| Graphics:
5/5 |
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| The graphical variety of the environments in Zelda is unmatched on the N64. Each and every place has it's own feel. The cinema scenes often actually manage to convey emotions in addition to pure eye candy. It would have been absolutely amazing if the game had been able to use the N64's
high-res mode, but other than that, this game is everything you could want from Zelda in 3D. |
| Music:
4/5 |
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| The initial music (in the Lost Woods, Kokiri Forest and Hyrule Field) grates on my nerves after a while and is pretty standard MIDI music. However, the music improves dramatically throughout the game. The music in the temples and dungeons is absolutely amazing for a cartridge-based game. In many locations, the music truly becomes a soundtrack for the action taking place. Some tracks actually feature sampled chants. Click here to listen to the Gregorian chant-like music fromt the Temple of Time (374k). And just in case you're wondering, I'm very far into the game now and I have yet to hear the original Zelda melody. The truth is, surprisingly, I don't miss it. |
| Sound
FX: 5/5 |
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| This game makes better use of sound effects than any game I've ever played. Every sound is perfect, and the spatialization of effects is key to the gameplay. Be sure you're playing in stereo, or even better, in the game's built-in surround mode. |
| Play
Control: 9/10 |
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| It isn't perfect, but it's close. It's so nice to play a game that doesn't require the player to make all the tough jumps. Just move Link in the right direction, and the game takes care of the rest. The game's sword play is exciting and intuitive. I
simply can't say enough good things about the play control. There are two minor problems with it though. The first
notable problem is that there are regular occasions where Link's fairy doesn't fly over a nearby enemy, preventing Link from targeting it. It's also tough to get Link to turn around quickly in heated battle. As with all recent Miyamoto games, the game has been tweaked enough that it's problems are only minor
nuisances.. |
| Frustration
Factor: 1/10 (10 being the worst) |
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The challenges in this game will keep you playing and playing. In most cases, you'll solve them without help from a strategy guide. The only time I've felt frustrated with the game was when I was forced to play the side games (such as the fishing game, archery games, etc.) in order to get some important items. Other than that, I have no real complaints.. |
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