Zeldar Stuff

One of the most exciting games that’s going to be released on the Nintendo 3DS this year is a 3D version of the classic Zelda game Ocarina of Time. If you’re a Zelda fan then you’ve probably paled that game a hundred times, but it’s going to be in 3D which should add a new element to what is already a classic game.

I have a few concerns about the game though. Firstly, is it going to just be a direct port of the old game or is it going to add new features? The original was almost perfect, but there were some issues that it would be good to address and I hope they do. The water temple is one example that they could really improve with a bit of thought.

One thing that was annoying in the old game was the constant pp up of Navi even when you didn’t need any help. If they remove her from the whole game it would be a shame, but I’d like to see an option to turn her off when you don’t need her. No one finds it helpful to have her popping up saying the same things over and over again, although I do see the need to have some form of help system within the game.

I can’t wait for the game though. Even if it’s just a direct port with 3D added then I’ll still be first in line to get it when it comes out.

In case you came here looking for Zelda ROMs I thought I’d explain what they are. A ROM is basically a small piece of software that’s a “rip” from the cartridge of an old game – in this case a Zelda game. These can them be played on software emulators for old consoles. A lot of people accidentally end up here looking for ROMs when that’s not what this site is about.

The problem is that depending on the console and the game these types of software are not legal, which is why this site doesn’t provide them nor does it endorse them or link to where you can find them. We don’t recommend you download them – it’s usually best to find a place that sells old consoles and buy the real thing. You’ll get a much better gaming experience and you’ll know that it’s legal and supporting the people who make great games. eBay is good for find in second hand games along with the older consoles.

This site is just about Zelda games from the past and the present. This is the last time we’ll mention ROMs on this site so please don’t ask about them. The next post will go back to focusing on real Zelda issues, including the latest game for the 3DS.

A friend asked me a question recently – “what’s your favourite Zelda game” – and I found it quite difficult to come up with an answer. The obvious choice is the Ocarina of Time, just because it was such an innovative game and brought Zelda into the land of 3D rather than 2D scrolling games. Even so, I have a soft spot for nearly all the Zelda games which makes choosing a favourite very difficult.

In fact, the only game I didn’t really like was the Wind Waker. I liked the idea of making it set mainly in the sea, but the endless travelling combined with the cartoony graphics meant it didn’t have the same feel as other games in the series. As far as I’m aware I’m not the only person who feels this way either – there are a lot of people who think that the Wind Waker let the series down, even though it wasn’t a bad game by any stretch of the imagination.

I was left with two choices though – Ocarina of Time or the latest Wii version. I decided to go for the Wii game, mainly because I’ve played it more recently and enjoyed every minute of it. Both games have to be amongst the top games ever made, but I think the wii version just shades it because the extra factor of controlling the sword as you swing.

What is your favourite Zelda game? I’d be interested to hear whether anyone’s favourite was one of the old 2D scroller games – they were great at the time.