Platform: 3DS | Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is just as epic now (if not more so) as it was 13 years ago, IF you know what to expect.

The Legend of Zelda holds a very special place in my heart. It has been a part of my life since birth basically. My parents used to play the first two games for the NES, and they passed the torch onto me with the rise of the SNES. I first played the original Ocarina of Time back in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, and I loved it. Since then I've played it many times, enough for the challenge to wear off. But still, when I heard it was being remastered for the Nintendo 3DS, I was filled with excitement!

Story (8/10): The story is the same now as it was back then: fate names our protagonist (Link) as the Hero of Time, and he embarks on a journey to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Ganondorf. Obviously this is a very bare-bones and vague synopsis, but I don't want to ruin it for those who actually have not played this title some time in the past. Rest assured that the game still has the ability to draw newcomers in, with a dark tale about good overcoming evil, speckled with humor, magic, and personality.

Gameplay (9/10): Most of the gameplay has remained intact, and for good reason. The targeting system works flawlessly, fighting is fun and easy, and the camera works well most of the time. For this version they decided to integrate use of the 3DS' gyroscope for aiming when using your bow, boomerang, and other first-person equipment. It works surprisingly well! It also makes it a lot more fun to use these items, and tons faster.

The menu system has been revamped, and is much more accessible than before. Gone are the days of constantly having to pause to change equipment such as your boots (made the Water Temple very annoying in the original). Everything is literally at the tip of your fingers, as the Ocarina now has it's own dedicated button, and you get four buttons for quick item use. Basically they've taken everything that slowed down the experience and placed it in a way that streamlines it all.

There are a couple of downfalls though. First, although completely optional, are the new Sheikah Stones, which offer visions of "hints" that are supposed to help you out if you're stuck or lost. The problem is that they aren't hints. They literally show you exactly what to do. Step. By. Step. Really takes the fun out of the game, but to each his own.

Next is your trusty fairy companion, Navi, who is there for targeting enemies/objects/people and also gives you hints of where to go next. She is infamous for being obnoxious, calling out to you every so often (and I mean often) with a high-pitched "Hey!" or "Listen!". You'd think Nintendo would tone it down this time around, but they've only made her worse.

Now she asks you if you're tired, and suggests that you save and quit. She also recommends that if you're lost that you should go use a Sheikah Stone. She asks both of these things more often than she gives you hints. It would have been nice to have the option to turn those off. Other than a few artificial intelligences that seem to have been dumbed-down, these are the only problems I can see.

I don't have much to say about the extra Boss Mode that has been added. It's there. I tried it a couple of times; didn't see the appeal. Master Quest is unlocked once you beat the main game once, which is nice if you want an extra challenge.

Visuals (8/10): Although nothing in comparison to the console games of today, the updated graphics of Ocarina of Time 3D are bright and colorful. The 3D is what really impresses me, giving depth and making it so much more interesting. To be honest, turning it off almost made the game seem boring. All of the character models and textures have been updated, and so have the animations. Small details like particles, beams of light, more foliage, and interior decorations really make Hyrule come to life.

There are a few instances where seams can be seen in the terrain, and a couple of situations where the 3D "sweet-spot" cannot be found, which is pretty disappointing considering this is an official Nintendo game. Also, if you were hoping the great fairies would be given a new make-over, you were wrong haha. Save for their slightly rounder breasts, they're still a bunch of wailing train-wrecks!

Audio (8/10): From what I can tell, the audio has mostly been untouched. Luckily, the original score was fantastic, so I have no problem with it. It will bring back fond memories to anyone who's already played, and I'm willing to bet that the melodies will enchant anyone who hasn't. I did notice that they tried to make the Ocarina a little more realistic. For example, when playing the Sun's Song, Link repeats the final note multiple times in quick succession instead of just extending it.

Overall Score (8.5/10): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D was very fun for me, and even though I've beaten the game many times, the new presentation and gameplay alterations made it feel like a fresh experience. I don't think I'll ever touch an older version of this game. I'll stick with the shiny new graphics, thanks!

-Luisito