No game in history has maintained such a high critical and cultural status as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Its initial release on the Nintendo 64 on November 21 1998 sent shockwaves across the entire industry, becoming a landmark title and a showcase of just what video games were indeed capable of. Ocarina of Time‘s breakthrough in 3D gaming was a feat never seen before and was something to marvel at. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that Ocarina of Time quickly attained the status of the greatest video game of all time.
Yet, 25 years on, and despite the further advancements in game development since then, Ocarina of Time still sits on the throne. The game holds the highest rating on Metacritic with a near-perfect 99, and is consistently ranked at the top of listings from multiple renowned publications. Even groundbreaking titles within the Zelda franchise, like Breath of the Wild, can’t reach the same heights as Ocarina of Time. It’s not difficult to see why: not only does Ocarina of Time represent a turning point for the industry, but 25 years later, the game maintains a sense of timelessness that makes it a true classic.
Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Paved The Way For Modern 3D Gaming
The Game’s Breakthroughs Cannot Be Overstated
Ocarina of Time had a lot going against it, making the final product all the more miraculous. The N64 was a turning point for the industry, ushering in a new era of 3D gaming. To prove how revolutionary this change was, Nintendo sought to bring its own beloved franchises into the third dimension, including Zelda. Of course, adding a new dimension provided an equal number of possibilities as it caused problems that had to be overcome. With almost no examples of 3D gaming as a reference, Ocarina of Time had to carve the way for other games to follow.
Safe to say, Ocarina of Time managed to do just that. The game’s revolutionary status comes from the many advancements introduced that have since become commonplace. One example of this is the implementation of the Z-targeting mechanic. Locking onto an enemy or important object prevents the player from losing track of their target and causing frustration with attacks that constantly miss. This feature has become a necessity for multiple games that followed Ocarina of Time, allowing players to maintain focus on the action itself. This makes its introduction in this game all the more important.
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The sheer scale of Ocarina of Time was also revolutionary. Adding a third dimension introduced a level of depth just not possible in 2D, and Nintendo used this to make Hyrule Kingdom feel like a real, tangible world. For example, as Link makes his way through the grassy plains, the player can see landmarks in the distance, from Hyrule Castle to Death Mountain. This has become a mainstay in open-world games. The idea that you could reach for something in the distance was magical, and something that could only be achieved thanks to the introduction of 3D in Zelda games.
Story, Combat, & Design Blend Into A Layered World In Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Hyrule Has Never Felt More Alive
Speaking of Hyrule Kingdom, Ocarina of Time‘s fully realized world extends beyond its scale. Each biome filling up the corners of the kingdom is carefully constructed to feel distinct from one another. Each area is bustling with citizens of different races, from the Gerudo to the Gorons, all with their own towns and landmarks that create a diverse, vibrant world to explore. Hyrule Field serves as the connective tissue, naturally bringing each area together to create a sense of immersion that’s simply unrivaled, making the land of Hyrule feel like a real place.
The world of Ocarina of Time is encompassed by a narrative that redefines storytelling in video games. Instead of mere exposition like previous entries, the game relies heavily on well-developed, three-dimensional characters to drive the story forward. Princess Zelda is given many moments to shine, showing herself as both a steadfast leader and a fearsome warrior. Meanwhile, Ganondorf’s clever deceit and lust for power make him an intimidating threat. Ocarina of Time contains the recipe for a thrilling fantasy tale: vibrant characters, high stakes, and traversal through an expansive world, all coming together to create an unforgettable story.
The excitement and thrill of Ocarina of Time‘s story is effortlessly translated into combat. Link’s enemies in this game often require a level of thought and care from the player, with important patterns and weaknesses to look out for. This is further emphasized during boss fights, usually forcing the player to utilize Link’s full arsenal to slay the enemy and emerge victorious. All this culminates in a climactic final battle that combines the world, story, and combat together, as the fate of Hyrule rests on the shoulders of the player. When Ganon is finally defeated, there’s no greater feeling.
Link’s Own Journey In Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Is Timeless
The Silent Protagonist’s Story Reflects Our Own
Ocarina of Time‘s scope and technological milestones were undeniably impactful. However, the high regard still held for the game can be found beyond its achievements for the time. The true wonder of this entry comes in Link’s journey throughout the game, and how said journey reflects that of the player. As the name implies, time travel is featured heavily in Ocarina of Time. It’s used effectively in the game’s presentation, contrasting the bright and hopeful Hyrule of the present with Ganondorf’s ruined Hyrule in the future. Better yet, it ties perfectly into the game’s central theme of growing up.
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Link is faced with a powerful threat that requires him to step up at a young age. As he travels forward in time, he must let go of his past and sacrifice his childhood for the good of Hyrule. This is best exemplified when revisiting known locations, like Kokiri Forest, where Link is the only one who’s all grown up. It’s a showcase of how much he’s lost. This reflects the journey the player has taken or will take, as they also enter adulthood. It arguably resonates more by revisiting Ocarina of Time at an older age, as the player better understands what Link is going through.
This is what makes Ocarina of Time so timeless. Link is a gateway for the player to get lost in this fantasy world with a journey that feels grounded and relatable. Players identify with Link, making the hero’s and player’s accomplishments one and the same. Many games released since have struggled to illicit such a connection, yet it is effortless in Ocarina of Time. On top of all the glass ceilings this game was able to break, Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a personal and heartfelt adventure, resulting in its status as the greatest video game of all time.
- Released
- November 21, 1998
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Zelda 64 Engine
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
