Majora’s Mask 3D doesn’t hit shelves until February 13, but the reviews for Nintendo’s Zelda remake for the 3DS started rolling in yesterday. Is the internet enjoying a step back into the dark horse of the Zelda franchise?
Gamespot: “The overall package for Majora’s Mask 3D preserves all the weird delight of the original game while lowering the barrier of entry for new players. There’s still a lot that’s challenging about the puzzles and fights, but a few minor tweaks make your hard-won heart containers and masks feel that much more satisfying… It’s evident that Nintendo put a lot of thought into updating this classic, which takes the game beyond a simple remake to become a new-old classic.” -Alexa Ray Corriea, 9/10
IGN: “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D proves that interesting game design and strong world-building never get old. Even 15 years later, it still delivers charming characters, tense resource management, and a world rife with personality. Despite some cumbersome menus and a single drag of a dungeon, Majora’s Mask is a great adventure that (repeatedly) stands the test of time.” – Marty Sliva, 8.7/10
Game Informer: “Purists will decry the changes made to Majora’s Mask no matter how slight they may be, but I am seated firmly in the “change is good” camp. It’s everything you remember, but without the boredom or frustration related to the passage of time. Majora’s Mask was a game ahead of its time in 2000, and revisiting it under this new lens only confirms that sentiment. Whether you’re returning to Termina or visiting it for the first time, Majora’s Mask 3D is the ideal way to experience this classic.”- Kyle Hilliard, 9.25/10
Nintendo Life: “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is a magnificent remastering of one of the finest Legend of Zelda games to date. The visual overhaul, the streamlined features and other improvements make this version an even more enjoyable and accessible experience than the original N64 release. Minor flaws seem insignificant as the superb concoction of timeless game design truly shines: the unique gameplay ideas, the dark and haunting theme and a cleverly crafted game world — aspects that made the original so great — enable this updated version to provide a near flawless experience.” – Martin Watts, 10/10
Destructoid: “Nintendo didn’t go above and beyond the call of duty with The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, but the improvements do in fact make it a more playable experience. Many of the frustrating elements from the original are gone, and because of the nature of the three-day cycle, it’s a perfect thing to pick up, play, and turn off after one cycle completes. Majora still isn’t my favorite Zelda, but I’m much more inclined to go back to it on the 3DS.” – Chris Carter, 8/10