Friday 17 June 2011

Game of the Week: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D [3DS]

If you had any sort of interest in videogames back in 1998, then it is likely that you will have heard of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The game has received much acclaim since its original release and is often heralded as: "The best Zelda game of all time..." [Sourced from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Ocarina_of_Time]



The original Ocarina of Time also employed many new gameplay mechanisms such as an enhanced Targeting Lock System and solid-looking characters that were all rendered in full-3D, which was no easy feat at that time. Furthermore, the Legend of Zelda series has gone on to inspire many of the videogames that we have today.


Thus, it is not surprising that Mini Gamers had very high expectations for the newly-released 3DS version of Ocarina of Time, (simply referred to as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D,) and we are pleased to announce that we have not been disappointed.


The first things that springs to mind when you talk about a 3DS game is, of course, the graphics. There is only one word that truly conjures up the graphics quality of Ocarina of Time 3D, and that word is 'WOW!!!'.


Now, the usual high-quality 3D rendering that we have come to expect from the Legend of Zelda games is actually viewed in real 3D for the very first time. The result is a visual eye-fest!

There is also a greater feeling of depth within the game and the real-3D capabilities also enhance the Camera View and Targetting Lock System, giving the game an even more realistic feel than ever before.

It is hard to describe how brilliant the new sense of depth really is to someone who hasn't already seen it for themselves, but it really does add an extra dimension to the way the game unfolds.


Although the main plot of this game remains unchanged from the original Ocarina of Time, some new 3DS-exclusive mechanics have been added to the new version, including use of the 3DS gyroscopic functions when using Link's bow and arrow, boomerang and Slingshot. This makes the current version of the game more challenging than its predecessor and a lot more realistic.

For those that struggle with the gyroscopic controls however, there is an option to swap back to the original analogue controls as well.



The 3DS version also has a Boss Challenge Mode, which allows players to fight all of the main 'Boss' characters in the game one after another in the order in which they appeared in the game.



Furthermore, the game also features a new video-hint system, called Visions. Visions can be selected in the Save Options menu when Link has been killed.

 Visions are a video snapshot, which reveals information about where certain key items are hidden in the game. This can prove invaluable when searching for important weapons etc.


The 3DS version also contains Master Quest, which first started as an expansion to the original Ocarina of Time game, but has since become bundled with the game on several different platforms.  Master Quest will only become available when the main game has been completed.


The 3DS version of Master Quest differs from the previous versions however, because the entire map is mirrored, meaning that all the overworld map locations and dungeons will now be flipped and reversed. Furthermore, all 'Bosses' in Master Quest Mode cause twice as much damage as in the main game.

Official E3 2011 Trailer

In conclusion, this game is a stunning graphical masterpiece. The gameplay is very challenging but also fun. The new 3DS-exclusive functions enhance the overall gameplay and add a few new twists for hardcore Zelda fans.


If you played the original The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game, you will be instantly familiar with a lot of the areas of the game, but will also find new enjoyment in the amazing 3DS graphics and the new gyroscopic weapon controls.


If you have not had a chance to play this game yet, you really are missing out on something special. If you like RPG-Platform adventure games, then this is most definitely the game for you. Overall rating: 10/10.

A 3D trailer of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is available to watch for FREE from the Nintendo 3DS eShop now

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