The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

About The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask arrived on the Nintendo 64 back in April 2000 as a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time. Developed by Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3, this title keeps the same engine and visual style but shifts focus heavily toward NPC interaction and time management. You start as Link only to get turned into a Deku Scrub by an imp named Skull Kid who wears Majora's Mask. The core hook involves stopping a menacing moon from crashing into Termina within a strict three day cycle. Players can find this adventure on the N64, 64DD, Wii, and Wii U. It stands out because the world changes dynamically as time passes and you must reset that clock repeatedly to progress.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time juggling a four hour countdown where every action eats into the final day. The loop involves exploring Termina while wearing masks like the Deku Mask or Goron Mask to access new areas. Combat feels tight thanks to active blocking and throwing items, but the real work happens when you talk to NPCs who have their own schedules. You play melodies on the ocarina to solve puzzles or speed up time, which resets enemies and inventory unless you save progress at a specific shrine. The game packs in side quests involving collecting heart pieces or playing mini games like fishing. Each session feels urgent because you need to find a mask to unlock new abilities before the moon descends.

What Players Think

Critics and players rate this title extremely high with a Metacritic score of 95 out of 100. IGDB lists an average rating of 88.4 based on 837 user reviews. The community describes the vibe as atmospheric, story driven, cooperative, and emotional with four votes each for the first three categories. Players often note the game is harder to complete than other entries due to the time limits. Average playtime tends to be higher because of the many optional quests and mask collecting requirements. Review snippets frequently mention how the emotional weight of certain character arcs makes the gameplay loop feel more personal than standard adventure titles. The data shows a dedicated fanbase that values the unique narrative structure over pure combat.

PlayPile's Take

This game is for people who enjoy tight time management puzzles and deep NPC interactions. The price varies by platform but the N64 original remains a standout experience. You will earn achievements for finding all masks and completing every side quest, which takes significant patience. Some players find the time loop frustrating after the first few hours. It is not a game for those who want an endless open world. The three day cycle creates genuine tension that drives the narrative forward effectively. If you can handle the pressure of resetting the clock repeatedly, this offers one of the most memorable stories in the franchise.

Storyline

After the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Link departs on his horse Epona in the Lost Woods and is assaulted by an imp named Skull Kid who dons a mysterious mask, accompanied by the fairies Tael and Tatl. Skull Kid turns Link into a small plant-like creature known as Deku Scrub and takes away his horse and his magical ocarina. Shortly afterward, Tatl joins Link and agrees to help him revert to his native form. A meeting with a wandering mask salesman reveals that the Skull Kid is wearing Majora's Mask, an ancient item used in hexing rituals, which calls forth a menacing moon hovering over the land of Termina. Link has exactly three days to find a way to prevent this from happening.