The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest (GameCube) review "Every Zelda fan that preordered the Wind Walker was treated to a bonus disk that was sure to excite each and every one of them. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest is a rehash of the N64 classic that touched gamers everywhere. While this certainly is not a new game entirely, it does give some added incentive to relive the groundbreaking elements that shaped so many games today. "

Every Zelda fan that preordered the Wind Walker was treated to a bonus disk that was sure to excite each and every one of them. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest is a rehash of the N64 classic that touched gamers everywhere. While this certainly is not a new game entirely, it does give some added incentive to relive the groundbreaking elements that shaped so many games today.


If you did manage to play the original Ocarina, you'll notice the basic premise of the game has not changed a bit. The towns and characters are all the same and the story is literally untouched. One substantial difference, though, is the dungeon layout. My first time through I was thoroughly surprised by the new inventiveness of the puzzles and the pure brilliance that emanates from Shigeru Miyamoto. You need not to go in thinking they are going to be a breeze because they are far from it. Not only did the puzzles receive a facelift, but also the enemies are much more difficult, and more numerously strewn about. The Z-targeting system that was so perfectly used is still here, except it's now directed to the L button on the Gamecube controller. The blistering sword combat contains all the initial charm and still holds up well to today's standards.


The controls are fluent, withholding one minor gripe. When using the ocarina, and numerous other items, instead of the four C buttons, they are not assigned to the C stick. It feels a little clunky and is evident that is was not meant for it. When you're not bending your mind as you work through the temples, there is much fun to be had in the unbelievable amount of things to do around Hyrule. There are mini games, like shooting rupees with your faerie slingshot that gives the game that fresh vibe. Also, you have extremely difficult (and time consuming) task of finding all twenty hearts littered throughout alcoves and hidden locations. This great combination of action and exploration provides a stable platform to showcase an excellent game.


When Ocarina was originally released, the visuals were a sight to behold and were rivaled by none, but maybe Final Fantasy seven; but, with the graphically enhanced games that come out on today's modern consoles, Nintendo decided to add a few tweaks. While the actual models have not changed, the muddy texturing of old has taken a change for the better. The game just looks a whole lot more crisp and even items that Link uses have a lot more shine and luster to them.


As I was lumbering my way through the Forest Temple, the eerie music heard within really set the mood for what was to come. The music sets all the right tones in the appropriate places. Simple things like opening the chest that contains the Boss Key convey a sense of wonder as it builds up the closer you get to retrieving it. Although there are more important things to be found in the game, Zelda throws a strike in this department, too.


If you've never played this classic and you only own a Gamecube, then now is your chance to experience one of the truly great games of all time, with better graphics to boot. If you consider yourself a gamer, then do yourself a favor; pick this game up. Beg, steal, go on E-bay, do whatever it takes to get your hands on this gem and bask in the beautiful limelight.

Community review by Linkamoto (February 28, 2005) A bio for this contributor is currently unavailable, but check back soon to see if that changes. If you are the author of this review, you can update your bio from the Settings page.