Quirky and unusual, Majora's Mask is full of interesting
ideas, but doesn't come together as well as the best in
the Zelda series.
Set in a parallel world, you goal is to defeat the Skull
Kid, who with the aid of Majora's Mask is causing a moon
to crash into the world. (Part of the fun is seeing characters
from Zelda 64 in different roles—i.e. the
running man is now a postal worker.) The game is played
over the course of three game days, which initially go
by quickly. You later gain the ability to go back in time—as
well to slow time—as you find yourself playing the
three game days over and over, getting the necessary items
to defeat the Skull Kid.
Using an updated version of Zelda 64's game engine
and controls, Majora's Mask uses the Ram expansion
pak to produce some of the best graphics on the N64. The
game plays with time alot, as many tasks can be completed
only at certain times of the day. This can be frustrating,
but also fun and rewarding. Besides your main task, there
are many side quests and mini games to play, many of which
result in the collection of masks.
Masks play an important role in the game as there are
24 to pick up. The more important mask allow you to transform
into different creatures: a Deku Scrub, a Zora, and a
Goron—all of which have unique abilities and skills.
All in all, the elements are there for a great Zelda game
with lots to do and explore—not to mention the plot
doesn't involve saving the princess. However, a couple
of things hold Majora's Mask back from getting
top marks.
The element of time, while being a great gameplay element,
more often than not made me feel rushed, particularly
in the dungeons. As you can only save at particular times,
the fear of having to start the dungeon all over didn't
allow time for exploring and "soaking in" the
environments. Also many of the puzzles required to move
the game forward seemed arbitrary, taking away from the
flow of the game.
Majora's Mask is still a very good game, and one
of the best games for the N64. It comes highly recommended,
but it falls short of the excellent first Zelda for the
system.
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.