The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is often lauded as one of the greatest games of all time. In fact, arguments can be made for it being THE greatest game of all time as long as you're in the right group of people. Personally, I have bought 3 copies of the game all on different systems and had the pleasure of playing the newest release of the game on Nintendo's 3DS. Say what you will about remakes, cashing in on established titles and Nintendo being stuck in the past, but the most recent remake of Ocarina of Time is by far the best version of the game.
I'll address the minor issues first: the 3D effect is excellent, but doesn't add anything to the experience. Also, having to play through the main quest(a 5th time for me) to unlock the Master Quest(which would have been only a 2nd time) is unnecessary in my opinion, but I can understand the thought for first time players. Those are, literally, my only issues with the game. To be fair, I had very few issues with the original release of the game.(curse you Water Temple)
I don't feel like taking the time to write a hyper detailed review on a game I first played in 1998. Instead, I want to look at the improvements to the award winning formula. First the graphics: with several updated textures and new character models, the game is quite a bit easier on the eyes. Pair that with the 3D effect and it becomes a whole new visual experience.
Now game play: while the game play didn't see the same overhaul that the graphics received, the few key components made the experience far better. The display was overhauled and moved to the lower screen on the 3DS. This move in addition to an extra slot to which items can be assigned and a designated ocarina button make for a beautiful decluttering of the main screen and a more flexible item inventory. You wouldn't think that having a single additional item to assign would make that much of a difference, but any veteran to the game will be elated to know that bouncing between iron boots, bow, bombs, ocarina, and the hookshot in the Water Temple no longer causes any pause menu frustration. The whole experience benefits from this new scheme.
Gyroscopic aiming and looking is perfectly functional and can be used in conjunction with circle pad aiming to make for very dexterous accuracy. I wouldn't call the gyroscope a great addition, but it works and doesn't detract. You can always turn it off if you want.
I can say without question that this is the definitive version of this classic experience. The improved visuals, tweaking, but not overhauling, the controls, decluttering the main screen, inclusion of the Master Quest and a boss battle mode just make the package sweeter and extend the game play. I actually found myself quite surprised that a boss battle mode hadn't been included in a previous release, it's quite satisfying to go back and fight some of the bosses.
I'll address the minor issues first: the 3D effect is excellent, but doesn't add anything to the experience. Also, having to play through the main quest(a 5th time for me) to unlock the Master Quest(which would have been only a 2nd time) is unnecessary in my opinion, but I can understand the thought for first time players. Those are, literally, my only issues with the game. To be fair, I had very few issues with the original release of the game.(curse you Water Temple)
I don't feel like taking the time to write a hyper detailed review on a game I first played in 1998. Instead, I want to look at the improvements to the award winning formula. First the graphics: with several updated textures and new character models, the game is quite a bit easier on the eyes. Pair that with the 3D effect and it becomes a whole new visual experience.
Now game play: while the game play didn't see the same overhaul that the graphics received, the few key components made the experience far better. The display was overhauled and moved to the lower screen on the 3DS. This move in addition to an extra slot to which items can be assigned and a designated ocarina button make for a beautiful decluttering of the main screen and a more flexible item inventory. You wouldn't think that having a single additional item to assign would make that much of a difference, but any veteran to the game will be elated to know that bouncing between iron boots, bow, bombs, ocarina, and the hookshot in the Water Temple no longer causes any pause menu frustration. The whole experience benefits from this new scheme.
Gyroscopic aiming and looking is perfectly functional and can be used in conjunction with circle pad aiming to make for very dexterous accuracy. I wouldn't call the gyroscope a great addition, but it works and doesn't detract. You can always turn it off if you want.
I can say without question that this is the definitive version of this classic experience. The improved visuals, tweaking, but not overhauling, the controls, decluttering the main screen, inclusion of the Master Quest and a boss battle mode just make the package sweeter and extend the game play. I actually found myself quite surprised that a boss battle mode hadn't been included in a previous release, it's quite satisfying to go back and fight some of the bosses.
