I had always considered Ocarina of Time my favorite game, but it wasn’t until this recent playthrough that I felt true emotion while playing it. Seeing the bright, vibrant world descend into darkness was powerful.
What begins as the whimsical adventure of a young boy quickly turns into a quest to save Hyrule. I had always loved Ocarina of Time for its dungeon design, puzzles, and (no pun intended) game-changing mechanics and gameplay.
Lock-on targeting, a vast 3D world, a lovable cast of characters, and an incredible soundtrack are just a few of the things that stand out when thinking about what makes Ocarina of Time so great.
But during this recent playthrough, I felt more raw emotion in the world. As I saw townspeople disappear and replaced with ReDead, and characters such as Talon and Malon fall on hard times, it became more and more evident that Ocarina of Time creates an incredible mood and atmosphere.
The contrast of Link’s boyhood in a peaceful land and his quick transformation into near-adulthood harbor personal reflections on growing up and responsibility. Additionally, the importance of childhood feels highlighted here.
The guardian-like Sheik watching over you and helping you with your quest reminds you that there is always someone who is there for you, looking out for your well-being.
And finally, conquering the Gerudo King Ganondorf illustrates that even an average boy who grew up in the Kokiri Forest can overcome all odds and positively impact the world.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a game that has always been important to me, and I hope that you get to experience some of the incredible aspects of Ocarina like I have.
