The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
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The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (known in Japan as Zeruda no Densetsu: Mujura no Kamen (ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面), officially translated The Legend of Zelda: Mask of Mujura), is the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It was released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000 and like every Zelda game, it was developed and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003 and a remake was also released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015 titled The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D.
Plot
After returning to his childhood, Link goes on a quest to find his friend, Navi. However, his horse Epona and the Ocarina of Time are stolen by a Skull Kid in a strange mask. Following him, Link finds himself in a parallel universe called Termina and must now stop the Moon from crashing down in three days and solve the mystery of the power behind Majora's Mask.
Why It Didn't Meet With a Terrible Fate
- In addition to older enemies from Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask also feature new enemies to combat.
- Awesome and hauntingly-beautiful soundtrack composed by Koji Kondo. Some of the older musical songs from Ocarina of Time return along with some newer songs. Some older songs serve a different purpose in Majora's Mask than they did with Ocarina of Time, such as the Song of Time sending Link back in time rather than opening the Door of Time or removing Stones of Time.
- Tons of memorable and likable characters.
- Tight controls.
- Playing the Song of Time in reverse allows Link to slow time down and playing the notes twice in a row causes time to speed to the next night or day. The Song of Double Time in the 3DS remake now lets Link jump to a specific hour of the current day.
- Great story that takes a surprisingly dark turn for the Zelda franchise, you are on a quest to stop a moon with a scary face from impacting Termina. And unlike other games that try too hard to be dark, it doesn't overstate its welcome as it also has a good sense of humor and lighthearted moments.
- Amazing boss battles, including the final battle with Majora's Mask.
- Owl statues allow Link to warp around anywhere in Termina.
- Though Link loses ammo and Rupees when he goes back in time, more important items remain with him.
- There exists a bank in Clock Town that Link can use to deposit Rupees. The bank is not affected by time travel and depositing 5,000 Rupees will reward Link with a Piece of Heart.
- Tons of numerous side-quests can be completed. They can often grant Link a mask or a Piece of Heart.
- The 3DS remake has extra features such as being able to fish (wearing some masks can get Link some special fish).
- There are some magnificent and memorable quotes, such as the unforgettable and famous line: "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you!"
- Tons of Easter eggs of not only other Nintendo games, but other media as well. For example, the Happy Mask Salesman's backpack has a bunch different masks, including a Mario mask, a mask resembling the late singer Elvis Presley, a mask resembling Darth Maul from Star Wars, a possible luchador mask, and a King DeDeDe mask.
- Various improvements in the 3DS version.
- Most of the original HUD has been moved down to the touch screen, leaving the upper screen mostly clear of graphic overlays. Only the A and B button prompts and clock still appear in the top screen. The clock was redesigned as a bar that displays the full three day cycle, which now also shows the minutes. Each cell in the bar is color coded blue, yellow, and red to represent each day respectively. The clock display no longer fades when Link is actively moving around. During the final six hours, a small icon of the Moon is displayed on top of the countdown, which gradually turns red as time runs out. The bottom screen displays the item inventory and map. It also displays Link's Heart Containers, Magic Meter, and Rupees.
- Much like in Ocarina of Time 3D, the item system is revamped. Items can be assigned to the X and Y buttons, while two extra item slots were added to the two right corners of the touch screen. The Ocarina of Time is permanently assigned to the bottom left corner of the touch screen, while the Pictograph Box is permanently assigned to the top left corner once obtained. Tatl is also now assigned to the right on the Control Pad. Motion controls can also be optionally used when in first person view. They allow Link to look around during movement when the L button is held without anything targeted. Unlike the original game, the viewpoint does not reset to a neutral position when the Circle Pad is released or motion control movement is ceased. When playing on a New Nintendo 3DS or with the Circle Pad Pro, the extra Circle Pad allows full third-person camera control.
- Much like Ocarina of Time 3D, the 3DS version of Majora's Mask is a remake of the original Nintendo 64 game, taking advantage of the more powerful hardware and fitting modern standards. It is the first major re-release of the game that is not an emulation, as the GameCube and Wii versions are. As such, most textures are significantly more detailed, and many models consist of more polygons than the original. Character designs have been updated to reflect their Ocarina of Time 3D counterparts. The frame rate has also been increased from the original game's 20 FPS to 30. Additionally, the touch screen interface and various other menus in the game now runs and maintains a constant 60 FPS, allowing smooth interaction with inventory management.
- Sheikah Stones make a return from Ocarina of Time 3D. They are large Gossip Stones that allow Link to see short gameplay clips called Visions. These Visions can be used to figure out puzzles or where to go next if stuck. In addition to visions, pictures of Piece of Heart and Stray Fairy locations were also added.
- Owl Statues are now activated by just checking them, rather than striking them with a sword. Owl Statues now permanently save the game, and the "Song of Time" no longer saves the game at all. Some Owl Statues were also relocated. A new type of statue known as Quill Statues were also added; these statues allow saving, but cannot be warped to with the "Song of Soaring." Quill Statues appear all across Termina, including inside dungeons. After the credits, the game prompts a save. If the game is saved, upon replaying the file, Link will return to the Dawn of the First Day with all collected masks (including the Fierce Deity's Mask) back. The game now features three save files instead of two. Each file's Quest Status is displayed on the upper screen, including collected masks, Pieces of Heart, equipment, and any Rupees accumulated within the current cycle.
- Two Fishing Holes were added: one on the Road to Southern Swamp and the other in the Zora Cape. Each includes 12 different types of Fish that can be caught, some of which require certain Masks to be worn. Link can transform into the Fierce Deity Link inside the two Fishing Holes. A new item called the Fishing Hole Pass was added, which lets Link fish for free. They replace the Purple Rupees and other rewards when completing mini-games or side quests. They are often given to Link for completing side quests or minigames that give a Mask or Piece of Heart, if Link has already obtained that prize.
- 24 unique masks to collect in the game. Each one has a different ability:
Transformation Masks
- The Deku Mask allows Link to transform into a Deku Scrub and shoot bubbles and fly out of flower pads. It is obtained when Link uses the Song of Healing to free himself of the Deku curse.
- The Goron Mask is obtained when Link is able to heal the soul of a mighty Goron warrior named Darmani. It enables Link to transform into a Goron and walk on lava, roll into a ball and speed up, and swing mighty punches.
- The Zora Mask is obtained when Link heals the soul of a dying Zora guitarist named Mikau. It transforms Link into a Zora and lets him swim in waters at great speeds and generate an electric current. When in Zora form, Link can also attack and use his fins as either a boomerang or a shield.
- The Fierce Deity Mask is obtained when Links hands the Lunar Children his twenty non-transformation masks and completes each mini-game. After that, the child wearing Majora's Mask gives Link the Fierce Deity Mask for a fairer fight. The Fierce Deity Mask can only be used for boss fights and has great power. Locking onto enemies allows him to fire magical energy at them.
Non Transformation Masks
- Great Fairy Mask: Obtained from the Great Fairy in Clock Town the second time you restore her. It allows Link to find pieces of the Great Fairies by causing the hair to shimmer when in the same room as a piece and causing them to fly to him if freed from its bubble.
- Stone Mask: Obtained by giving a wounded soldier in Ikana Canyon (Pirates' Fortress in the 3DS remake) a healing potion (you'll need the Lens of Truth), this mask makes Link unnoticeable to a lot of enemies, which is great for traveling.
- Garo's Mask: Obtained by defeating the Gorman brothers in a horse race, this mask causes the spirits of the Garo to appear and face Link in battle. Defeating these spirits grants Link some information.
- Don Gero's Mask: Obtained by giving a hungry Goron some Rock Sirloin, this mask allows Link to communicate with frogs. Link can use this mask to unite five frogs and obtain a Piece of Heart.
- Gibdo Mask: This mask is obtained by healing the soul of a man cursed with Gibdo-like features. This mask prevents Gibdos and Redeads from attacking Link and also allows Link to communicate with them.
- Kafei's Mask: This mask is given to you by Madame Aroma in order to help you find her son Kafei. It starts one of the longest side quests in the game.
- Giant's Mask: Found within the Stone Tower Temple, the Giant's Mask is only used in the boss room with Twinmold and causes Link to grow into a massive giant to even the fight between him and the giant insects.
- Circus Leader's Mask: Obtained by playing Ballad of the Wind Fish for Gorman, this enables Link to make Gorman's two brothers saddened and disheartened and prevent them from attacking Cremia's milk bottles. It is one of the more useless masks in the game since you complete this side quest to get it, but is still useful for obtaining the Fierce Deity Mask. In the 3DS remake, it is renamed Troupe Leader's Mask and is used in a side quest to obtain an empty bottle.
- Blast Mask: Obtained by the old lady that runs the bomb shop if you can recover her goods from the thief Sakon. The mask acts like a bomb and is useful if Link is fresh out. The downside is that using it will damage Link's health (though if he is using his shield, he will sustain no damage). The mask needs to be recharged in order to be usable again.
- All-Night Mask: This mask is obtained if you prevented Sakon from stealing the Old Lady's goods and have 500 Rupees. You can buy it from the Curiosity Shop on the Final Day. It has the power to prevent Link from falling asleep and reward Link two Pieces of Heart from Anju's grandmother.
- Bremen Mask: Obtained from listening to Guru-Guru's confession of a crime, this mask allows Link to command small animals and make Grog's chick mature, rewarding Link with the Bunny Hood.
- Bunny Hood: This mask allows Link to run faster than normal and shows the counter for the Postman's game to make it easier to win a Piece of Heart.
- Captain's Hat: Obtained by defeating Captain Keeta, this mask allows Link to talk with Stalchildren and make Redeads dance.
- Couple's Mask: Obtained by completing the Kafei storyline, it is formed when Kafei and Anju's Sun and Moon Masks merge together. Wearing the mask gives Dotour, the Clock Town Mayor, confidence and rewards Link with a Piece of Heart.
- Kamaro's Mask: Obtained by healing the soul of Kamaro, this mask makes Link perform a special dance he can teach to the Rosa Sisters, and get Link a Piece of Heart.
- Keaton Mask: Obtained during the Kafei side quest, Link gets it from the Curiosity Shop owner and a letter from Kafei to his mother. The mask helps summon a Keaton, who asks Link various questions about the game. Completing the questions the first time around nets Link a Piece of Heart. Repeating the quizzes grants 20 Rupees afterwards.
- Mask of Scents: Obtained by completing the Deku Butler's challenge, this mask enhances Link's sense of smell to find Magic Mushrooms that can be used in the Magic Hag Shop to brew blue potions.
- Mask of Truth: This mask is obtained by killing all the Gold Skulltulas in the Spider Swamp House. It enables Link to listen to gossip stones and read the thoughts of animals, making it easier to find the winner of the dog track, which nets Link a Piece of Heart and tons of Rupees afterwards.
- Romani's Mask: Obtained after defending Cremia's milk bottles, this mask acts as a sign of membership to the Milk Bar, allowing Link to purchase Chateau Romani, which gives Link unlimited magic power. Access to the Milk Bar also allows Link to complete other side quests.
- Postman's Hat: Obtained by giving the Postman priority mail to Madame Aroma. After delivering it, the Postman is freed from his duties as a public servant. Using the Postman's hat allows Link to look inside mailboxes. The first time will net him a Piece of Heart and then one rupee afterwards.
Bad Qualities
- Some characters and items can be nightmare-inducing, like the Moon and Majora's Mask itself. Check out the game's Nightmare Fuel page on TV Tropes to get a good idea of how frightening the game can be.
- Tatl can be as annoying, if not more annoying than Navi, though some people find her a bit less annoying.
- Although, her ringing makes for a good notification sound.
- Bad camera angles that can very easily give disorientation.
- There's no room for error in this game; everything has to be perfect in it. It doesn't help that there's difficult jumps.
- Whenever you return to the first day, if you defeated a boss, the area will return to its status before you beat that boss, which can be annoying for some side quests (like the Goron Races, which are required to obtain the Gilded Sword, and the Frog side quest).
- Going through menus can be tricky due to the controls. Fortunately, it's been fixed in the 3DS remake.
- The dialogue choice in this game can be also annoying to do.
- You have to backtrack quite often in case you have messed up certain quests.
- Occasional glitches.
- Abysmal GameCube optimization.
- Only five bosses in total, which is somewhat of a step down from the previous game, which had nine (ten if Ganondorf's two forms are considered as separate bosses) boss in total. They are also repetitive and tedious to fight as well.
- If you're playing the game on the Nintendo 64 you need an Expansion Pak otherwise the game won't run. Unlike Donkey Kong 64 that also requires the Expansion Pak in order to play it, copies of this game never came bundled with it, assuming players may have purchased Donkey Kong 64 that came with it, yet the Expansion Pak was also sold separately.
- The Great Bay Temple is infamous mostly because of the three same problems with the Water Temple and tedious stray fairy quest.
- An annoying boss battle with Gyorg, mostly because of the crappy camera that will make Link take a lot of damage and even be eaten if he stands in the water for too long. The fight was revamped in the 3DS version, but it's still a bit annoying.
- Some changes in the 3DS version aren't as pleasant such as the Zora swimming being replaced with a slower version more akin to using the Zora Armor in Twilight Princess while making the original, fast version require magic. This makes a puzzle in the Great Bay Temple harder to accomplish.
Trivia
- This is the favorite game of Zelda Williams, Robin Williams' daughter who has been named after the titular character herself, Princess Zelda.
- In 1998, North Korea fired missiles over Japan while a member of Nintendo's staff was getting married. Eiji Aonuma, the game's director, was in the wedding. The feeling of being in a wedding knowing missiles may fall down led to the creation of the Anju and Kafei side quest.
- This is Tingle's debut.
- This spawned the popular creepypasta known as "Ben Drowned".
- An indie game, Fear & Hunger 2: Termina, is inspired by this game.
Reception
Majora's Mask, along with Twilight Princess, is considered the darkest of the Zelda games and while still a very good game was not as well-received as Ocarina of Time. Nonetheless, it's still considered one of the best games of the franchise.
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