weekend.