Daily Debate: Should Majora’s Mask 3D Make The Game More Approachable?

At this point, we know a precious few truths regarding Majora’s Mask 3D; it is coming in Spring of next year, it has been in development since the end of Ocarina of Time 3D’s development, and it’s going to have some new features. Beyond these certainties, everything else is simply speculation, leaving many important factors in the air surrounding this important title and, by effect, worrying many fans. Will this remake do the original justice? But, for a moment, let’s take a beat and consider an important group with a very different set of priorities and interests regarding this game: newcomers.

Those who have experienced Majora’s Mask will agree; it’s stands apart from the rest of the franchise. From the jarring three-day cycle, to the themes of darkness, depression, and death permeating the title, to the copious use of masks, this particular entry in the series takes on a character of it’s own. And it’s for these reasons that so many cherish the title so dearly, while others are unwilling to give it an honest chance, either out of fear of the unknown or fear of the presentation within the game itself (as one such fan indicated in a our podcast). Nintendo and Eiji Aonuma appear to be very aware of this delicate balance, promising to maintain the “scary” feel of the original, but also claiming to make it a smoother experience.

While strong sales are likely to occur among veteran players alone, Majora’s Mask 3D presents a promising opportunity to bring new Zelda players into the fold. This will be the third entry on the console, putting it past the DS in quantity, not to mention quality (sorry Phantom Hourglass aficionados), potentially serving as the final step in bringing young and novice players into the Zelda fanbase. Considering how intimidating The Legend of Zelda can be to outsiders in general, it is especially important to remember the this opportunity with a title as alienating as this.

There are already indications of some added tutorials and guidance in this remake, with some suggesting that Shekiah Stones could be added as well, the same as they were in Ocarina of Time 3D. This gives rise to today’s question: Should Majora’s Mask 3D make the game more approachable? As veteran players, we certainly enjoy a lack of handholding and/or spoonfeeding when it comes to our Zelda, but this could easily turn newcomers to series off to the game and keep them from enjoying the unique journey this game presents (unless of course, the tutorial is hours long. Looking at you, Skyward Sword). By the same token, is more guidance enough? The fear factor of this title certainly can’t be removed, but should it be dulled to help fans assimilate, especially younger fans? Or will changes like these simply be too much? Join the daily debate!