The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
General Info
| Awards | Game of the Year (2000) - Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |
|---|---|
| Genres | Action-Adventure |
| Artists | Yusuke Nakano |
| Writers | Mitsuhiro Takano, Yoshiaki Koizumi |
| Game Name | The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |
| Composers | Koji Kondo |
| Languages | English, Japanese |
| Playmodes | Single-player |
| Developers | Nintendo EAD |
| Directed By | Eiji Aonuma |
| Game Engine | Modified Ocarina of Time engine |
| Produced By | Shigeru Miyamoto |
| Release Date | 2000-10-26 |
| Game Platforms | Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS |
| Publisher Name | Nintendo |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Publishers Websites | https://www.nintendo.com/ |
Screenshots
Overview
Central to the gameplay is Majora's magical mask itself, which allows Link to transform into various creatures, each with unique abilities needed to overcome certain obstacles. Also, time manipulation plays an important role in the game, requiring the player to plan strategically as he visits the same three days over and over again to avoid the impending apocalypse.
In this terrifying parallel version of Hyrule, Majora's Mask perfectly combines the familiar with the impossible, making it one of the most extraordinary games in the Zelda series. An emotionally complex story, enhanced by a chilling chime and topped off with unusual gameplay, makes The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.
Trailer
Gameplay
The game offers thematic variety thanks to its many locations, including Clock Town, Woodfall, Snowhead, Great Bay, and Ikana Canyon. It is filled with challenging puzzles, and the small tasks carry more weight because they directly affect the gameplay. The timing mechanism enhances the gameplay as decisions and actions have more consequences.
An iconic element of Majora's Mask is the "mask" gameplay mechanic. During his adventures, Link acquires several masks, each with unique abilities or transformations. Notable masks include the Deku Mask, the Goron Mask, and the Zora Mask, which transform Link into other beings with their various abilities and characteristics.
The game features several side missions, each with unique storylines and characters full of personality. This makes the vivid world of Termina very attractive and emotionally moving. Link's frequent interactions with NPCs are vital to progress and unlock the game's secrets.
A recurring theme in Majora's Mask is the constant tension between hope and despair. Relate to the fear and tragedy affecting the citizens of Termina as he races against time to bring help. This not only makes the game addictive and full of intense gameplay, but also evokes deep emotional responses from the player. The gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask rewards constant strategic thinking and exploration. The game's design makes good use of the recurring theme of connection and repetition, inviting players to explore the characters' intertwined destinies and the consequences of their duties throughout each three-day cycle. Players are constantly drawn to a complex world full of puzzles, side quests and hidden secrets.
Gameplay video
Plot
Skull Kid steals the Ocarina from Epona and Link, leading to a chase that ends with Link transforming into a Deku Scrub. With the help of the fairy Tatlo, who is accidentally separated from Skull Child and Tael, Link manages to reach the Clocktown in the land of Termina, a parallel world to Hyrule. Link soon learns that Termini is in grave danger when a moon falls on the world and will destroy everything in three days. The only hope to prevent this catastrophe lies in the mysterious powers of Majora's Mask, which the Skull Kid stole from the Lucky Mask seller.
The task then becomes a race against time as Link must survive the same three days over and over again using the Song of Time playing with the recovered Ocarina. As he explores the many landscapes of Termina, he acquires various masks that not only give him new abilities, but also transform him into various creatures.
Each area culminates in a decisive underground battle against massive bosses, freeing the innocent giants held captive by Majora's Mask. To stave off the final hours of a doomed world, Link summons four giants using the Oath of Order on the Clock Tower to stop the ominous moon, leading to a final confrontation with the Skull Child and Majora's Mask.
By confronting, revealing, and killing Majora's true form, Link not only saves Termina, but also helps redeem the Skull Child by leading him down a path of friendship and forgiveness. So it's not just a story of heroic deeds, but also a story of friendship, redemption and personal growth.
Development
The game was created by a team of about fifty people, led by director Eiji Aonuma. Amazingly, the game was completed in just one year, and the speed of development was practically unheard of for a game of its size at the time. In order to accelerate development, the team reused and repurposed Ocarina of Time assets.
Majora's Mask showcases experimental game design revolving around a tight three-day deadline. The concept was inspired by Aonuma's fascination with multiple timeline concepts in Run Lola Run. Another unique feature of the game is the huge collection of 24 unique masks, each of which gives Link different abilities.
It's worth noting that Majora's Mask was one of the few games that required the Nintendo 64 expansion pack, which was used to improve its graphical capabilities. These graphical improvements complemented the game's distinctive atmospheric design, giving it a sense of melancholy and impending doom. The development of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask was undoubtedly a challenging but rewarding task for the team at Nintendo, as evidenced by its acclaim and the lasting impact of the classic Zelda franchise.
Release
The story of the game takes place in Termina, an alternate reality of Hyrule, where the protagonist Link tries to stop the moon from crashing into the world in three days. The effective use of dark themes, intense time management elements, and the integration of a repeating three-day cycle contribute to a uniquely immersive gameplay experience that challenges and delights players.
Additionally, thanks to the Nintendo 64 Expansion Pack, the game was praised for its impressive graphics. Such technological advances have been a key selling point, offering more detailed and dynamic images. In addition, in 2015 The Nintendo 3DS remake brought back the beloved classic with improved graphics and controls, breathing new life into the game for nostalgic fans and new players alike.
Reception
However, the feature also received some criticism, stressing out some players, although many applauded it for its new challenging twist. In addition, the dark tone of Majora's Mask was well received as it provided an exciting emotional weight rarely seen in video games of the time. However, the game was not without rivals. Some felt that it lacked the grandeur of its predecessor, Ocarina of Time, due to the absence of Hyrule's iconic landscapes. However, the decision to focus on a brand new land with unique characters resulted in a new and immersive gaming experience.
Commercially, Majora's Mask sold well despite being released at the end of the N64's life. It has since been re-released on various Nintendo platforms, maintaining critical and commercial appeal. Not only is it one of the best Zelda games out there today, it's one of the best games in video game history. His legacy contributes to the enduring appeal of the Zelda franchise.
Cultural impact
Majora's Mask worked on a completely unique concept: a three-day game cycle where every decision affected the outcome. It introduced players to the realm of deeper existential questions and dilemmas. This new perspective greatly expanded the boundaries of game history and philosophy, making them a favorite part of interactive storytelling or workshops.
The game also opened up the world of video games to a more mature audience. Its darker themes and complex mechanics required critical thinking, appealed to an older audience and broadened the game's fan base.
Outside of the gaming community, Majora's Mask has carved a niche for itself in popular culture due to its influence on internet culture. References to the game are easy to spot in internet memes, fan art, and even music videos. This not only boosted his popularity but also kept his legacy alive.
In addition, the game greatly influenced the design of the game. From the non-linear narrative to the complex game mechanics, Majora's Mask has changed the way games are made. This has largely been reflected in a number of game titles over the years.
In essence, Majora's Mask left an indelible mark thanks to its deep thematic exploration, innovative game mechanics, and widespread cultural influence. Its impact remains lasting as it continues to inspire new generations of game developers and players.