Daily Debate: Do You Prefer the Original Version of Ocarina of Time Over Master Quest?
Posted on January 29 2020 by Charles Xavier
To start out the new year I decided to play Ocarina of Time. However, instead of playing the normal version of the game for the hundredth time, I figured I’d switch things up by playing Ocarina of Time: Master Quest. To me, Master Quest is still Ocarina of Time, but it feels almost like an entirely different game between the changes in dungeons and the mirrored view. Some of us probably prefer one version over the other, so which would you rather play?
Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I’d usually end up picking the original version of Ocarina of Time over Master Quest. To me, the original version is the better game from a design standpoint. It feels more refined, whereas Master Quest feels kind of illogical at points. For example, why are there Gohma eggs in Dodongo’s Cavern? I’m okay with them being there, but they do feel like extra content that is out of place. I didn’t think there could be anything stranger in the game than that, but then I saw cows in the walls of Jabu Jabu’s Belly. While it’s an interesting concept, and I’m fine seeing them deeper within his belly, having two sticking out of his jaw area at the start of the dungeon is so bizarre! In the original version of Ocarina of Time, some dungeons are certainly more memorable, but I wouldn’t say any of them are weak. The easiest dungeon is Inside the Deku Tree, but it’s the game’s first dungeon, so it gets a pass. All the dungeons in Master Quest are really good too– except for the Water Temple. The Water Temple from the original version is notorious for being one of the most difficult dungeons in gaming history, and Master Quest made it easier.
I still really enjoy Master Quest, but it sadly proves in areas that more dungeon content isn’t always better. But maybe for others it is better, and they prefer Master Quest over the original version of Ocarina of Time. So, where do you stand when comparing the two games? We’re interested to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Charles is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon. He is a Visual Development artist focused on enviroments and pitch paintings. Check out his Instagram and Twitter to see his latest artworks, a lot of which is Zelda fan art! His favorite candy is Skittles – he feels the world should know this.
