The Ultimate Guide to The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Introduction

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (commonly abbreviated as Majora's Mask) is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It is the second installment in the Legend of Zelda series to feature a three-dimensional environment and is a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The game was released in Japan in 2000, in North America in 2001, and in Europe in 2001.

The game follows Link, the protagonist of Ocarina of Time, as he travels to the parallel world of Termina to prevent the impending destruction of the world by the falling moon. Link must travel to four different regions of Termina and collect four Giant's Masks to summon the four Giants who will stop the moon from falling.

Features

Majora's Mask builds upon the foundation of Ocarina of Time by adding several new gameplay features. These include:

• Transformation Masks: Link can use various masks to transform into different creatures, each with unique abilities.
• Time Loop Mechanic: The game's central gameplay mechanic revolves around a three-day time loop, which Link must use to complete various tasks.
• Side Quests: The game features a wide variety of side quests that can be completed for rewards.
• Dungeons: The game contains a total of 15 dungeons, one of which is optional.
• Boss Fights: The game features a variety of bosses, each with unique attacks and weaknesses.

Gameplay

Majora's Mask is a third-person action-adventure game. The player controls Link, who can freely explore the world of Termina. Link can use a variety of weapons and items to combat enemies and solve puzzles. The game features a day-night cycle, and the time of day affects the behavior of enemies and NPCs.

The game's central gameplay mechanic revolves around a three-day time loop. Link must complete various tasks within the three-day time loop in order to collect the Giant's Masks and stop the moon from falling. If Link fails to complete a task within the time limit, he will be sent back to the beginning of the three-day loop.

Development

Majora's Mask was developed by a team of Nintendo EAD developers led by producer Eiji Aonuma. The development team was given only one year to develop Majora's Mask, which led to the game's unique tone and atmosphere.

The development team was inspired by the film Memento and the manga The Sandman. The game's dark and melancholic tone was also influenced by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which occurred during the game's development.

Reception

Majora's Mask was met with critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, dark and atmospheric tone, and memorable characters. The game has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo 64 games of all time.

Legacy

Majora's Mask has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game's unique gameplay mechanics and dark tone have inspired many later games, including ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

The game has also been the subject of numerous academic studies and has been praised for its exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and redemption.

Helpful Content

Strategies for Beating Majora's Mask

• Learn the Time Loop Mechanic: The time loop mechanic is central to Majora's Mask. Learn how to use it to your advantage to complete tasks and solve puzzles.
• Use the Transformation Masks: The transformation masks are powerful tools that can help you overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. Experiment with different masks to find the ones that best suit your play style.
• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Majora's Mask is a game that rewards exploration and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try different things and see what works.
• Use a Walkthrough: If you're stuck on a puzzle or dungeon, don't be afraid to consult a walkthrough. There are many helpful walkthroughs available online and in print.

Step-by-Step Approach to Completing the Game

1. Collect the Giant's Masks: The Giant's Masks are essential to stopping the moon from falling. Travel to the four regions of Termina and collect the four masks.
2. Summon the Giants: Once you have collected the four Giant's Masks, you can summon the four Giants. The Giants will then stop the moon from falling.
3. Defeat Majora: Once the moon has been stopped, you can travel to the Moon's Tear and defeat Majora. Majora is the final boss of the game.

Pros and Cons of Majora's Mask

Pros:

• Innovative gameplay mechanics
• Dark and atmospheric tone
• Memorable characters
• Challenging and rewarding gameplay

Cons:

• Time loop mechanic can be frustrating
• Game can be difficult for some players
• Lack of dungeons compared to Ocarina of Time

Tables

Table 1: Giant's Masks

Table 2: Bosses

Table 3: Sales Figures

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world. The game's unique gameplay mechanics, dark and atmospheric tone, and memorable characters make it a must-play for Zelda fans and anyone who enjoys action-adventure games.