The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS) Review

72 Hours, 24 Masks, One Hero.

 Fifteen years ago, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask hit the Nintendo 64 in it's late years and like Ocarina of Time, it was loved by fans and critics alike. Unlike Ocarina, however, it was creepy as a Metroid game. I've played the N64 version and I had some stressful times with it. However, when I heard that there's a remake, I was interested to see what  Nintendo would add this time around. Now that I have fully finished the game, I'll be giving a review on the latest remaster of the series most dark entry, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, now in 3D!

A stern-looking moon is approaching,
and it's not friendly.

 STORY- After Hyrule was saved in Ocarina of Time, Link journey's on a quest to find a lost friend, Navi the fairy (yes, that annoying fairy). However, during his adventure, Link was ambushed by Skull Kid who steals his Ocarina of Time and turns him into a Deku Scrub. Fortunately, Link arrives to Clock Town, which lies in the center of Termina, a land similar to Hyrule. However, in three days, The Carnival of Time occurs in which a giant moon will hit the land of Termina. Now, it's up to Link and his new companion fairy, Tatl (who thankfully is less annoying than Navi) to free the four regions and giants cursed by Majora's Mask... and stop that creepy moon too!

Link can do more this time.

GAMEPLAY- The most innovation in terms of gameplay features I've seen has to be in Majora's Mask. Since the moon is going to crash onto Termina, you only 72 hours (three days) to prevent the disaster. Also, masks play a major role in gameplay, which we'll get into soon. From the start, Majora's Mask plays a lot similar to Ocarina of Time and expands upon it as well. Link can still do his basic actions such as running and attacking enemies, as well a solving puzzles. Later in the game, you'll be able to acquire a bow and arrow, hookshot, and Magic Power.

Deku Link offers agile moves and can launch 
through the air.

Link only have 72 in-game hours to save everyone in Termina from the moon. It's impossible to beat the entirety of the game in the given 72 hours, since time will fly as you'll explore Termina and interact with it's inhabitants. Fortunately, Link can relive those three days all over again thanks to his Ocarina until he permanently breaks the cycle. Going back in time isn't always great, you'll lose most of your items gained and all dungeon progress from your last journey. As a result, you'll have to carefully manage the things you want to get done in those three days. Majora's Mask is a demanding game, but thankfully the Ocarina can be used to jump ahead in time and even slow it down. New to Majora's Mask 3D is the ability to skip to the specific hour of your choosing, if you're feeling impatient.

 A new addition to Majora's Mask 3D is the Bomber's Notebook, which is handy when going after side-quests, it basically organizes all of your ongoing, completed, and rumored side-quests. You can even place a timer so you'll be reminded of a quest you would like to pursuit.

Goron Link can roll around and packs powerful
 attacks.

 Although they played a minor role in Ocarina of Time, masks are very important in Majora's Mask. There are over 24 masks to collect, four of them can turn you into various races. Most of them, such as the Giant's Mask which will turn you into a giant. Also, masks aren't just a visual change, they can change the way non-playable characters (NPCs) talk and act towards you. For example, as a Goron (shown above), enter the store at Clock Town and talk to the goron who'll let you buy a bigger, more powerful bomb than those you already have. Masks are also helpful when solving many side-quests and dungeons.

Zora Link is an excellent swimmer and can use
 his fins as projectiles.

 Majora's Mask is a rather darker entry in the series, as you can guess. You'll find the NPCs happy and living their normal lives on the first day, but on the last day, they're all at a panic and lost in fear. It's hard not to feel creeped out when looking at the sky and watching the moon closely approaching Termina, especially on the last day when everything is shaking and the moon is at your face. Despite reliving the same three over-and-over again, Major's Mask is the more dramatic and engaging entry of the series.

PRESENTATION- The most obvious change developer Grezzo have put are the visuals themselves. The environments feel more open and the 3D feature works well, though it's best to use the New Nintendo 3DS XL's improved 3D. Also, textures and character models have been improved and are detailed. Furthermore, Majora's Mask 3D features the same touchscreen interface which was introduced in Ocarina of Time 3D. The interface is simple and easy to use, though you'll be stopping and items more frequently compared to Ocarina of Time 3D. Lastly, and definitely not least, is the soundtrack by series composer, Koji Kondo. The sound fits the dark, creepy mood of the game and I've liked a lot of the tunes throughout the game.

Majora's Mask receives a visual overhaul.

 OVERALL- Fifteen years later, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is still the same great, creepy game that it was. Now, it's even made better in this 3D premaster. It's definitely a must-play for old fans and those who have missed-out on the original adventure. 

OUTSTANDING