Longtime fans will get a second chance to experience The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, a game that originally came out for the Nintendo 64 in 2000. It’ll arrive for both the current line of 3DS systems and the New 3DS XL, which debuts the same day as the video game, February 13.
The plot for this engaging adventure remains just as haunting as it was all those years ago, as Link races to stop a sinister-looking moon from crashing into the world, while at the same time learning more about a mysterious Skull Kid.
Thankfully Nintendo improved this masterpiece with a variety of features that take advantage of the 3DS hardware.
Gyroscopic controls
The first thing you’ll notice when playing Majora’s Mask on a handheld is the ability to use gyroscopic controls for aiming. Twisting and turning your system (whether it’s the old or New 3DS XL) makes it easier to aim your projectile weapons, such as your bow and arrow.
It’s completely optional, so if you prefer the traditional controls, head into the options menu and select this.
Time is on your side
Another cool aspect to Majora’s Mask 3D is the ability to use the Song of Double Time to jump to a specific moment. With the original release, you could only choose to rewind time either to the start of the day or the end, making things tricky at first. With the new version, however, you can choose your hour, making specific changes during missions instead of wasting precious seconds.
This is a crucial change, and will keep the moon at bay while you search for the Skull Kid and complete the next dungeon.
A better quest log
In the original, did you have trouble keeping track of your quest progress? If yes, you weren’t the only one, so Nintendo simplified it with the inclusion of the Bomber’s Notebooks. With these, you can keep track of your locations in a better way, as well as keep note of what you’re looking for.
The Notebooks will automatically make note of conversations you have with people in the town, including clues that could point to your next location. You can access it with the press of a button, so be sure to check it often. Events during specific times are also kept track of, which is where that Song of Double Time proves especially useful.
An easier switch-out system
We made note in a previous article about the different masks you can use in Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, and there’s an easy way to switch between them all. While playing, you’ll see available gear on the bottom screen. This allows you to switch at any time, without the need to pause the game.
Sometimes you’ll need to make a quick switch (transforming into a Deku to activate a puzzle), so it doesn’t hurt to have this within reach.
A little easier on the rookies
Finally, for those that prefer it, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D comes with a hint system. That’s not to say everything will be spelled out, but you’ll receive some guidance. Considering this isn’t your typical Zelda adventure (it’s much darker in tone and storyline, and some of the dungeons can be a real challenge), it never hurts to have a few pointers.
This carries over to boss fights, to figure out their patterns and strike where it counts the most.
Obviously, pros that played the original won’t need hints, but better to have them and not need them, rather than the other way around.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D releases for 3DS and the New 3DS XL on February 13.
Get all the strategy at your fingertips with the official game guides in print or eGuide format. Available for pre-order now!
Published: Feb 9, 2015 05:00 pm