Almost 25 years later, no Zelda game looks like Majora’s Mask

Almost 25 years after its original release, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask remains an anomaly in the Zelda franchise. Unlike the Zelda entries that came before, Majora’s Mask chose to focus on darker themes and a mature tone that fans of the series would not be accustomed to. Although this distinction has sometimes made Majora’s Mask a black sheep in the franchise, This unique approach is precisely why the game remains such a beloved entry.

At first glance, it is difficult to say how Majora’s Mask Sets separate. As a sequence of Ocarina of TimeThe development team reused the same engine and many character assets to facilitate an accurate twist. It would be easy to assume Majora’s Mask it would be a simple follow-up Ocarina of Timebut it is misleading in this sense. Playing the game is a totally different story, as Majora’s Mask readily commits to creating a darker, grittier experience than no other Zelda the game has since been replicated.

The story of Majora’s Mask is truly harrowing

Link is no longer in Hyrule

Majora’s Mask invests in telling a tragic and distressing story, so much so that the game changes the structure that the previous one Zelda the inputs were standardized. Instead of having the usual bevy of dungeons for Link to fight his way through, the world of Termina only contains four. The game’s main story and progression are shortened to encourage the player to spend more time in the carefully constructed Clock Town.a sly way of putting the focus on the horrors happening in this world.

Link is at the center of a city divided over its impending doom: a moon set to fall in just three days. In addition to the threat to the city as a whole, many citizens face their own personal dilemmas. Whether it’s an innkeeper looking for his fiancé or a young girl protecting cows from an attack by ghosts, Link’s ability to solve these problems never changes his inevitable fate. Majora’s Mask puts the player in purgatoryforced to witness a world at the end of existence.

This becomes more harrowing in the final hours of Termina, as the reactions of Clock Town’s citizens range from denial to fear in one of the Zelda the franchise’s most chilling moments. Majora’s Mask gives rise to a feeling of hopelessness and despair in a way that seems strange to the Zelda franchise as a whole. Although each Zelda The game presents some imminent threat, the series has never before presented such a sinister fate, while also making the player powerless to stop it for most of the game.

Majora’s Mask gameplay requires a new level of strategy

This only adds to Majora’s Mask’s unique approach

In addition to the narrative, the gameplay of Majora’s Mask differentiates the game from others Zelda entries due to the level of strategy it adds. The implementation of the three-day cycle restricts the player in what he can accomplish before the moon destroys all of Termina. Combined with the specific timelines of various NPCs, the cycle forces the player to plan the best path forward. The added level of time management creates a sense of panic and dread, reflecting the dire situation the citizens of Clock Town find themselves in.

The implementation of masks adds more variety to the game’s gameplay. Majora’s Maskespecially when it comes to transformative options. Whether he becomes a small, helpless Deku or a large Goron, each transforming mask completely changes Link’s move set and abilities. Not only are players asked to adapt to various move sets, but they are also encouraged to master each mask if they want a chance to find all of Termina’s secrets and treasures. It’s a welcome change for the Zelda series’ usual item progression formula and continues to separate Majora’s Mask from the rest of the franchise.

Furthermore, the masks contribute to the horror elements spread throughout Majora’s Mask. Link’s scream of pain when he puts on one of the masks is disturbingand this single moment makes it clear to the player how unnatural these transformations are. It’s a far cry from the joyful energy of finding treasure and equipping new items in most Zelda games, adding to the rich, dark atmosphere that Majora’s Mask prospers.

No other Zelda game was like Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask is unique to the franchise

While other games have their moments, Majora’s Mask easily manages to become the darkest entry in the Zelda franchise. Throughout the entire game, the player will never be able to escape the impending destruction that will affect everyone in Termina. Yet beneath all the doom and gloom, there is always a glimmer of the optimism that is the essence of Zelda franchise. Whether reuniting the engaged couple, helping a discouraged artist, or solving the problems plaguing each region around Clock Town, there’s always a little piece of hope for the player to hold on to.

Majora’s Mask is a Zelda game that does things your way. Through the game’s darker themes and mature tone, the player is constantly forced to face the real threat that watches over Link and witness firsthand the dire consequences that lie in store for the people of Termina. Such a harrowing experience makes the player’s perseverance all the more special. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask proves that there is some light in the darkness, making it a special entrance into the Zelda franchise that has not been replicated since.