The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Reviews
A worthy remake of the most interesting Zelda game
The contemporary video game, marked by the growing presence of remakes and remasters, often leads us to complain. But, when we are faced with a game of the caliber of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and a restoration of this quality, we can only rejoice.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Majora's Mask 3D is a game worth experiencing, even just for its bizarre and unsettling themes. However, while enjoyable, it's not among the best the Zelda series has to offer.
Majora's Mask 3D is a bit of a contradiction. It is perhaps the most modern Zelda title; but this makes it at times feel nothing like a Zelda game at all. MM3D subverts the franchise's core values (exploration, purity of heart, temperance) in a way that teeters on modernity, reaching toward innovation but not quite breaking free of convention. MM3D both suffers from its allegiance to the Zelda ethos while also etching out a unique position within the franchise's context. Ultimately, although its attempts at innovation have mixed success, the core Zelda gameplay is still fun, endearing, and challenging.
The most daring entry in the franchise is better than ever
As much as the first hour or so of the game frustrated me, I really grew to love Majora's Mask 3D. The best way to describe the game is to think of the change between Zelda and Zelda II: both are great games, but both play very differently. Although the transition from Ocarina of Time to Majora\'s Mask isn\'t as drastic, at first it really doesn\'t feel like a traditional Zelda game. Maybe that\'s the charm of it though. It's so outside of the box that you don't expect it to flow together at first, but a couple hours in, you come to the realization that not only is this a great Zelda game, it is easily one of the best. Great dungeons, a deep and intricate story, and excellent side quests due to the 3 Day window make for a Zelda game that every 3DS owner should pick up, whether they played the original or not.
Some aspects of Majora's Mask haven't aged quite that well, and one boss fight has been changed dramatically for the worse, but on the whole, Nintendo has done a stellar job updating the quirkiest and most thematically rich Zelda game for newcomers and old fans alike.
For 3DS owners and people who missed "Majora's Mask" 15 years ago, this is the perfect time to experience one of the most underrated games in the series. The game seems to force itself to take advantage of the 3DS hardware, and not every part of the game is enjoyable, but that's par for the course when it comes to the "Zelda" franchise. The layered narrative is worth your time and money. It's a shining example of why "Zelda" is such an artistic representation of the medium of video games.
The game suggests identity and heroism arise from communal ties as much as they do from individual traits and struggle.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is just as dark, fascinating, and satisfying a game on the 3DS as it was on the Nintendo 64.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is a magnificent remastering of one of the finest Legend of Zelda games to date. The visual overhaul, the streamlined features and other improvements make this version an even more enjoyable and accessible experience than the original N64 release. Minor flaws seem insignificant as the superb concoction of timeless game design truly shines: the unique gameplay ideas, the dark and haunting theme and a cleverly crafted game world — aspects that made the original so great — enable this updated version to provide a near flawless experience.It's strange, perhaps, that a game in which the main premise revolves around repeatedly travelling back in time was so ahead of its time. In its enhanced form, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D defies its age and manages to stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best games on 3DS. Quite simply put, it's a masterpiece that every 3DS owner should play.
Divisive as it may be, Majora's Mask is an important game in the Zelda series; not for its technical innovations, but for its storytelling and gameplay achievements.
To my immense surprise, I haven't fallen for a Zelda game like this since I played the "The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past" (1991).
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D exists as the definitive version of one of gaming's best titles.
There is so much that Majora's Mask has to offer, and almost all of it outshines any of the game's shortcomings.
Majora's Mask for 3DS represents the best execution of the game, boasting impressive graphics and extraordinary gameplay depth.
Majora's Mask 3D is all that a remake of the original could ask for. Not only does Nintendo deliver the original's immersive plot, extremely challenging temples, multiple side-quests and the overall gloom and sorrow that surrounds the adventure, it still finds space for improvements, even at a handheld level. Let the inexperienced be warned, though: this will not go easy on the newly-arrived.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Despite the short list of shortcomings, however, Majora's Mask 3D remains an excellent title with great controls, a unique and involving plot, interesting characters, and a masterfully woven atmosphere. For new and old fans alike, this is a great addition for your library.
Majora's Mask is a testament to the idea that fantastic game design never ages. It's engrossing while pushy, unique while also familiar and filled with contrasting charm and dread. If you have a 3DS it's a must-have – and a good reason to pick one up in the first place.
Overall, Majora's Mask 3D does a great job of bringing a beloved title back. The action remains solid and players have a bunch of stuff to do, including several well-designed side quests. If you loved the original or happened to miss it and would like to see what all the fuss is about, Majora's Mask 3D is a classic that stands the test of time. It definitely won't be a terrible fate to play it — in fact, I'd say it would be the opposite.