The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time praised as 'timeless masterpiece' 25 years on

A lot of interest is still swirling around who will play who in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda movie, and rightly so. But we’re more concerned with celebrating a “timeless masterpiece” 25 years on from when it was first released. We’re, of course, talking about the incredible The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Even though fans have praised the Unreal Engine 5 remake of the game, nothing can compare to the original. We accept that its graphics are dated now and not exactly easy on the eyes when playing for prolonged periods, but the struggle is worth it to experience the story. It just has such depth, emotion, and soul.

Embrace the memories with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D trailer

If I sound passionate about The Legend of Zelda, that’s because I am. And I’m not alone in that passion, for many other players love this game in a way that will confuse anyone who hasn’t played the title for themselves. “I felt more accomplished after beating the Water Temple than I did graduating high school. Though I still get anxiety thinking about Jabu-Jabu's Belly even more for some reason,” shared one player; the anxiety and sense of accomplishment all too relatable.

You haven’t experienced stress until you try to beat the Water Temple. However, I should admit that I struggle with any water-related levels in games, which I blame on Sonic’s death knell as you run out of air. This is why I’m so amazed that some players completed this dungeon without the aid of the Zora Tunic, which is such an absurd idea to me – they are braver than I will ever be.

From perilous temples to rolling countryside to the monsters that try to attack you when you’re too busy whistling for your horse, Ocarina of Time had it all. It still does. As incredible as Tears of the Kingdom is, it doesn’t compare to OoT.