Genre: Action/Adventure
Developer: EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
# of Players: 1 Player
Memory: 15 blocks
ERSB: Everyone
Released On: February 16th, 2003
Also On: None
Features: Progressive Scan

Are you a true master of Zelda? Well, you’ll soon find out, with the semi-new release for Nintendo, which I understand has never been released anywhere in the world. It’s development for the 64DD add-on for the N64 in Japan was completed, but it was soon canned because the 64DD was a complete failure. From the bonus disc, you select which adventure you want to play, the Original Ocarina of Time, one of the 7 preview movies, or Ocarina of Time Master Quest (Which from herein, shall be called simply "MQ".), providing a whole new twist on a familiar adventure. Serving as a second quest, MQ remixes all the excellent puzzles we’ve come to love and master ourselves over the past few years, making cruel jokes out of people who are speed demons with the original.

Presentation

When you first start off, don’t expect anything to change. You may very well notice a much higher level in clarity due to the new resolution of 640 x 480 and the ability for the use of progressive scan. You should also notice immediately that the GameCube’s control stick is much more sensitive than the Nintendo 64’s, so it may take a slight bit of adjusting. You may also use the C-Stick for items, working the same as the C-Buttons, also, Y, X, and Z serve as C-Left, C-Right, and C-Down respectively.

It all seems normal, until of course you get past everyone’s favorite elf Milo. You’ll immediately see a few larger enemies than the original adventure offered. After the little talk with the Deku Tree, you enter the dungeon, and see even more differences. The first being the small eggs that hatch baby Ghoma’s on top of the first ledge.

Throughout the game, you notice things such as new puzzles, newly placed enemies, and more enemies. Sometimes even entirely new rooms! Gold Skultulla’s have also been moved around inside of the dungeons. How the game is presented is surprisingly good, giving you a twist after what seems like the same exact game. But beware, besides remixed dungeons, this game is still the original, so do not expect much else extra. As far as I can tell and have heard, there are no new dungeons, treasures, or "Tri-Force" quests, so going on a 10 month search for the "Epileptic Spasm Key" might be a bad idea.

Gameplay

With the dungeon remixes, I expected simple new puzzles, boy was I wrong. In some of the places they completely switched things around. Quests now take a good amount of skill and (Slight) use of physics, such as the timing of a bomb throw- making it explode on a switch behind bars in mid-air as it passes by. Or how about hookshot ledges where you have to drop to the right one in an entire little series, then find a switch? Fall and you must re-do it. Some of these may be from the original, as I can’t remember completely, but they are all much better. The game is harder, without being too hard, and has more original puzzles, without seeming too different from what we’re used to. Now we also get more use of items like Din’s Fire, and Bombchu’s, which got little to no use in the original version. But now, they’re vital to lots of puzzles. The game plays the same as it always has- great.

One thing that you may have more trouble adjusting to throughout the game is the aiming of the bow and arrow/slingshot, as the Gamecube’s joystick, as stated earlier, is very sensitive, so it may take a few times to get 1,500 points in the Gerudo Horseback Archery test. The control is smooth and tight, meaning you should have no trouble in battle, or with targeting. Because now, you target with L, which is basically in the same position Z was in. You only have to hold it down slightly for a lock on, and of course now it’s referred to as "L-Targeting." The Ocarina, however may be easier, or harder for some, depending on how good you are with the C-Stick, for me personally, it’s easier, as I can slide to the notes quicker. But if you’re like Elias and are used to the C-Buttons and would prefer that it was the same, you may find it more difficult. Either way, it’s not much to get used to, as you learn fairly quickly.

All in all, it’s the same great fun you had with the original, but with a new mix to the dungeons. MQ is a keeper in this area.

Visuals

This was definitely one of the best looking Nintendo 64 games. With it’s advanced lighting and wide open expanses. For the Gamecube, it doesn’t look so hot. With low polygonal environments, jagged edges, and poor texture quality. But don’t get me wrong here, it still holds its ground. It looks ages better than its N64 counterpart and now retains a solid framerate, so no more extreme slowdown. (Albeit some is still there, mostly the same that was on the Nintendo 64, it does seem like an emulated version, rather than a built-from-the-ground-up version.) Due to this improvement in resolution, you may notice some 2D sprites may stand out more; this won’t affect your gameplay much besides easily locating climbable walls, but it doesn’t look too great with the big black lines around it regardless.

In short, don’t expect much more than a great quality N64 game with higher quality visuals. Nothing much to report in this section.

Audio

In a word, the same great sound we’ve all become accustomed to. With of course, un-orchestrated sound tracks. All of the music still retains its great charm and catchy beats. If you like Zelda music, then you’ve got nothing to complain about. They have everything from the classic "Zelda Theme" to the Hyrule Field music. Some people like the Gerudo’s Fortress theme, which of course is still in tact, and some love the battle music. The sound is identical to the N64 version, so there is absolutely nothing new to explain here.

If you want to listen to some of Zelda’s tunes, check out the ever popular site Overclocked Remix.

Final Thoughts

At first glance this might look like the original title, but don’t be fooled, it can offer many a challenge to even the best Ocarina of Time player, and no challenge to some. It all depends on how you’re used to gaming and how you’ve grown with the times. Considering it’s absolutely free with a pre-order of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, I see no reason why one shouldn’t pick one up. Unless of course you don’t want Wind Waker, or don’t have a Gamecube. If you want this, what seems is going to a rare find in the next few years, I suggest you pick one up right away, as the store near you could be selling out as you read this. Although Nintendo may send out more at one point and put a price tag on individual sales.

An overall excellent, and well thought out remix, paying great homage to its predecessor. A must-have for long-time Zelda fans or those just getting introduced to the series.