The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, which acts as a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, was released for the Nintendo 64 in 2000. Similar to it’s predecessor, Majora’s Mask is a 3D action/adventure/puzzle game once again featuring our protagonist Link, with dungeons to explore as well as a return appearance by the ocarina flute. Unlike Ocarina of Time, Princess Zelda and Gannon/Gannondorf are not key characters in this adventure. Additionally, the game does not take place in the land of Hyrule. Instead, Majora’s Mask takes place in the land of Termina (foreshadow much?), which is a sort of parallel land to Hyrule. Unfortunately for Termina, that little brat Skull Kid has stolen Majora’s Mask (in addition to Link’s ocarina) which sets off a chain of events that ultimately lead to Termina’s moon crashing down on them causing mass death and destruction. Fun times ahead for Link and the Termina gang! Link’s task is to prevent this catastrophe from occurring with only 3 days to accomplish this feat. Luckily for Link, he can return to 6:00am on day 1 by playing the Song of Time on his reacquired ocarina in order to take everything he’s learned and re-apply them to achieve his goal.
As a fan of the Zelda series, I bought Majora’s Mask complete in box, post Gamecube release but then sat on it for years. My thought process was that I felt I must complete Ocarina of Time first before embarking on this second N64 Zelda adventure. Years later, I finally finished Ocarina and I’ve played Majora’s Mask but have only made it about half-way through. I enjoy the game and find it refreshing to have a different goal beyond saving the Princess and Hyrule. Majora’s Mask is a winner with interesting plot devices such as time travel, alternate worlds, masks that turn Link into creatures and the feeling of impending doom with each tick of that 3 day clock. I have no problems with the darker storyline and Groundhog day feel of the game. I know this game has a much more divisive reception overall among fans of the series but I still find it a highly enjoyable entry.
Rating: A-
Currently in my collection: game, manual, box
Cartridge Corner 