Koji Kondo Discusses Ocarina of Time and Skyward Sword Soundtracks

To celebrate the 3D remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 3DS, we’ve been fortunate enough to have some of Koji Kondo’s time to discuss the game’s soundtrack. While this interview was conducted before the promotional soundtrack disc and 25th anniversary world tour were announced, Kondo still has some interesting things to say about his work on the Ocarina of Time soundtrack as well as the upcoming Skyward Sword title on the Wii.

OSV: Is there a particular moment that stands out in your mind from your time working on the soundtrack that has stuck with you to this very day? Perhaps there was a melody that resulted from the unique circumstances of working on this project that you believe could not be replicated again if you were to do it all over again? Please share with us what makes this soundtrack in particular so special.

Kondo: In the soundtrack for this remake, the hardware has changed from the Nintendo 64 to the 3DS, so the sound quality has improved. Listening to all of the songs again for the first time in a while, I was particularly struck by how much variety the songs have in terms of their atmosphere, if I do say so myself.

OSV: During your keynote speech at GDC some years back you mentioned that rhythm, balance, and interactivity are your three core philosophies on sound in videogames. Are there instances where, while playing Ocarina of Time 3D, that the music and sound design have augmented this new visual experience in unexpected and unforeseeable ways?

Kondo: The dungeons and temples have ambient music that employs sound effects and traditional instruments, so the music of these places also helps to make you feel like you’re really there. Also, from the opposite direction, the new visuals have given me the chance to imagine new music and improve my skills.

OSV: Which piece of music specifically from Ocarina of Time and from the Zelda franchise as a whole do you emotionally connect with the most?

Kondo: It’s very difficult to choose a single song, but I think the image of the original Legend of Zelda theme song flows strongly through the other games in the series. Also, this is a bit embarrassing, but the songs that I really think are good are the brief songs like “Hyrule Castle Courtyard,” “Mini Game,” and “Potion Shop,” because I really think they match the atmospheres of their locations.