This is a game that I never expected myself to review. I haven't reviewed that many N64 games though, and it's something I like to do. I'll probably present a more favorable opinion than I have in the past. What I will say now, is how I really do feel about the game.
Graphics
The graphics of Zelda are some of the best on the N64, in my opinion. Outside areas, like Hyrule Field, are absolutely spectacular. You can see far into the distance without any fog, and everything looks very realistic. Little details, like the realistic way in which water looks and moves, also add to the overall feel of the game. Whether day, or night, the outdoor graphics are simply beautiful. The only problem, if you can even consider it one, is that there isn't a whole lot to actually see in some places. What's there looks great, like I said, but some areas are wide open, without a lot to see or do. The Dungeons themselves each have a look all their own. A simple example would be that one Dungeon is Fire Oriented, and one is Ice Oriented. There is a high level of detail in most areas of the game. Enemies move quickly and smoothly in the 3D environments, and most are very detailed, themselves. When using weapons like the Bow and Arrow, or an item like the Hookshot, your view will switch to a 1st Person Perspective unless you are locked on to an Enemy. This makes it much easier to aim for objects. At almost any time during the game, you can switch to this 1st Person Perspective, in order to carefully examine your environment.
There are some FMV scenes that you will see, but most of them aren't very interesting. They don't add much to the game, and it would be nice if you could skip them when playing the game for the 2nd time.
Game Play
You move around using the Analog Stick, like virtually every other N64 game. The game's Camera really isn't much of a nuisance, and responds well to whatever you're doing.
For most of the game, you simply travel from Dungeon to Dungeon. There are side quests, though, and hidden things to find. The dungeons aren't too challenging, but some of the puzzles are really clever, and the boss fights are usually very interesting, and fun. You have access to a Map and Compass, once you find them in the Dungeon. You can also use bottles to store Potions and various other helpful items.
There are many different ways to attack in this game. Far too many to cover in this review. For basic attacks, the B button is used. You will be able to use other buttons to perform various types of attacks that are more useful, or more powerful than the simple attack. As you progress, you will also learn a few Magic Spells dfor attack and defense. To perform various actions, like Climbing a ladder, the A Button is used. You can assign different items to the C Buttons. It seems a little excessive and can be confusing at first, but after you get used to it, you will probably find it to be a pretty well designed system. You can lock onto enemies by tapping the Z Button. This makes it easier to attack enemies without losing sight of them. Especially if you plan to use long range weapons like Arrows.
During the Game, you will be able to travel back and forth through time. This is somewhat similar to the Light World/Dark World theme of Zelda 3. It makes the game more interesting though, since young Link can do things that Mature Link can't, and Vice-Versa.
Story
As the Game Begins, you see the fairy, Navi, waking Link, telling him that he has to go to the Deku Tree. Link removes the curse put on the Deku Tree, proving himself worthy. The tree gives Link one of the Spiritual Stones before passing away, and is told to bring it to Princess Zelda. That's how the game begins. The story is pretty similar to previous Zelda games, which isn't neccesarily a bad thing. The Zelda series has always been more about action, exploration, and puzzle solving, than about a detailed story. This game is no exception.
Music
Much of the music in the game is actually really good. This has always been a difficult category for me to judge, but I really don't think that anyone would find it dissapointing. Sound effects are really good, too. You will probably notice some familiar sounds from previous games in the series, like the sounds you hear when you solve a puzzle. One thing that I didn't like is that Link makes a sound everytime you swing the Sword. It get become annoying after a while. Also, Navi constantly calling things to your attention can be distracting.
Final Thoughts
This was different from previous games in the series, since it took place in a 3D environment. But it also shared a lot of similar themes and concepts with the classics. Overall, I didn't enjoy it as much as Zelda 3, but it isn't my least favorite game in the series at all. If you own a N64, I suggest you give it a try, if you already haven't.
Master Ghaleon 99 (CLOUDBOND007) "Perhaps you should demonstrate the power that gives you such confidence. Then we shall see who is fit to be supreme ruler, and who...is dead." -Ghaleon
Owner of Master Ghaleon's Videogame Board
Administrator at Kiera-Yin-Cat's Game Pond
Graphics
The graphics of Zelda are some of the best on the N64, in my opinion. Outside areas, like Hyrule Field, are absolutely spectacular. You can see far into the distance without any fog, and everything looks very realistic. Little details, like the realistic way in which water looks and moves, also add to the overall feel of the game. Whether day, or night, the outdoor graphics are simply beautiful. The only problem, if you can even consider it one, is that there isn't a whole lot to actually see in some places. What's there looks great, like I said, but some areas are wide open, without a lot to see or do. The Dungeons themselves each have a look all their own. A simple example would be that one Dungeon is Fire Oriented, and one is Ice Oriented. There is a high level of detail in most areas of the game. Enemies move quickly and smoothly in the 3D environments, and most are very detailed, themselves. When using weapons like the Bow and Arrow, or an item like the Hookshot, your view will switch to a 1st Person Perspective unless you are locked on to an Enemy. This makes it much easier to aim for objects. At almost any time during the game, you can switch to this 1st Person Perspective, in order to carefully examine your environment.
There are some FMV scenes that you will see, but most of them aren't very interesting. They don't add much to the game, and it would be nice if you could skip them when playing the game for the 2nd time.
Game Play
You move around using the Analog Stick, like virtually every other N64 game. The game's Camera really isn't much of a nuisance, and responds well to whatever you're doing.
For most of the game, you simply travel from Dungeon to Dungeon. There are side quests, though, and hidden things to find. The dungeons aren't too challenging, but some of the puzzles are really clever, and the boss fights are usually very interesting, and fun. You have access to a Map and Compass, once you find them in the Dungeon. You can also use bottles to store Potions and various other helpful items.
There are many different ways to attack in this game. Far too many to cover in this review. For basic attacks, the B button is used. You will be able to use other buttons to perform various types of attacks that are more useful, or more powerful than the simple attack. As you progress, you will also learn a few Magic Spells dfor attack and defense. To perform various actions, like Climbing a ladder, the A Button is used. You can assign different items to the C Buttons. It seems a little excessive and can be confusing at first, but after you get used to it, you will probably find it to be a pretty well designed system. You can lock onto enemies by tapping the Z Button. This makes it easier to attack enemies without losing sight of them. Especially if you plan to use long range weapons like Arrows.
During the Game, you will be able to travel back and forth through time. This is somewhat similar to the Light World/Dark World theme of Zelda 3. It makes the game more interesting though, since young Link can do things that Mature Link can't, and Vice-Versa.
Story
As the Game Begins, you see the fairy, Navi, waking Link, telling him that he has to go to the Deku Tree. Link removes the curse put on the Deku Tree, proving himself worthy. The tree gives Link one of the Spiritual Stones before passing away, and is told to bring it to Princess Zelda. That's how the game begins. The story is pretty similar to previous Zelda games, which isn't neccesarily a bad thing. The Zelda series has always been more about action, exploration, and puzzle solving, than about a detailed story. This game is no exception.
Music
Much of the music in the game is actually really good. This has always been a difficult category for me to judge, but I really don't think that anyone would find it dissapointing. Sound effects are really good, too. You will probably notice some familiar sounds from previous games in the series, like the sounds you hear when you solve a puzzle. One thing that I didn't like is that Link makes a sound everytime you swing the Sword. It get become annoying after a while. Also, Navi constantly calling things to your attention can be distracting.
Final Thoughts
This was different from previous games in the series, since it took place in a 3D environment. But it also shared a lot of similar themes and concepts with the classics. Overall, I didn't enjoy it as much as Zelda 3, but it isn't my least favorite game in the series at all. If you own a N64, I suggest you give it a try, if you already haven't.
Owner of Master Ghaleon's Videogame Board
Administrator at Kiera-Yin-Cat's Game Pond

