December 98, a game in development for three and a half years is ready to be launched. The game? Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Delivered on a 256-megabit cartridge, this title is bigger than your Auntie’s bloomers. Zelda consists of huge sprawling 3D environments, all of which need to be explored thoroughly in order to progress. Zelda is a stunner to look at with smooth textures and a high level of detail that only Nintendo’s console could provide. The exploring element and cheesy, but fam ... more >>

December 98, a game in development for three and a half years is ready to be launched. The game? Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Delivered on a 256-megabit cartridge, this title is bigger than your Auntie’s bloomers. Zelda consists of huge sprawling 3D environments, all of which need to be explored thoroughly in order to progress. Zelda is a stunner to look at with smooth textures and a high level of detail that only Nintendo’s console could provide. The exploring element and cheesy, but familiar tunes will be all too reminiscent of its predecessors for those of you old enough to remember playing them.

The exploratory element is cleverly divided by a series of “dungeons” within the environment in order to keep game play balanced. Dungeons remain one of the most popular attributes to previous Zelda titles, consisting of original concepts, acquired skills, unrivalled level design and a formidable end-of-level boss.

Nintendo have employed a practical menu system for the extensive use of weapons and tools provided; each of the C-buttons allocated to the item of your choice. Also, Z-targeting is a technique similar to that in Tomb Raider titles, where the player will lock on to the villain in question. Far more practical given a 3D environment.

Once played through it will become apparent how simple Nintendo’s ideas are. Kill the bad guy, save the world, get the girl. It is Nintendo’s realization of these ideas that makes a game special. Another classic in Shigeru Miyamoto’s portfolio. Need a reason to buy a Nintendo 64? We give you Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Enough said.
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