
The original Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64 is one of my favourite games of all time so when I heard that an updated version was coming to the Nintendo 3DS I was very excited. It was probably one of the deciding factors that made me buy the console if truth be told. But could a 13 year old game still hold its own against modern day RPGs and games? The answer is a resounding, Yes!
The game has been totally revamped for the 3DS with new graphics, controls and 3D visuals and it is a joy to play and watch. If anything the game is easier to control with the bottom screen on the 3DS being used to manage your equipment and perform certain actions. The only thing that hasn't been updated is the soundtrack for the game which is still the original score. This is a shame as a new symphonic suite would have been nice but I suppose it stirs the old memories when the original tunes are played.
The game itself is all but identical to the original game (there is an unlockable Master Quest mode, which makes it harder) and it is an interesting engaging story with lots of characters and locations to explore. The puzzles are tricky and from an older generation where you have to use your brain to progress and sometimes you may find yourself a bit stuck after being used to the spoon-fed style of modern gaming.
One problem I do have is that whilst it is nice to be able to carry around a version of the game in your pocket the old fashioned save system is still employed so if you only have 15 minutes to play, save and quit out, then you will be dumped back at the beginning of your current dungeon on some occasions which is a little annoying. I recommend a lot of use of the 3DSs sleep mode.
Overall Ocarina of Time is a fantastic game that really shows the power and potential of the Nintendo 3DS. The original game is one of the most beloved games of all time and in many ways this version improves on it. Game of 2011 already?
9.5/10






