25 years ago, Nintendo released what would become one of the most influential video games for the next 25 years. From monster-slashing to navigating dungeon mazes and puzzle solving, topped with open-world exploration, to creating a destiny. Technically astounding, continuously fulfilling, it is a video game that has everything. Who knew a 32MB cartridge could hold so much magic?
Any entry into the Legend of Zelda series is a noteworthy release for anyone’s gaming calendar. But even this, coming six years after the grand adventure A Link to the Past, which itself was only the series’ third entry, was an epic 3D open-world adventure that didn’t seem possible until it became reality. Coming at a time when the journalistic written word and screenshots were the only viable means of hype, it was there in abundance. And so, 25 years ago this week, one of the world’s greatest and most important video games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, was released in Europe.
There are many words to describe the Ocarina of Time experience. It would be fair to say there aren’t enough words. But the one that springs to mind today, looking back on the many unforgettable experiences Ocarina of Time delivers, is preparation. Each and every time Ocarina of Time is loaded up, whether it be its original cartridge or online formats, the journey begins with the gentle, almost-soothing soft-piano number that seamlessly transforms into one of Ocarina of Time’s most mournful of melodies. And that’s just the title screen. Once you’ve finished incidentally humming that irresistibly dulcet tone, you’re actually left with a a warmth inside. Even if it is the very first time loading up, you can feel this is going to be something special. You’re ready. Back in 1998, as much hype as there was surrounding it, I wasn’t ready. I doubt many were ready for what was to come from Ocarina of Time, All of this comes from what is only be a title sequence, but it absolutely serves as a taste of things to come; danger, discovery, and destiny. technologically innovative of the time, and 25 years on, remains incredibly evocative today.
Ocarina of Time was the N64’s biggest release to date. Upon its UK release on 11th December 1998, it was quickly a sought-after item due to a stock shortage, having already established itself in US and Japanese homes three weeks previous. This impact was clearly underestimated for the UK market, with 17-year-old me at the time a hugely despondent figure upon missing out on that initial supply. That is until, on one college lunch break, I stumbled across a game store that had just opened in time for the Christmas rush. And there it was: the final copy in the shop. Its simplistic yet gold-on-black box art glistening at me. It was my very own ‘what’s in the chest’ Zelda moment, in retrospect. Even with all the hype, perfect reviews and scores, only upon that first glimpse of the iconic introduction prepared me for what was to come.
For what is now remembered as a vibrant childhood classic, Ocarina of Time can be a bleak and scary tale at times. Link’s initial nightmare of Princess Zelda fleeing from Hyrule Castle and being pursued by the demonic Ganandorf is a lot for a young lad to deal with. All things considered, I managed ok. But all jokes aside, there is a lot of burden placed upon our young Link. His transition into a young man is akin to that of Simba in The Lion King; his forced absence has led his homeland into ruin, and only he can stop the evil that has corrupted it. If you think about it, it’s pretty deep.
There are plenty of other scary moments, too. The first time you are frozen on the spot by the shriek of a Gibdo mummy instils immediate panic. The collectable Skulltullas house in Kakariko Village, where a family has been morphed into spiders with skull faces, is another initially unsettling moment. The sense of duty bound as you make your way up Death Mountain as boulders come down at you, or vanquishing each dense dungeon throughout the game, are all daunting tasks that are not to be taken lightly. But all these burdens are merely the sum of its parts; From the moment you first take control of Link to the last, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a truly magical experience. Exploring the quirky Kakariko Village and its interactive inhabitants, the underwater domain of the Zora’s, the maze-like Lost Woods. And of course, that first venture out onto Hyrule Field. All these areas and more are simply a joy to behold and discover.
Speaking of Hyrule Field, it remains one of video games’ most beautiful worlds. Equally beautiful is its score, of which the theme of Hyrule Field is among the most stirring as you Legendary composer Koji Kondo’s multitude of melodic magnificence sets the tone and feel for every location; Kakariko village offers safety and sanctuary, often the case when running from the dangers of Hyrule Field, particularly when the sun goes down and the night creatures emerge. The Forest Temple theme amplifies the eerie forest aesthetic as you prepare to take on its magical maze structure. As the adventure matures, the score becomes your companion, tracing Link’s journey from childhood prophecy to the man of destiny he becomes. Kondo’s compositions are delivered, nay, experienced with such aplomb it is no surprise to see it still rank among videogame’s greatest ever soundtrack lists across the world. Then there is the use of the titular Ocarina itself, a clay flute that Link plays on command. Several simple chords denoted against the joypad buttons allow day to be changed to night and vice versa, teleport to key locations, and eventually summon your horse, Epona, to help traverse Hyrule Field’s vast landscape. Each tune when played flourishes into some of the Zelda franchises most memorable songs.
Where the treasured visuals, ambience and tonal shifts prepare you for its many different experiences on offer, the execution and vividness of the Ocarina of Time experience is something else to behold. Once the quest is over, that feeling of accomplishment is mirrored with reflection on Ocarina of Time’s vivid dungeons, be they beautiful (Forest Temple) or somewhat exasperating (Water Temple). Each of the temple’s bosses too remain vivid in the memory. The need to quickly shift from fire to ice against Twinrova, the grandstand final battle against Ganondorf/Ganon, even fighting a shadow version of yourself. I have found myself talking about them at some point for years and years now.
The genius and significance of Ocarina of Time lives on today. Not just through its various re-packages or online releases, either. To say this was the first game of its kind and to get it so right first time is simply incredible. Or, simply, its what Nintendoes. The z-targeting system is used in some form even in games of today. The Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series allows you to centre on your given target. As does other series such as Bayonetta. Many of today’s games have hint systems for fear you could get lost, and Navi is Ocarina of Time’s answer to that, without the need to be an insufferable companion, either.
Like much of Nintendo’s beloved back catalogue, Ocarina of Time remains remarkably on-point to this day. It is no surprise that following its release Ocarina of Time would go on to dominate top 10 lists for years and years. There may be many experiences like it today, particularly from Nintendo themselves given the blueprint it became, but Ocarina of Time is still up there with the best. It is a magical adventure that will no doubt live on forever.