Part of what solidifies an experience as unforgettable is the timing and circumstances surrounding it. That is why events from our youth tend to be deeply ingrained in our memories. For many of us, Ocarina of Time released in the formative years of our lives while we were struggling through middle or high school. Becoming…
Art is an expression of passion. It’s our interpretation of — and reaction to — the things we see, think and feel in our day-to-day life. And here’s the best part: even children can express this passion. That’s why fan art is a testament to just how strongly games can resonate with us. Even a…
The forests of Hyrule are not to be trifled with, and the Lost Woods are the ultimate example of why. Mystical, magical, and nearly incomprehensible, no one, not even the natural residents of the forests, are able to take them lightly.
One of the most memorable moments from Ocarina of Time is busting out of Lon Lon Ranch on the back of your newly tamed steed, Epona, to venture on horseback across the vast Hyrule Field. Link rides Epona to freedom after the ornery ranch hand, Ingo, locks the ranch gate to prevent Link’s escape even…
When I was a child, I inserted myself into the game world as I played through Ocarina of Time for the first time. It was a memorable experience for many reasons, as I felt a lot like the hero himself going on a grand adventure. When I encountered Princess Zelda for the first time after…
When fans of Ocarina of Time recall the scariest moment of the game, it’s usually the first encounter with ReDeads. It’s a haunting memory and for good reason, but there’s also something to be said about the Wolfos. Having consumed endless hours of playtime of Ocarina of Time in the last 20 years, it’s easy to forget how fearsome…
After defeating Queen Gohma and leaving Kokiri Forest, Link (and by extension, the player) truly sees how big the land of Hyrule is. As soon as the player enters the field, the camera pans across it. This not only shows how big the area is but also teases that there is even more of the…
When people hear the word “ocarina,” many, including non-gamers, immediately think of The Legend of Zelda, and in particular, Ocarina of Time — and for good reason. Ocarina of Time is widely considered to be among the greatest, if not the greatest video game of all time, and playing a magical ocarina is a primary facet of…
Storms, despite often being destructive forces, can have surprisingly powerful calming effects on people. Listening to rain hit against a window, or a gust of wind blowing through a cluster of trees forces a sense of submission to nature, which can bring tranquility. “Song of Storms” is a melody that embodies this, and this lo-fi…
Every now and then, you come across a game, movie, or a book that impacts your life more than you could imagine. For me, it’s Ocarina of Time. Ocarina of Time was first released in Japan on November 21, 1998. This month, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the most beloved games of all…
Ocarina of Time easily had some of the best-designed villains in the Zelda series. From the intimidating Iron Knuckles to the horrifying Dead Hand, I’ve been enjoying these villains since I first played the game as an eight-year-old kid. Volvagia, the subterranean fire dragon of Death Mountain, is a particular standout for how much backstory is…
There is something incredibly appealing about the water effects in Ocarina of Time, and the ability to enjoy them in a massive setting such as Lake Hylia has been appreciated by many gamers for decades. Most areas in Ocarina are a joy to explore, and the lake distinguishes itself as the most serene. When you enter…
Last week, I dug up an interview with Zelda producer Shigeru Miyamoto which dated all the way back to 1997, a year before Ocarina of Time’s release. The translation of the interview, held by Japanese publication Famimaga 64, is still available on IGN. I love finding old articles like these, and I’m so grateful to see some…
There are a lot of things that Ocarina of Time did right, and one of those things is the end credits. I feel like it goes rather unappreciated. People rave on and on about this game and look over such a nice touch to finish off this wonderful installment. This is why Nintendo doesn’t do…
Perhaps the greatest thing about being a kid is how oftentimes things seem larger than life. Your imagination will go into overdrive and fill in blanks that aren’t even there, and worlds will manifest themselves as a result. This same phenomenon is what happened to me when I played Ocarina of Time for the first…
