The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D[lower-alpha 1] is a 2011 action-adventure game developed by Grezzo and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console.[1][2] A remaster of the original 1998 Nintendo 64 game, it features updated graphics, stereoscopic 3D effects, and mirrored versions of the rearranged dungeons from Ocarina of Time Master Quest. The game was released in June 2011, with digital release via the Nintendo eShop arriving in 2012.[3][4]

The Legend of Zelda:
Ocarina of Time 3D
North American and Australian packaging artwork
Developer(s)Grezzo
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Producer(s)
Designer(s)Hiroyuki Kuwata
Programmer(s)Shun Moriya
Artist(s)Mikiharu Ooiwa
Composer(s)
SeriesThe Legend of Zelda
Platform(s)Nintendo 3DS
Release
  • JP: 16 June 2011
  • EU: 17 June 2011
  • NA: 19 June 2011
  • AU: 30 June 2011
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Ocarina of Time 3D received critical acclaim, with some calling it one of the best video game remakes of all time. It was also a commercial success with over 6.44 million units sold worldwide as of December 2022, making it the thirteenth best-selling Nintendo 3DS game.[5]

Gameplay

Link swimming in the Water Temple dungeon. Several quality-of-life changes were made to the Water Temple to streamline progression and avoid confusion.

The gameplay for the remaster is very similar to the original version, but it made some modifications to the game. One new feature is the use of the touchscreen to manage inventory items. Also, the touchscreen is used at times to play the Ocarina songs.[6] The game uses the system's gyroscopic technology to look around and aim the player's bow, boomerang, hookshot, longshot, and slingshot in first-person mode, unless the player chooses to use the classic analog stick control to aim.[7][8]

The 3DS version has the modified Master Quest dungeons and mirrored overworld in addition to the original game, and a new "Boss Challenge" mode that allows the player to fight all of the bosses one at a time, or in sequential order, while the Master Quest has its own version of the "Boss Challenge" mode, where the boss arenas are mirrored and enemies will do twice the usual amount of damage.[9]

Another new addition is the inclusion of optional brief video clips called "Visions" that serve as hint videos in case some new players get lost or have trouble solving the game's numerous puzzles. These are accessed via Sheikah Stones, which are located at Link's house in the Kokiri Forest and inside the Temple of Time. Due to the 3DS having no equivalent to the Nintendo 64's Rumble Pak feature, the Stone of Agony from the original version of the game was replaced with the Shard of Agony which serves the same purpose, only with a sound signal to inform the players of secrets nearby.[10]

Plot

The player controls the series' trademark hero, Link, in the land of Hyrule. Link sets out on a quest to stop Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo tribe, from obtaining the Triforce, a sacred relic that grants the wishes of its holder. Link travels back and forth through time and navigates various dungeons to awaken sages who have the power to seal Ganondorf away. Music plays an important role—to progress, the player must learn to play and perform several songs on an ocarina.

Development

The existence of an Ocarina of Time remake for the Nintendo 3DS was first hinted at E3 2010, but at the time Shigeru Miyamoto maintained that it was merely a tech demo with the possibility of being developed into a full game.[11] Nintendo of America officially announced its production on Twitter a few months later.[12] Miyamoto commented that the remake's timing was important, as they did not want to remaster the game too soon. He wanted to wait so that the people who played Ocarina of Time when they were younger were now in their mid-20s. He also wanted players to experience the "majestic scenery of Hyrule in stereoscopic 3D" and provide a sense of immersion.[6] Ocarina of Time 3D runs at 30 frames per second, which is an increase over the Nintendo 64 version's 20 frames per second.[13]

Ocarina of Time 3D was co-developed with Japanese developer Grezzo.[1] According to Grezzo's Shun Moriya, some of the original game's bugs were intentionally untouched in the 3DS version, because they were so committed to deliver Ocarina of Time on 3DS in just the way the fans remembered: "As programmers, we wanted to get rid of bugs, but the staff members who had played the old game said the bugs were fun. It wouldn't be fun if your friends couldn't say, 'Do you know about this?' So we left them in if they didn't cause any trouble and were beneficial. If something simply could not be allowed to stand, we begrudgingly fixed it, so some bugs don't appear. But we left in as many as we could, so people will grin over that".[14] Eiji Aonuma, producer of the original game, said that a desire to make Ocarina of Time 3D more "formidable" was behind the decision to include and adjust the Master Quest campaign.[15]

Marketing and release

In Australia, anyone who pre-ordered the game from EB Games could receive the Ocarina Edition, which included a playable ocarina that sports the Triforce symbol, two music sheets featuring songs from the game, and a poster.[16] In Greece, anyone who pre-ordered the game from Nintendo's online store could receive five bonus items. The items were an ocarina, a baseball hat, a keychain, a sleeve for the 3DS, and a can of Deku Tree seeds.[17] In the UK, anyone who pre-ordered the game would get a free game case with a North American collectors' cover and a double-sided poster.[18] Anyone who pre-ordered the game from Play.com got a bonus slip case for the 3DS console featuring the same artwork as the U.K. game box. In the Japan, U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand, anyone who registered the game through Nintendo's Club Nintendo service had received a free copy of the game's official soundtrack.[19]

In June 2011, actor and comedian Robin Williams starred in a commercial to promote the game along with his daughter Zelda Williams, whom he had named after the character from the series.[20] In Japan, Nintendo utilized boy band Arashi to advertise the game in television and print spots.[21] Nintendo ran TV advertisements around the release of Ocarina of Time 3D, showcasing its new features. Online takeovers appeared on websites during release week, while a print campaign ran in specialist magazines. Advertisements ran again throughout the summer season.[18]

The retail cartridge of Ocarina of Time 3D was discontinued in early 2015 leading to high prices on the secondary market, though the eShop digital download remained available for consumers until its closure in March 2023.[22] In March 2016, Ocarina of Time 3D was re-released under the Nintendo Selects label.[23]

Music

The music in Ocarina of Time 3D was adapted from the original for the 3DS hardware by Mahito Yokota and Takeshi Hama, with Koji Kondo supervising them. To coincide with the release of the game as well as the 25th anniversary of the release of The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo freely released, via mail out redemption, an updated CD version of the original soundtrack through the Club Nintendo website.[24]

The 3DS version of the soundtrack contained fifty-one tracks, including all the original tracks from the U.S. version of the soundtrack, as well as several more tracks from the Japanese edition, and a bonus orchestral medley. Although it was available in all regions, the soundtrack was only available to owners of the 3DS version that registered their copy on Club Nintendo and was only available for a limited time.

Reception

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D received critical acclaim. As a remastering of a Nintendo 64 game widely considered the greatest game of all time,[43][44][45] expectations were high for the new version. Reviewers praised the mirrored version of the rearranged dungeons from the Master Quest version of the original game, along with the updated graphics, visuals, controls, the new "Boss Challenge" mode and the added 3D effects. The game was available to the public at Nintendo's Nintendo World 2011 event; the title attracted significant amounts of attention, with longer wait times to play than any other featured title.[46] Ocarina of Time 3D went on to receive perfect scores from at least 24 different publications.[25]

Nintendo Power gave it a rating of 9.5 out of 10, stating that the core gameplay held up impressively well, and that it never feels like a lesser game than what players have become accustomed to, but rather, it has a back-to-basics feel. Game Informer rated the game 9.25 stating that "with Ocarina of Time 3D, one of the greatest games of all time looks and plays better than ever". They further stated that this was the perfect way to introduce it to a new generation of gamers.[32] Eurogamer was very pleased with the title by awarding it with a perfect score, calling it one of the greatest games on 3DS. Official Nintendo Magazine scored the game 98%, the highest they have ever given, calling it "a life-changing game, an experience that defines the medium it inhabits and if you have the chance to experience it afresh, it will be even better".[40] Electronic Gaming Monthly gave it 9.5 and stated the game is "still a transformative action-adventure after 13 years" and that "Ocarina of Time 3D is still a just as good as the original, though, and it's a must-play for any gamer who's somehow missed it up until now".[29]

Computer and Video Games gave the game 9.4 and wrote that it is "still a classic, still an explosion of nostalgia. Ocarina of Time 3D is a blissful rediscovery for veterans and an unmissable opportunity for newcomers". Retro Gamer gave it a 98%, calling it a perfect example how to remake a video game classic. VideoGamer gave it a perfect score: "We knew then that Miyamoto and co had made a classic, but it's only now that we can see just how revolutionary Ocarina of Time actually was". Giant Bomb also gave it a perfect score, and going so far to say that "it's almost as important as a historical record as it is a game that's still enjoyable today".[47]

The editors of the gaming site Hooked Gamers chose the game as the best portable of 2011.[48]

CNN said that "this would be a great game for any gamer of any age".[49] GameSpot gave the game 8.5, stating: "Though its roots show through from time to time, the improved visuals remove any barrier of entry that age may have posed. The new elements enhance the core adventure to create the definitive version of this classic game, making Ocarina of Time 3D the best way to embark on (or relive) this landmark adventure". 1UP was slightly more critical of the game, which gave the game B+: "As a portable gaming enthusiast, I love being able to play a game of this quality on the go. I just wish as much attention had been paid to the nuts-and-bolts of the game as was lavished on appearance".

Sales

In Japan, Ocarina of Time 3D helped the 3DS to take the top spot on the hardware chart after 12 weeks. Ocarina of Time 3D debuted at No. 2 with 164,110 units sold in its first week in Japan.[50] Media-Create said this amounts to 90.02% of all copies of the game that were sent out to retail shops for selling.[51] It was rumored that stock in Zelda was a bit low in Japan for the reporting period.[52]

In the UK, Ocarina of Time 3D debuted second on the charts in the country during its debut week.[53] In North America, Ocarina of Time 3D led cross-platform sales upon its debut week and debuted first on the multiplatform chart.[54]

In total, one million units had been sold worldwide as of June 2011, making it the third 3DS title to do so. 270,000 of those sales came from Japan.[55] As of August 2014, 1.39 million copies had been sold in the United States.[56]

Notes

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (ゼルダの伝説 時のオカリナ 3D, Zeruda no Densetsu: Toki no Okarina 3D)

References

  1. Kaluszka, Aaron (11 April 2011). "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Impressions". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  2. Serrels, Mark (23 June 2011). "EB Selling Ocarina Of Time Tomorrow, But Do They Have Nintendo's Permission?". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  3. Goldfarb, Andrew (4 October 2012). "Mario Kart 7, Zelda, Mario 3D Land, Star Fox 3D on 3DS eShop". IGN. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
  4. McFerran, Damien (3 October 2012). "More 3DS Download Titles Coming To Japan's eShop". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  5. 2023CESAゲーム白書 (2023 CESA Games White Papers). Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association. 2023. p. 196. ISBN 978-4-902346-47-3.
  6. "Iwata Asks". nintendo.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
  7. "Zelda Ocarina of Time 3DS Preview: Everything About This Masterpiece! - Best Nintendo 3DS Games". Best Nintendo 3DS Games. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  8. "E3 2010: Nintendo Developer Roundtable Live Blog". IGN. Archived from the original on 18 June 2010.
  9. 3DS Version Differences - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Wiki Guide - IGN, archived from the original on 8 November 2020, retrieved 16 March 2020
  10. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's New Item". IGN. 18 May 2011. Archived from the original on 30 July 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  11. "Rumor: 3DS Gets Ocarina Of Time Remake". Kotaku. 15 June 2010. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  12. "Zelda fans, one more thing... We're proud to introduce The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D! #NintE3ndo #E3". Twitter. 15 June 2010. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  13. Boxer, Steve (25 May 2011). "Nintendo's guru: talking game design with Shigeru Miyamoto". The Guardian. London: Guardian News and Media Limited. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  14. "Video game news". computerandvideogames.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2011.
  15. "Video game news". computerandvideogames.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  16. "This Version of Ocarina Of Time Comes With an Actual Ocarina". Kotaku. 25 May 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  17. "Greece's Ocarina of Time pre-order bonuses are the best bonuses ever". Joystiq. 5 May 2011. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
  18. Sacco, Dominic (3 June 2011). "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D". MCV. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  19. "Official Nintendo Rewards Program". Club Nintendo. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  20. "Robin Williams Named His Daughter After Princess Zelda". Kotaku. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  21. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of a Boy Band". Kotaku. 16 June 2011. Archived from the original on 19 June 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  22. Nintendo Life (28 January 2015). "Ocarina Of Time 3D Reportedly No Longer In Production". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  23. Frank, Allegra (29 February 2016). "Nintendo cuts prices on favorites with Nintendo Selects line". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  24. Fletcher, JC (20 June 2011). "Club Nintendo Ocarina of Time 3D soundtrack offer extended [Update]". Engadget. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  25. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for 3DS Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2011.
  26. "Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review for Nintendo 3DS from 1UP.com". 1Up.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2012.
  27. All Media Network. "AllGame - Game Over". allgame.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
  28. "Video game news". computerandvideogames.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  29. Carsillo, Ray (19 June 2011). "EGM Review: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Archived from the original on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  30. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review • Page 2 • Eurogamer.net". Eurogamer.net. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  31. "Zelda Ocarina of Time scores 37/40 in Famitsu - Nintendo 3DS News - 3DS Focus Blog". 3dsfocus.com. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011.
  32. Dan Ryckert (July 2011). "GameInformer". Issue 219: 92. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  33. Chris Watters. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Review - GameSpot". GameSpot.
  34. Brett Elston (17 June 2011). "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D review". gamesradar.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  35. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D". GameTrailers. 19 June 2011. Archived from the original on 26 January 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  36. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for 3DS". GameRankings. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
  37. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review". IGN. 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
  38. McElroy, Griffon (17 June 2011). "review: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D From Hyrule with Love". Joystiq. Archived from the original on 19 June 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  39. "Ocarina of Time 3D: Scores 9.5 out of 10 in Nintendo Power". zeldadungeon.net. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  40. "Nintendo of Europe". Nintendo of Europe GmbH. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  41. Tom Orry. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review for 3DS - VideoGamer.com". VideoGamer.Com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  42. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review for 3DS". G4tv.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  43. "Ocarina of Time Hits Virtual Console". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  44. "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 21 November 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2010. Metacritic here states that Ocarina of Time is "[c]onsidered by many to be the greatest single-player video game ever created in any genre..."
  45. "Games". Filibustercartoons.com. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  46. Luke Plunkett (7 January 2011). "People Are Lining Up For Hours To See The 3DS (And Play A 13 Year-Old Game)". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  47. "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Review". Giant Bomb. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  48. "Best portable game 2011". Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  49. "Review: 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D' improves a classic". CNN. Archived from the original on 19 May 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  50. "Nintendo 3DS beats PSP at Japan retail; Zelda 3D No. 2". punchjump.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  51. "How Did The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Do In Japan?". Siliconera. 24 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 May 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  52. "Japanese charts – Ocarina of Time takes 3DS to the top". VG247.com. Archived from the original on 28 May 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  53. "Zelda leads 3DS charge". MCV UK.
  54. Danny Cowan. "Gamasutra - Saling The World: Ocarina of Time 3D Tops Worldwide Charts". gamasutra.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  55. Rose, Mike (29 July 2011). "Ocarina Of Time 3D Surpasses 1M Shipped". Gamasutra. UBM plc. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  56. Wawro, Alex (15 August 2014). "Pokemon beats Mario to most popular 3DS game". Gamasutra. UBM plc. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.