New visual flair is accompanied by use of the touch screen to ease control and menu navigation. The inclusion of two 'soft-buttons' to the control screen allows adds enough versatility to alleviate the past issues of constant pausing to switch equipped items. By removing the heavy amount of menu navigation and stop-start in the game's flow this created aided significantly the update addressing problems that could have aged it against modern titles (especially in the Water Temple where the need to constantly switch boots remains a pained memory).

 

 

 

The 3DS update also includes extra content over the original game. Though many of these additions have already been seen through various Zelda compilation packs they none the less prove a nice addition to the tiny cartridge adding a good chunk of extra, if similar content. Most notable of these additions is the Master Quest. Essentially the same game again, the Master Quest setting is unlocked once the game is finished and basically functions as a hard mode. The extra content this adds is considerable, and does alter the experience slightly, so it is a shame the setting isn’t unlocked from the start for those familiar with the original.

 

On top of the Master Quest there a few other new features to extend and improve the experience. A boss rush mode has been included allowing time trials against all defeated bosses. Personally this kind of thing does little for me, but for some it will provide involving extra content.

 

 

 

One other new addition is to help younger or less experienced gamers with a built in guide. This sees Link receiving premonitions of the future to help him find his way forward. He does this by crawling inside specific marker stones within the world. Similar to the 'Super Guide' that Nintendo introduced with New Super Mario Bros, it is for long time gamers a completely unnecessary addition, but in this age of accessibility it is an effective, unobtrusive addition to help those less familiar with Zelda game structures.

 

 

All of these improvements mealy provide the framework for this spectacular journey; it is the story, and indeed music, that provide so much of the emotional impact. That returning to the game you probably already know this, what struck me however, was just how effective this hit of nostalgia crack was for me. From the first moment I picked up the Ocarina and played Zelda's Lullaby I was transported back to the first time I played, and it was all just as magical.

 

"The Legend Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D" is a classic in the true sense of the word. The original, untouched, could still be considered one of the best games of all time, this update simply brushes off the cobwebs and ensures a new jaded generation do not miss out on its wonders. In short it is still amazing, and the best reason to own a 3DS.

 

 

 

 

+ Brings back an amazing classic