Almost 25 years after its original release,The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Maskremains an anomaly in theZeldafranchise. Unlike theZeldaentries that came before,Majora’s Maskchose to focus on darker themes and a mature tone that fans of the series would not have been accustomed to. While this distinction has sometimes madeMajora’s Maska black sheep in the franchise,this unique approach is precisely why the game remains such a beloved entry.
At first glance, it’s hard to tell howMajora’s Mask setsitself apart. As asequel toOcarina of Time, the development team reused the same engine and many character assets to facilitate a tight turnaround. It would be easy to assumeMajora’s Maskwould be a simple follow-up toOcarina of Time, yet it’s deceptive in that way. Playing the game is a whole different story, asMajora’s Maskreadily commits to creating a darker, more somber experiencethat no otherZeldagame has replicated since.
The Story Of Majora’s Mask Is Truly Harrowing
Link’s Not In Hyrule Anymore
Majora’s Maskis invested in telling a harrowing, tragic tale, so much so the game alters the structure that previousZeldaentries had standardized. Rather than having the usual bevy of dungeons for Link to fight his way through, the world of Termina only contains four.The main story and progression of the game are shortened to encourage the player to spend more time in the carefully constructed Clock Town, a cunning way to put the focus on the horrors taking place in this world.
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Link stands at the center of a town divided over its impending doom: a moon set to crash in merely three days' time. On top of the threat to the town as a whole, many citizens face their own personal dilemmas. Whether it’s an innkeeper looking for her fiancé or a young girl protecting cows from an onslaught of ghosts, Link’s ability to resolve these issues never changes their inevitable fate.Majora’s Masksticks the player in purgatory, forced to witness a world at the end of existence.
This is made more harrowing in Termina’s final hours, as reactions from Clock Town’s citizens range from denial to fear in one of theZeldafranchise’s most chilling moments.Majora’s Maskmakes a feeling of hopelessness and despair prevalentin a way that feels alien to theZeldafranchise as a whole. Although everyZeldagame features some looming threat, the series had never before presented such an ominous fate while simultaneously rendering the player powerless to stop it for the majority of the game.
Majora’s Mask’s Gameplay Requires A New Level Of Strategy
It Only Adds To Majora’s Mask’s Unique Approach
Aside from the narrative, the gameplay ofMajora’s Masksets the game apart from otherZeldaentries due to the level of strategy that it adds. The implementation ofthe three-day cycle restricts the player in how much they can accomplishbefore the moon destroys all of Termina. Combined with the specific schedules of multiple NPCs, the cycle forces the player to plan the most optimal path forward. Theadded level of time managementcreates a sense of panic and dread, reflecting the dire situation the citizens of Clock Town find themselves in.
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The implementation of masks adds more variety to the gameplay ofMajora’s Mask, especially when it comes to transformative options. Whether he becomes a small, defenseless Deku, or a large, barreling Goron,each transformative mask completely changes Link’s moveset and abilities. Players are not only asked to adapt to multiple movesets, but they’re also encouraged to master each mask if they want a chance at finding all of Termina’s secrets and treasures. It’s a welcome shake-up to theZeldaseries' usual item progression formula, and it continues to separateMajora’s Maskfrom the rest of the franchise.
Majora’s Maskcan be played on the Nintendo Switch with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Moreover, the masks add to the elements of horror spread acrossMajora’s Mask.Link’s scream of pain when he puts on one of the masks is unsettling, and that single moment makes it clear to the player how unnatural these transformations are. It’s a far cry from the joyous energy of finding treasure and equipping new items in mostZeldagames, adding to the rich, dark atmosphere thatMajora’s Maskthrives on.
No Other Zelda Game Has Been Like Majora’s Mask
Majora’s Mask Is Unique In The Franchise
Although other games have their moments,Majora’s Maskeasily succeeds in becoming thedarkest entry in theZeldafranchise. Throughout the entire game, the player can never escape the impending doom that will affect everyone in Termina. Yet, beneath all the doom and gloom, there’s always a glimpse of the optimism that’s core to theZeldafranchise. Whether reuniting the engaged couple, helping a discouraged performer, or resolving the issues plaguing each region surrounding Clock Town,there’s always a small sliver of hopefor the player to latch onto.
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Majora’s Maskis aZeldagame that does things its own way. Through the game’s darker themes and mature tone,the player is constantly forced to reckon with the very real threat watching over Linkand witness firsthand the horrific consequences in store for the people of Termina. Such a harrowing experience makes the player’s perseverance through it all the more special.The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Maskproves there’s some light in the darkness, making it a special entry in theZeldafranchise that hasn’t been replicated since.
