The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

by Christopher November 21, 1998

written by Christopher November 21, 1998 5 minutes read

Summary

A landmark title that set new standards for gameplay, narrative, and immersion in video games.

Release Year: 1998
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)
Platforms: Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U
Developers: Nintendo EAD
Publishers: Gradiente, iQue, Nintendo

Introduction

‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ is the fifth main installment in the Zelda series, released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998.

Synopsis

The game’s narrative revolves around the Gerudo King and evil wizard Ganondorf’s rise to power and the hero’s quest to defeat him and bring peace to the land of Hyrule. The player controls Link, a young Hylian boy, who must defend Hyrule and the Triforce from Ganondorf. Through the power of the Ocarina of Time, Link travels back and forth through time to set things right again.

The story begins when a young Kokiri boy named Link is awakened by the fairy Navi. The fairy warns him of The Great Calamity: Ganondorf. Traveling across the land of Hyrule, Link must save the kingdom and Princess Zelda from Ganon’s plot to obtain the ultimate power in all the land: The Triforce. With the help of The Seven Sages and the elusive Sheik, Link embarks on the quest of a lifetime to stop Ganondorf once and for all.

The gameplay of “Ocarina of Time” is similar to previous entries in The Legend of Zelda series. Players control Link in the fantasy land of Hyrule on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganondorf. To progress, players must explore dungeons, defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate an overworld.

The game introduced several innovative features to the series, such as a target-lock system and context-sensitive buttons, which have since become common in 3D adventure games. The player must play songs on an ocarina to progress. The game was acclaimed by critics and consumers, who praised its visuals, sound, gameplay, soundtrack, and writing.

Characters

Link, Ganondorf, Zelda

Gameplay

Exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat with innovative mechanics like Z-targeting and music-based puzzles.

Conclusion

‘Ocarina of Time’ has influenced countless games with its innovations.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.