Only two years after gamers stormed the fields and valleys of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time, Nintendo offers a new chance to enter the world of Link. Majora's Mask boasts a fantastically apocalyptic storyline. Our hero, Link, finds himself in the mystical world of Termina — a bizarre land that in many ways mirrors the world of Hyrule. But Termina is in jeopardy. The menacing moon threatens to fall from the sky, laying devastation to everything below. Link has only 72 hours to solve the mystery of the moon and save the planet.

Thanks to the otherworldly Termina environment, Nintendo has taken quite a few liberties with the traditional world of Link. In Majora’s Mask, the key game play innovation is Link’s ability to transform his identity. By wearing different masks, Link is able to assume the shape and abilities of a variety of creatures: from a Deku Scrub child, to a giant Goron warrior, to a Zora musician. This shape’shifting spotlights one of the key differences between Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask.

In the preceding tilte, at times the presentation was classic "elf vs. dragon" mythology. There were scenes in that game that could have come straight from Tolkien. In Majora’s Mask, however, the designers have released their imaginations even further and take Link in all sorts of physically improbable directions. This epic seems less rooted in "reality" (if that word even applies to videogames) than Ocarina of Time. This change is not necessarily for the better or worse, but it does bring a different flair to this Zelda adventure.

Majora’s Mask uses the same basic gameplay engine as Ocarina of Time. The use of this engine was a wise choice by Nintendo. Using the existing game engine not only allowed for more speedy development; it also allowed Nintendo’s programmers to tweak and improve what was already one of the best game engines out there.

If you are familiar with Link’s earlier adventure on the N64, much of what you see here will feel comfortable. Majora&3146;s Mask shares the same core graphics displays, inventory menus, control mechanics, and even some music with Ocarina of Time. In the words of the wise prophet, "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it." There have been game improvements, however.

Majora’s Mask requires the use of the N64 RAM Expansion Pak. The memory boost from the Pak has allowed the programmers to beef up the graphics in places. There are now more objects on screen simultaneously — which means more enemies attack Link! Also, the landscapes of Termina appear more rich and detailed than the sometimes–barren fields within Ocarina of Time. But all of these Pak enhancements are rather subtle. The sound effects and music are excellent, and again reminiscent of Ocarina of Time. Longtime fans of the series will be pleased to know that the classic "Zelda Overture" is back! Many were puzzled at its omission in Ocarina of Time.

Game play is consistent with past Zelda epics, save for the timeline twist. Link has only 72 hours to complete his quest. From the morning of the first day, the clock is ticking. As time passes, the moon falls further from the sky. If it crashes to the ground, it is "sayonara" to Mr. Link. With time such a pressing gameplay element, an ocarina of time sure would come in handy.

Overall, the Majora’s Mask gameplay experience is consistent with that of past Zelda epics. And that is to say, it’s really good. Majora’s Mask is engrossing. Once you grow accustomed to the quirks of the time system and begin to explore the world of Termina, you will find yourself utterly lost in the adventure. Nintendo has these Zelda games down to a very addictive formula. The tasks are challenging, but not unfairly so. And the quest is lengthy without growing tiresome.

Majora’s Mask is a game that demands your complete attention. Once you become absorbed in the adventure, you will want to live, eat, and sleep in the world of Link. It’s worth noting that Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s master of game design, had surprisingly little to do with the development of Majora’s Mask. In the past, each Zelda title was the result of extensive Miyamoto direction. Majora's Mask, however, was developed by Nintendo’s elite EAD team without the daily guidance of its famous director. It speaks volumes for Nintendo’s talented software design teams that such an excellent game has been produced.