In the last quarter of 1998, Ocarina of Time was released in Japan, Europe and North America. As the fifth game in Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series, I was instantly absorbed by the 3D graphics of this action-adventure video game. I am not surprised to know that the gaming giant picked Ocarina of Time as the top game for their latest handheld. Generally regarded as the greatest video game of all time, this reinvented release on the 3DS was always going to be a massive success.

In this amazing game, Link searches far and wide in dungeons and travels through time to awaken the sages that can stop King Ganondorf. The head of the Gerudo tribe is on the quest for the Triforce, the sacred relic that grants the wishes of whoever holds it. Link fights with a sword and shield but also uses other powerful weapons like bombs, magic spells, and projectiles. Our hero also gains new abilities through collecting weapons and items found in overworld and dungeons. The Fairy Ocarina is given to Link at the beginning and eventually replaced by the Ocarina of Time.

Controlling Link in a three-dimensional space through a third-person perspective gives a player a pleasant mood to start the game. With the use of Z-targeting system and context-sensitive actions as control scheme, the player will be able to focus Link to an enemy or any object with precision. By just clicking a button, you can move in any direction and keep the target in the middle of the screen at the same time. Using the remaining controls is like a walk in the park. To move, use the circle pad, A to talk, B to attack, X and Y, and I and II as item shortcuts. There are four items that have a shortcut. Changing clothes and weapons can be done with the touchscreen. Nintendo sees to it that the technology is fit for us gamers. All the inconvenient stuffs have been removed.

For new players, there is a sort of disguised tutorial with the search for the sword and shield. In your eagerness to find these essential items, you should have exhausted much of the controls like crawling, jumping, swordfighting, and the likes. I myself have gone through this process and learning continues as you go on playing. Using the shop and talking to people are also involved in this phase.

To progress in the game means being able to play a number of songs from an Ocarina, an ancient flute-like instrument. The thirteen melodies learned by Link allowed him to solve puzzles and teleport to previous locations of the game. One interesting aspect of the game I particularly liked is the freedom to choose side-quests. The player can engage or ignore these minor objectives. The rewards come as weapons, abilities, and the opportunity to trade non-essentials to non-player characters. For Zelda veterans who are looking for one of a kind thrill, the tougher Master Quest mode is readily prepared for you. To live up to its toughness, you can only access it once you have completed the game. Expect for newly laid out dungeons, completely mirrored Hyrule and tougher enemies.

An equally breathtaking addition to this new Zelda series is the gyroscope aiming mode. It employs the 3DS’s motion controls wherein you can actually hold your arms out as if aiming a slingshot. You will also be able to aim using the circle pad. With the Boss Rush mode, you will be able to face off against every Boss in the game one after another real quick.

The Ocarina of Time has proven its worthiness against the best and a testament to this is that the exciting features in it have been adapted by other 3D adventure game developers. The more than 7 million copies sold worldwide is proof of how gamers adore Link and his escapades. The four major re-releases are never heard of in the history of gaming. It was ported to GameCube, Que Player, and the Wii’s Virtual Console Service. Re-inventing the game with updated graphics and 3D effects made it more appealing and intriguing to gamers of all level and status.

The game will continue to make waves in the handheld for the coming years. There are still records to break and awards to be won. For thrill seekers and pacifists alike, not to mention music lovers, nothing can rival a game that is led by an unsuspecting hero. In all corners of the world, fairytales endure and Link will always be remembered as the little boy who gets out of the pack, conquered the unknown, and prevailed. Every winner likes a winner and so much is crammed in this tiny piece of device that it’s hard to ignore it. If you are a gamer at heart, please don’t miss the action.