You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you?»
Released in 2000, a year marked by transformation, Majora’s Mask arrives as a direct sequel to the monumental success of Ocarina of Time. Yet, rather than living in its shadow, it shines brightly in its own right. While it may not have achieved the same level of success, it undoubtedly stands firm and distinct on its own.
A game that need not compete with Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask shifts its focus to an abundance of sidequests and the exploration of a darker, more ominous world. A world where the desperation to survive within a relentless time limit looms — a fate that seems unchangeable… or is it?
It is a game with fewer temples than most entries in the series, yet it gains immensely through the exploration of its areas and aiding its citizens. The stories of each region unfold long before the temple, with each area rich in main quests and side missions that provide a sense of fulfillment. And let’s not forget the central hub, which is also packed with activities. Managing your time remains the most compelling aspect of the entire game.
The core mechanic of this game revolves around the Masks, which you collect and use throughout your journey. While some are quite useful and others less so, it’s always rewarding to gather them all. The truly important ones—the ones that allow you to transform—dramatically shift the gameplay. Zora, Goron, and Deku each introduce their own unique mechanics. The game revolves around these transformations and makes excellent use of them, while still ensuring your items remain valuable. This balance keeps the human form viable, with everything harmoniously integrated.
