Time for some honesty. I originally had a more cynical tentative review about this game before I finished it. This review featured commentary about how Nintendo can get you to buy the same game over and over and over again. But after completing the game, I just had to revise it a bit. In all honesty The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a fantastic game, even all of these years later. Not perfect. But a fantastic game none the less. This 3DS upgrade to the Nintendo 64 classic allows a whole new generation to experience what most believe to be Link’s greatest adventure. And there is nothing wrong with doing that.
The core of the game remains largely unchanged from its older counterpart. It is the same game that you played around 14 years ago now (if you are old like me that is). The most important thing to note is that the core game was great as it was. So what Nintendo has done is make that core game even better. The graphics have been completely overhauled. I would challenge that it looks better than those PS3 rereleases of the first two God of War games. So it looks good. On top of that, the controls have been modified for the handheld and that second screen is really put to good use. The improvements might be slim, but they only compound the fact that this game is worth every penny.
Normally at this point I would cover the aspects of the game that I didn’t like very much. But in this instance, there really isn’t anything. I am not saying that the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a perfect game, it was very good for its time and has aged pretty fantastically, but personally I don’t really take issue with anything specific. Aside from that annoying water temple which as anyone who has ever played the game should know, is the worst thing ever. But that battle with Dark Link makes it worthwhile (which is even more awesome now). I suppose the only thing that I don’t care for is the 3D which is nothing to complain about really. I have played three 3DS games and it has always been a gimmick for me. But it does work and I am sure people like it as a feature, I would just like the extended battery life personally.
Like I stated up at the top, I think this was an incredibly smart move on Nintendo’s part. Hey, the third party games don’t sell on their system so sell us the first party stuff we like. I can think of some other games that could probably use this same treatment. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is worth the full price. For that price you will get a great game experience. Given the rather low number of great titles available for the system, now is the perfect opportunity to relive the glory days spent staying up all night trying to find that last Skulltula without the aid of GameFAQS.com, or to experience this adventure for the first time and oh how I envy those of you who get that pleasure. Take my advice, you only get that “first run through high” once so enjoy it.