With a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the horizon, a recent retrospective revisits the Nintendo 64 original's most celebrated and most divisive moments. The game, widely considered a historic classic, is set to receive a modern polish, making it a fitting time to reflect on what made it so impactful and where it occasionally stumbled.
Among the game's highlights is the sheer joy of Darunia's dancing, an unforgettably absurd moment that players hope will be faithfully recreated. The first encounter with a Redead, however, stands out as a pinnacle of horror and effective game design, despite its terrifying nature. The mood-setting transition to Hyrule Castle Town in the future is also cited as a masterclass in atmosphere and narrative impact.
Another celebrated moment is the introduction of Epona, the majestic and swift steed that transforms Hyrule Field traversal. The game also features standout encounters, such as the eerie and uniquely designed Dark Link boss room, which remains a memorable challenge. The appearance of Bongo Bongo is noted for its striking, bizarre design, and the final confrontation with Ganondorf's second phase is described as an all-time epic finale.
However, the original game was not without its frustrations. The Jabu-Jabu's Belly dungeon is frequently cited as the game's worst, with its escort mechanics and Zelda's annoying reactivity drawing particular ire. The experience of accidentally telling Kaepora Gaebora to repeat himself due to swapped dialogue options is another common point of annoyance. The limited wallet capacity, leading to the disappointment of receiving a silver or gold rupee when maxed out, is also a remembered low point.
Several gameplay mechanics also proved divisive. While riding Epona is initially exhilarating, her poor turning and jumping mechanics later make traversal inefficient. The notorious Water Temple, infamous for its intricate design and the frustration of missing a single small key, remains a significant hurdle for many players. The quest to obtain the Biggoron's Sword is also noted as a lengthy and tedious undertaking. Finally, the boss fight against Bongo Bongo is criticized for its chaotic presentation and difficulty in aiming, while the risk of soft-locking oneself by running out of magic during Ganondorf's final battle represents a harsh lesson in resource management.
The author expresses hope that the upcoming remake will retain the beloved elements while smoothing out the rougher edges that have occasionally marred the experience of this beloved classic. The retention of King Zora's unique movement in the remake is specifically mentioned as a point of happiness. The challenge of finding all 100 Skulltulas is also recalled as a significant, perhaps even unbelievable, task.
