We are looking at a game. Not just any game. But a game that is said to be the darkest game in the Zelda franchise. A direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, I present to you, Majora's Mask! A game that get's criticized a lot but, in my opinion is much more deserving of the praise that Ocarina of Time. Yes, I said it. this game is a lot better it's older brother, so let's get into it!
Plot: This has quite the plot that is much more deep than anything before it. So, after Zelda sent Link to the past (pun not intended) at the end of Ocarina of Time, Link then sets out to find an old friend, who can only be guessed as Navi. However on his journey through the woods, he runs into a Skull kid who is wearing a very strange looking mask called "Majora's Mask" if you haven't already guessed it. In hasty action, the skull kid steals Link's Ocarina of Time, turns Link into a Deku Scrub, and flees off. But not without taking a fairy's brother with him, leaving the other fairy with Link. Link then finds out he has 3 days to save the world or the moon will crash onto Clock Town located in Termina before he can go back to Hyrule.
Not nearly as deep... That is probably what you're thinking isn't it? Well, this game has a lot of side stories that can really add the "darkness" implemented into this game. Giving it a much sadder plot. But the main stuff is out of the way, so let's begin with the Game Play shall we?
Game Play: Sit back because this might be the longest category in this review. Along with Link's swordplay... Oh wait, we can't cover that yet? No... We have to get the Deku Scrub Game Play first. So, the Deku Scrub play's like Link, only get can't use swords or shields. He can't use a snot bubble attack like arrows, fly by spinning around in plants, and use a spin attack. That's about it.
To be honest it is kind of disappointing not being able to use the Deku Scrub a lot later in the game. But there are more forms. So basically to turn into each different "form", you want to obtain a mask. How would you obtain each mask? Well by continuing on in the game of course. You'll see when you play. This can range from that little Deku Scrub to a white aquatic creature who has excellent swimming skills.
When you are Normal Link, you will notice that he plays exactly like he did in Ocarina of Time. Sword, shield, nothing much is changed so if you love the game play of the previous game you won't be let down here. Of course, tons of weapons are at Link's arsenal as well.
The final thing I'm covering will be the Ocarina of Time itself. During the game you will learn new songs from different people. For example, you will remember a song that sets back time so you can go back to the first day, a song to call your horse, and even a song to bring order to Termina! Lot's more songs are in the game of course, but probably not as useful. I may be wrong.
Graphics: Well... They are graphics ripped out from Ocarina of Time yes... But, some of these graphics can be a little creepy if I do say so myself. They can also look very funny and silly, but some of them may leave an image in your mind. Just take a look at some of the people's smiles... You all know who I'm talking about. Apart from the Mask person, there is Majora's Mask itself. it just stares at you with no end...
But where graphics go, they can be pretty creative even if they do look a bit strange. I would deduct points for ripping graphics out from OoT, but this game has it's own sprout of originality to it.
Sounds: The sound can be a bit, dull at most parts. Mainly the dungeons. Other times they can be some spot on sound effects, and occasionally eerie music. All in which can be interesting to some, but it still takes a certain mind to enjoy them. I will say this, OoT has beaten this game in some parts of music, but not much. MM has a bit more variety. Just take a look at the music made by the Zoras! Didn't expect that in a Zelda game now did you?
I mentioned that this game has some pretty cool sound effects. Kind of like Mega Man X. Well let's skip to the third day. That is if you fail to save the world. The moon is crashing... But wait, you can actually hear the sound as the moon falls down on clock town. And it's realistic if anything. Nothing random and nothing silly. You feel the hopelessness as the moon crashes and the SF really drives that home.
Addictiveness: Tons of fun is found in this game. What really gives it that little boost is that this game is a lot different than most. You still attack, you still find treasures, but what's makes it so addictive is the originality. Think about it. You don't think a kid who has made friends with a fairy, rescued princesses and fought a swine would turn into a plant, experience the death and sadness of others, and use masks to get through various challenges? Not very likely. That's exactly what makes Majora's Mask so fun. It's the game of the series that's different and new. Not relative to the overall structure of the zelda franchise. It's still canon for sure but it's just so new and fresh. Rolling as a giant bulky monster, shooting bubble snot as a plant kid, throwing arm blades as a aquatic animal, it's all something that you need to experience! So if you ever see an original game that's "different", you ought to try it out.
Depth: In the past categories I think I've explained just how much this game has to offer, so If you want to know that actual depth, check game play and addictiveness.
Difficulty: This game can be irritating for sure, but that's not to say it's hard. What is really irritating is the pressure you get from having to save the world in 3 days. Luckily if you get through the first round that won't be as big of a problem. The challenges can be really annoying but the game itself isn't as hard.
While Ocarina of Time has left the biggest impact on the franchise, Majora's Mask doesn't mess around either. A dark game it is, but that doesn't take away from the fun one bit oh no. If you are tired of games being the same old thing this game is the one that doesn't disappoint. This is a special game to say the least and if you are looking for the interest in your games, grab a gamecube or wii, and buy this game for yourself. It is greatly criticized but you may find interest in it. So slap that disc in your GC and play some Zelda! |