Best Way to Experience Ocarina of Time for a First Playthrough

[Blueprint]

If you want to play it in the original hardware released you can get the adapter below and still use a wavebird..


http://www.raphnet-tech.com/products/gc_to_n64_adapter/index.php

[Doom]

OoT 3D is the version to play. You've waited this long; wait until you think a 3DS is a good value and buy one. I waited until a temporary sale down to $160 and got a Pikachu 3DS XL. I also knew I'd want to play Animal Crossing, Pokemon, Ace Attorney 5, and Fire Emblem. Super Mario 3D Land and OoT 3D would've factored into it but I already played those on my brother's 3DS.

The 3DS release is fantastic. It runs at a constant framerate, has a higher number of polygons on the models, higher resolution textures, a simplified and easier inventory system, and an easier-to-complete Water Temple.

If you're not aware, everyone hates the Water Temple. Rather than change any puzzles within the temple, the 3DS release simply adds an icon above each door in the temple that tells what height the water will be at if you activate the switch inside. It makes it less frustrating without altering the challenge of the puzzles in any way.

Do you want to play the through the original game, the way it was intended

No developer "intends" to run their game at 20fps. Lower during boss fights.

http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/zelda-ocarina-of-time/

http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/zelda-ocarina-of-time/3/1

For the Nintendo 64 system, the frame rate was about 20, while it's 30 for the Nintendo 3DS system.

It was not easy to change the frame rate of the software created in the past. Especially considering that the original game included different frame rates between the heavier and lighter processing parts.

Take off your nostalgia goggles and admit the 3DS game is the best one.

[mojoeskateco]

Good to know about the 3DS version.

I'll likely play an original version and get a 3DS and the remake later when they are cheaper.

That way I can save some cash now and appreciate the remake improvements more when I do get to it.

I've heard about the water temple and may just use an FAQ for just that part as free time is limited so I don't have time so spend hours running in circles.

[larryinc64]

Good to know about the 3DS version.

I'll likely play an original version and get a 3DS and the remake later when they are cheaper.

That way I can save some cash now and appreciate the remake improvements more when I do get to it.

I've heard about the water temple and may just use an FAQ for just that part as free time is limited so I don't have time so spend hours running in circles.

When I played it, I did not find it that annoying, so only use one when you need it.
I have a topic somewhere here from when I was playing through the game for the first time.

I suggest tracking down a gold cart, it is the earliest revision, so it has all the original temple music and there are some fun glitches you can do.

[scarmullet]

There is something to be said about experiencing an original work, but with games that old...it is best to use remakes. Go with the 3DS version, it has the Master Quest version included and works well.

Hell, when I want to play Dragon Quest 1, I play the Super Famicom remakes rather than the NES release.

[Doom]

Good to know about the 3DS version.

I'll likely play an original version and get a 3DS and the remake later when they are cheaper.

That way I can save some cash now and appreciate the remake improvements more when I do get to it.

I've heard about the water temple and may just use an FAQ for just that part as free time is limited so I don't have time so spend hours running in circles.

The other major problem with the original water temple is that iron boots are equipped on a menu that takes a few seconds to get to from pressing "start". On the 3DS the iron boots are an item that can be activated at any time just like a bow or a bottle. The original water temple was tedious because you constantly switch from iron boots to no iron boots and each switch is a few seconds. Couple that with hard puzzles and it's very frustrating.

[segaprophet]

This is one of the few games that are so good I bought it twice. First for N64 back in the day, and then for 3DS for a nostalgia buzz.

I recommend playing on the N64 though. Nothing beats the original experience.

[Blumpkin]

I'm playing the 3DS version right now on my XL. This is my first time ever playing Ocarina of Time and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The graphics blow the blurry N64 visuals out of the water. Plus the 3D is a nice kicker.

[amarthar]

There's also another alternative. Play on an N64 emulator.

Pros:

• Better graphics (and the ability to use very high resolution textures. Example)
• Better framerate
• You can use a variety of controllers with an appropriate adapter (N64 controller, GameCube controller, Playstation controller, you name it)

Cons:

• Dubious legality of roms (made moot by the Retrode)
• Not playing on intended hardware.

[Doom]

I recommend playing on the N64 though. Nothing beats the original experience.

Except for the 3DS version, which I have demonstrated is better in framerate, menu UI, texture quality, models, and temple design.

I wouldn't recommend someone play the NES version of Donkey Kong if they could get their hands on the arcade game. Similar logic applies here.

I wouldn't tell you to play Zelda: Link's Awakening on the Game Boy if you instead could play Link's Awakening DX on the Game Boy Color.

Mario All-Stars has a better version of Mario 3 than the NES.

Nintendo has been doing enhanced ports for a long time and they're usually pretty good.

[amarthar]

I wouldn't tell you to play Zelda: Link's Awakening on the Game Boy if you instead could play Link's Awakening DX on the Game Boy Color.

And with that you can also have the original experience if you play the DX version on the original Game Boy.

Also Link's Awakening DX was my first Zelda experience, and it was kinda awkward, since I had the German version, and I don't speak that language at all.

[Seraph Man]

Ocarina of Time is fantastic on the Gamecube. It was Majora's Mask that suffered a bit from the transfer (if you're using the Collector's Edition) but if you've never played it, you probably won't notice. I never did. (the issue was music playback, if I recall correctly.)

But yeah, OoT transfered over nicely and is worth a play.

[Seymor Onion]

Is Widescreen available as an option in the GC Version, or is that only doable on an emu?

[mojoeskateco]

Booted up the GC version and gives the option of progressive / 16:9 right away.

The 3d graphics from back then have not aged well but it's part of the charm I suppose.

[segamer]

Without a doubt, the 3DS version is easily the definitive version.