Even though the game is a direct port from the Nintendo 64 version, it utilises all the nuances of the 3DS to create an all-round enjoyable gaming experience for both fans of the original and those new to the Zelda series.
Let me start off the review by stating that playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Z:OOT) is my first venture into anything Nintendo since my original Donkey Kong handheld about 20 years ago. I have to admit my review might come across as slightly naive - not only have I never played any of the Zelda games; I've not played a game on the Nintendo DS before.
So, for those like me who don't know, Z: OOT follows the story of Link, a young boy living in the Kokiri Forest, a tiny village in the Kingdom of Hyrule. Link is summoned by a great tree spirit who explains that the world is in peril and it is Link's destiny to save the world. As the Link heads off to explore the rest of Hyrule, he meets the princess Zelda and very quickly finds out that he has to stop the King of Thieves, Ganondorf from taking over the world.
The world of Hyrule is filled with strong characters and an equally strong and engaging plot. Saying too much would spoil the enjoyment of unravelling the story and characters, so let me stop there.
Z:OOT is an action adventure game with traditional RPG elements: exploring towns looking for clues, a huge variety of side missions, finding collectables (equipment and weapons) and even playing mini-games. One of the more interesting aspects of the game is the use of the Ocarina (flute) as an additional gameplay dynamic. Learning different tunes gives the player the numerous abilities, including the ability to open secret passages and warping to different places on the map, even travelling through time. The time travel adds a new dimension to problem solving, as the player needs to move between a young and old Link to solve quite complex puzzles.
Unlike most consoles role-playing games, the gamer is not directed to an exact location but expected to explore various areas looking for key items. I have to admit playing games like Oblivion and Red Dead Redemption over the last 10 years, I got easily frustrated while trying to figure out the next step. Luckily, the player has advisors in the form of an owl guardian who gives bits of advice and a 'premonition' stone that gives visions of where the player is supposed to go next.
However, I must admit, I often felt quite guilty using the stone to ease my way through the puzzles.
The game fully utilises the features of the 3DS. The map, inventory and shortcut keys are located on the touchscreen on the bottom screen. This allows you to access your inventory and weapons and items in the middle of combat. Similarly, playing the Ocarina and accessing the map can also be done on the touchscreen.
Finally, aiming the catapult can be done by moving 3DS around, making aiming on the fly much easier - though I wouldn't recommend doing this with the 3D effects turned on.
The one thing that bothered me about the game was the save system. Unless the player was inside a dungeon, the game would deposit the player back in Link's house the next time the player loads up the game. The gamer would then have to make the arduous journey back to the area they were exploring before. Also, even though the graphics was significant upgraded the sound remains the same 8-bit midi tones as before.
Zelda: OOT sets the standard for modern remakes. The 3D is well-executed, the touchscreen improves control and the game looks and feels great. It is one of the best paced games I have ever played, with a strong story and almost flawless gameplay. I have to admit that as an exclusive console gamer, I found the puzzle-based gameplay very hard - but this game is so near perfect it makes me want to re-look at the entire Zelda franchise.
In summary:
Pros: Brilliant pacing, storyline and characters; good use of the 3DS touchscreen and level sensor; ~50hrs of gameplay.
Cons: Lack of camera control; old school RPG might be frustrating for console gamers; low replayability; archaic save system; poor quality sound.
Score: 9/10
Price: R499
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