Just two years after the release of Ocarina of Time, the first Zelda game for the N64, Nintendo produced their second Zelda game for the 64-bit system, much sooner than expected, considering the five-year development time of Ocarina of Time. Rumors began circulating the internet in July 1999 of a game in development at EAD called Zelda: Majora's Mask. In the begining, it was assumed that this was the notorious 64DD add-on to The Ocarina of Time, but as numerous screenshots and details were officially released, it was revealed that Majora's Mask is in fact, an entirely new game for the Nintendo 64, and a direct sequel following the plot of Ocarina of Time.
 

Taking place where The Ocarina of Time left off, Link is once again amongst the children of Kokiri Forest; however, Link is saddened by the disappearance of a friend. Setting out in hopes of finding the lost friend, Link embarks into the Lost Woods. Its not long before he encounters a Skullkid wearing a mask, who reveals that he had kidnapped Epona and the Ocarina of Time, given to him by Zelda. Furious, Link chases the creature right through a tiny door. On the other side, he finds himself in a parallel dimension, in a land by the name of Termina. Thats not the least of his troubles now. The moon threatens to crash into the land in a matter of three days, and it is now up to Link to save the people from this terrible fate.

The Game:

One of the central features in Majora's Masks are the masks. While masks were only a form of busy work in The Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask finds a more significant purpose. There are some twenty-four masks in the game, most of which resembling a particular creature orperson. By wearing the certain masks, Link transforms into a Deku, a Goron, and a Zora, giving Link several new abilities and magical powers. For instance, if you were to wear the Goron Mask, Link now has the ability to roll around the land at incredible speeds while destroying enemies in your path and racing other Goron. Wearing a Deku Scrub mask allows you to hang-glide in certain areas, and by donning a Zora mask, you'll be able to swim through the water at incredible speeds.

Thought playing the ocarina was fun in The Ocarina of Time? The ocarina returns in Majora's Mask as well, but now, with each mask, you'll receive a new music instrument. The Goron Mask provides Link with a set of bongos, the Zora Mask gives Link a fishbone guitar, and the Deku Scrub Mask brings to you a form of horns.

Just like in The Ocarina of Time, the element of time plays an incredibly important role in the game. The only difference? If you decide to waste your time, the moon will crash into the land and your game will end; however, there is no need to worry. During the three-day cycle during which the moon falls, you can play the Song of Time which Zelda teaches you to return to the beginning of the first day, and start the three-day cycle over. You can even slow the flow of time and move forward in time as well. Additionally, a primitive clock has been added to the main screen to aid in time-telling.

Some people have said that Majora's Mask didn't even compare with Ocarina of Time, but it's been said the opposite is true. But Majora's Mask is an excellent game that offers incredible game depth and many, many sidequests. While the game is relatively short compared to Ocarina of Time, the fun factor that is inherit with all Zelda games is still there, and it is very enjoyable.