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​​Majora’s Mask is a video game developed by Nintendo for the N64 in 2000. It was designed with an original concept that differs from other Zelda games in both tone and style. Players assume the role of Link, who has been tasked with stopping Skull Kid, an imp wearing a mysterious mask, from using the power of Majora’s Mask to bring the world to ruin.
Link is given three days to halt the calamity before it’s too late; if he fails, everyone dies. Link must travel back and forth between two 3-day periods via mysterious portals called “moon falls” (a possible reference to one of the game’s inspirations, Groundhog Day). While these are meant to be used in order to solve puzzles, players are free to use them as they wish. They also open the game up for quick progress, which has been criticized by some players.
The main mechanic of this game is masks; most aspects of life are controlled by different masks that Link must acquire throughout the game. These allow him to transform into many different things, including a Goron and Zora. Some masks can be worn in addition to Link’s standard one, while some replace it entirely; the most notable of these is the “Fierce Deity Mask”, which gives him god-like powers.
The game has received acclaim from critics, who praised its originality and art design, but criticized its technical issues and backtracking. It has also left an impact on the gaming industry at large; directing or influencing games like Dust: An Elysian Tail and Let it Die, as well as inspiring elements of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is one of the most difficult games in the series, but it also has one of the best storylines. For an authentic experience, players will want to invest in the N64. However, it’s also available for those who love the 3DS. However, if you’re easily frustrated and don’t have the time to dedicate to beating the game, it might not be for you.
Game Inspirations
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask was inspired by “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” and “Groundhog Day”.
Groundhog Day is a 1993 American comedy film about an arrogant weatherman named Phil Connors, who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is caught in a blizzard and finds himself stuck in small town. While there, he meets a pleasant old man, named “Punxsutawney Phil”, who tells him that he’s destined to live the same day over and over again.
Link must relive the same three days until he gets everything right. He can skip ahead to the next day using a special machine called a clock tower, but only if he solves the problems of the people he meets.
Link also has a magical ocarina, which can rewind or slow down time; this is where the game gets its name from. His mouth must be pointed towards it for it to take effect, so players must use body language at certain points in order to utilize its powers effectively.
It was also inspired by the Nintendo 64 game, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.”
Masks
There are many different types of masks in the game Majora’s Mask. Link can use these for a variety of purposes by simply putting them on. They can do things such as allow Link to talk to animals, open certain doors, or even take over people’s bodies. The most notable of these is the “Fierce Deity Mask”, which gives him god-like powers and allows him to slay monsters in a single hit.
Link has a number of masks that he can use throughout his journey. Some replace his standard three-day cycle mask, while some are nothing more than fun costumes; the most notable of these is the “Goron Mask”, which lets him transform into a Goron.
Starting the Game
When you first begin Majora’s Mask, Link finds himself in a mysterious land, with no items and no hints as to what he should do. He also has the Sheikah Stone strapped to his head (which is constantly flashing), which isn’t doing him any favors.
Link learns that he must collect the “Four Giants” and re-unite them in order to save this land from destruction. Something else to note is that Link has three days before the moon crashes into Termina (the land this takes place in), and he must accomplish his tasks within that time frame.
The Four Giants are always placed at different locations, and they can only be found during a certain time period; once you’ve seen them, you get another day to finish everything else.
Time Management
Link has a specific time frame in which he must solve all the problems that are plaguing Termina, which includes gathering new items along the way. If you fail to do this within three days, Link is turned into a Deku Scrub (which also gives him limited abilities), and he is transported back to the first day.
As you progress through the game, more and more time will pass by; this includes enemies respawning. Each of the four days has a certain theme, ranging from Termina Field to Southern Swamp. You can tell what is happening by looking at both your map and the sky; if there are no clouds in the sky, it is the first day.
Link has a special watch that he can use to see how much time he has left. It also shows him where the “Four Giants” and the “Owl Statue” are located, which tells you what or who you need to visit next. You can also view your items by pressing Start at any point.
Getting the “Fierce Deity Mask”
In order to get the “Fierce Deity Mask”, Link must first do a lot of exploring and complete several different tasks. The most notable of these is traveling to Ikana Canyon, where he will need to go through an extremely frustrating process. There are also a few side quests that you can complete for a few rupees, as well as a piece of heart.
To get to Ikana Canyon, Link must go through the Southern Swamp and Woodfall first. In order to reach Woodfall, you will need to use Deku Link. Right outside of Clock Town is a circle of bushes; plant a Magic Bean here and then return as Deku Link. Ride the plant and jump onto a ledge, then go through the Southern Swamp to reach Woodfall.
Inside of Woodfall, you will find a mask salesman named “Bremor” (he’s wearing a strange mask). He refuses to sell anything until after you complete an extremely hard task out in Ikana Canyon; if you complete this task, he will give you the “Stone Mask”.
Using this mask makes enemies ignore you completely. However, it is extremely difficult to get.
Other Weapons
Link has access to more than just masks in Majora’s Mask. In fact, there are a total of 13 different weapons in the game. Most of these can be found by defeating enemies (especially ones that guard chests), while others cannot.
The basic sword is incredibly useful for most of the game; you can find it at the start. However, some enemies are invulnerable to this weapon, so you’ll have to use another one instead.
Majora’s Mask is a weird game, that is also surprisingly difficult. It can be both very addicting and frustrating at the same time, especially since the save system is not on par with other Zelda interations.
There are plenty of side quests to do if you want them, but most of these will take up a lot of time. For example, if you do not complete one of the required mini-games on the final day, then you will have to start over (and everything is reset).
Secrets to Winning
If you can stick through all of that, then there are many secrets to be found in this game. Teaching yourself new abilities and finding secret items is a lot of fun, especially since most of them are needed in order to win the game.
Get used to looking at the sky when you are on a quest; if there are clouds in the sky, then it will rain soon. If it is snowing, then that means that night will fall quickly (and this also happens if the moon is falling).
Although this game is not the greatest RPG of all time, it does have a few good points. Since there are so many things to do and find, you will almost never get bored while playing it.
There are also plenty of great secrets that keep you wondering what happens next; if Link finds something out using one mask, then you can be sure that he will use it again.
Consoles
Majora’s Mask was first released on the Nintendo 64 gaming console. It was later re-released on the Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system.
If you have a Nintendo 3DS, you might consider looking for a special edition version that includes new features, such as a “Boss Challenge” mode and other surprises!
If you have a Wii, then I suggest downloading this game from the Wii’s Virtual Console service. It is usually available for around ten dollars and it works extremely well on the Wii.
FAQ
If you’ve never played Majora’s Mask or any other Zelda game, you may be slightly confused. These frequently asked questions should help you understand more.
Question: Is this a Direct Sequel to Ocarina of Time?
Answer: Yes! This is the direct sequel. In fact, you’ll run into a familiar face before too long…but no spoiler’s here. You’ll just have to play to find out!
Question: What’s Up With all of the Masks?
Answer: All of the masks in Majora’s Mask give Link special abilities. Some of the masks are much more useful than others, but this is what makes mask-collecting fun.
Question: Do I Have to Use the Same Weapons Throughout the Entire Game?
Answer: You do not. In fact, you should try switching between items and swords depending on what kind of enemies you are facing. Experiment with different techniques until you find the one that works for your current situation.
Question: Is There Any Way to Avoid Resetting the Game?
Answer: Once you beat Majora’s Mask, it is no longer necessary to play through three full days. You can simply get the Fierce Deity mask and defeat Majora in one hit! Even if you do this, you can still complete quests to access some of the masks that you did not get during your first play-through.
Question: Can I Turn Off the Game to Save my Progress?
Answer: You can reset the game, but you won’t get anything for it. Resetting will send you back in time to your last save point location in this case, which is usually when you last entered a new area in the overworld.
Question: Would you Recommend this Game to Other Gamers?
Answer: Absolutely! Even if you are not generally interested in Zelda games, or even games in general, I think that you’d still enjoy playing Majora’s Mask. It is long and difficult (and it can be frustrating at times), but it will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Final Thoughts
Although Majora’s Mask is difficult, it probably has the best plot of any Zelda game that I have played to date. This makes it easier to keep playing until you beat the game!
The event-driven plot also keeps things interesting because you know that something new will happen every time you play. The only way to find out what happens next is to keep playing!
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