Ocarina of Time 3D Review From a Newcomer
Posted on July 03 2011 by Nathanial Rumphol-Janc
This may be hard to believe, as I write for one of the biggest Zelda fansites on the Internet, but I have never touched a Zelda game before now. None. Ocarina of Time is my first; I started on the Wii with the Virtual Console version, then finished with OoT 3D. So, how does the game stack up for a newcomer? Is it a good introduction to the series? Is it worth buying if you’ve never played a Zelda game before but you want to?
The Technical Side of Things
I’m not going to focus too much on the technical stuff, comparing it to the original and such. If you’re a beginner, then you don’t really care; you never played the original. However, I will tell you the essentials.
First off, the game is absolutely stunning in both 2D and 3D. I had to turn off the 3D effect for a bumpy plane ride, but I was still impressed with how amazing the environments looked. Also, the music, while not being orchestrated, was still pretty wicked. Throw in the simplicity of some new control schemes and the touch control system, and it was astonishing how good it was. If you’re interested in a more in-depth look at the technical side of Ocarina of Time 3D, check out Nathan or Alex’s reviews.
The game’s technical side was amazing, but some of the effect is lost if you have never played an older version of the game.
Gameplay and Story for Newcomers
For a newcomer, the overall story and gameplay is the best in my opinion. It introduces the sword and shield, as well as all the other items, very well, especially with the new touch interface and gyroscope aiming. There are no overbearingly odd gimmicks, like Wolf Link in Twilight Princess, that give the player the wrong impression about Zelda as a whole. It also introduces the major characters(Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Ganon, kinda Epona) well.
It introduces the basics of most every 3D Zelda game in an easy to understand way for beginners.
Overall: Is it worth it for a newcomer?
So, you’re just like I used to be. You frequent a Zelda-oriented Nintendo site, but have never touched a Zelda game. You want to get into the series, but you’re overwhelmed by it all. Should you play Ocarina of Time 3D first? I say yes.
Along with the wonderful technical effects and introduction to the world of Hyrule, it is also pretty economical, with a price at about $40 USD(compared to $50-60 for a Wii game). It also makes a great addition to that new 3DS that you just picked up or plan on picking up.
While it is the best available introduction to the series, there is nothing that can prepare you for the awesomeness that is Zelda.
How the Rating System Works
- 0/5 Reggies = Game is absolute shit.
- 1/5 Reggies = Game is playable, but absolutely nothing noteworthy.
- 2/5 Reggies = Game is average. Nothing special but worth a look for extreme fans of the game type.
- 3/5 Reggies = Game is good. Does some things that make the experience feel refreshing.
- 4/5 Reggies = Game is excellent. Only a few minor gripes hold it back from the pinnacle.
- 5/5 Reggies = Game is near perfect.
