Ten Years On the Moon
By Eric Greer
October 26, 2000. Nintendo couldn’t have chosen a better date to release The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask here in North America, just five days before Halloween. With it’s dark, sad story, doom-filled atmosphere, and the integral use of masks, this game was made for the season. While sometimes overshadowed by it’s more accessible predecessor, Majora’s Mask more than holds up
against it’s older, legendary sibling. While Nintendo reused many things from 1998’s Ocarina of Time (most notably character models), they managed to create an entirely separate and wholly powerful entity.
The Story
Majora’s Mask begins some time after the events of Ocarina of
Time. With Ganon defeated and Hyrule saved, Navi (Link’s fairy
guide from Ocarina of Time) has mysteriously disappeared for
reasons unknown.*(1) Where she went or why she left is left
ambiguous to the player, and to Majora’s Mask it is of little
consequence, referenced to only in the intro text. As I’ll further
explain later in this article, it’s the little details such as this
that help this game be so endearing.
As Link rides Epona through the Lost Woods, he is spotted by two mischievous fairies (Tatl & Tael). Seeing him as an easy mark, they rush Epona, spooking the horse and knocking Link to the ground. As he lays there, unconscious, the mysterious Skull Kid (strongly hinted to be the same Skull Kid from the Lost Woods in Ocarina of Time*(2)) approaches him, wearing a strange and intimidating mask. Searching Link’s unconscious form, Skull Kid find’s the Ocarina of Time. As he is entertaining himself with the instrument, and Tatl & Tael argue, Link comes to.
Soon, the pair find themselves in an alternate universe, known as Termina, at the center of which lies Clock Town, a bustling city dominated by time, personified by a massive clock tower at the city center. And in the skies above hangs the Moon, it’s orbit slowly decaying. In 72 hours it will crash into Termina, wiping out all life, unless Link can somehow find a way to stop it. On top of this, Link must also return his body to normal, as well as right the many wrongs committed by the Skull Kid throughout Termina, and finally stop the evil Majora‘s Mask for good.
Everyone Wears a Mask
Aside from the now-standard Zelda game mechanics (trekking through dungeons, collecting new items, defeating epic bosses, etc.,…), a great portion of Majora’s Mask’s gameplay revolves around the use of three transformation masks, which you discover in the early stages of the game. These masks allow Link to inhabit the bodies of a short but light Deku Scrub, a swift and nimble Zora, and a tough and hardy Goron, each with their own set of abilities, and each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Accompanying these three masks are 20 other masks, obtainable from NPCs and quests, each with their own unique ability, whether it be opening up new dialogue with NPCs, seeing hidden objects, or even sniffing out mushrooms or exploding.
And then we have the Fierce Deity‘s Mask, the pinnacle of badassery in Majora’s Mask. Once you have collected all 20 masks, you are given the option of trading them for this powerful mask. Putting on the mask allows Link to inhabit the body of the Fierce Deity, a dark, armor-clad juggernaut of a persona. Wielding a massive sword and throwing magic bolts, this transformation makes quick work of bosses - the titular Majora’s Mask included. Of course, you can’t have this kind of power unchecked, so the developers made it so that Link can only don the Mask in boss rooms. While this can be a downer, it also keeps the game from being a power trip: Marrying the magical effects of Château Romani (a milk which gives Link infinite magic until he warps back to the first day) with the Fierce Deity’s Mask has devastating results: Link can infinitely use the mask’s magic bolts as he pleases. Once you activate Fierce Deity’s Mask for the first time, you’ll most likely fall in love with it, and you’ll relish re-entering boss rooms just to play with it.
Aside from the now-standard Zelda game mechanics (trekking through dungeons, collecting new items, defeating epic bosses, etc.,…), a great portion of Majora’s Mask’s gameplay revolves around the use of three transformation masks, which you discover in the early stages of the game. These masks allow Link to inhabit the bodies of a short but light Deku Scrub, a swift and nimble Zora, and a tough and hardy Goron, each with their own set of abilities, and each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Accompanying these three masks are 20 other masks, obtainable from NPCs and quests, each with their own unique ability, whether it be opening up new dialogue with NPCs, seeing hidden objects, or even sniffing out mushrooms or exploding.
And then we have the Fierce Deity‘s Mask, the pinnacle of badassery in Majora’s Mask. Once you have collected all 20 masks, you are given the option of trading them for this powerful mask. Putting on the mask allows Link to inhabit the body of the Fierce Deity, a dark, armor-clad juggernaut of a persona. Wielding a massive sword and throwing magic bolts, this transformation makes quick work of bosses - the titular Majora’s Mask included. Of course, you can’t have this kind of power unchecked, so the developers made it so that Link can only don the Mask in boss rooms. While this can be a downer, it also keeps the game from being a power trip: Marrying the magical effects of Château Romani (a milk which gives Link infinite magic until he warps back to the first day) with the Fierce Deity’s Mask has devastating results: Link can infinitely use the mask’s magic bolts as he pleases. Once you activate Fierce Deity’s Mask for the first time, you’ll most likely fall in love with it, and you’ll relish re-entering boss rooms just to play with it.
Let Your Imagination Run Wild
One thing that has made Majora’s Mask endure for a decade as one of my favorite games are all of the vague little details that are never clearly elaborated on. A few examples include:
- Does the Deku Mask contain the soul of the Deku Butler’s Son?
Early in the game you pass what looks to be a twisted, Deku-esque
tree. Later, the Deku Butler describes how he would race with his
son, and that Link (in Deku form) reminds him of him. Furthermore,
during the end credits, the Deku Butler is seen weeping before the
twisted tree. If it is his son, what happened to him?
- Was Link originally on a journey to find Navi? It’s hinted at in the
opening scrawl that Link was searching for an old friend he had lost,
and Navi’s fate is never revealed. Though it’s a small detail most gamers would skim over, anxious to start the game, it’s tantalizing for those with overactive imaginations such as myself.
- What is the true nature of the Fierce Deity’s Mask? And why did Majora give such a powerful mask to Link, most likely knowing that it would even the odds in their coming fight?
All of this is most definitely pure speculation, and probably just the wild imaginings of very overactive imaginations. Even if we’re overanalyzing these things, it’s still fun, and adds even more depth to an already deep game.
One thing that has made Majora’s Mask endure for a decade as one of my favorite games are all of the vague little details that are never clearly elaborated on. A few examples include:
- Does the Deku Mask contain the soul of the Deku Butler’s Son?
Early in the game you pass what looks to be a twisted, Deku-esque
tree. Later, the Deku Butler describes how he would race with his
son, and that Link (in Deku form) reminds him of him. Furthermore,
during the end credits, the Deku Butler is seen weeping before the
twisted tree. If it is his son, what happened to him?
- Was Link originally on a journey to find Navi? It’s hinted at in the
opening scrawl that Link was searching for an old friend he had lost,
and Navi’s fate is never revealed. Though it’s a small detail most gamers would skim over, anxious to start the game, it’s tantalizing for those with overactive imaginations such as myself.
- What is the true nature of the Fierce Deity’s Mask? And why did Majora give such a powerful mask to Link, most likely knowing that it would even the odds in their coming fight?
All of this is most definitely pure speculation, and probably just the wild imaginings of very overactive imaginations. Even if we’re overanalyzing these things, it’s still fun, and adds even more depth to an already deep game.
The Sky Is Falling
One of the most enduring images from Majora’s Mask isn’t the
titular mask, but the Moon that hangs overhead throughout the
entire game. Over the brief 72 hours that Link must relive over
and over, we watch as the Moon comes closer and closer to
impacting. But the Moon’s size and relativity to the action isn’t
it’s only affect on the game: As each day goes by, the mood in
Clock Town changes. The music becomes more frantic and eerie;
the citizens become more on-edge; the earth periodically shakes.
Finally, on the third and Final Day, most people have fled the town for what they hope is safety. Those who remain have accepted their doom. The Postman now sits in his office, torn between the fear of his impending doom, and his diligent adherence to his delivery schedule: Though the next day won’t happen, he has mail to deliver. The apparently brave Swordsman now cowers in the back of his Dojo, pleading not to die. Mutoh, who argued with the town guards that the Moon wasn’t going to crash, and that abandoning Clock Town before the Festival of Time was a stupid idea, now stands in reservation at the foot of the uncompleted viewing tower, finally acknowledging the inevitable end of the world. Even the Banker stays at his post. The Final Day will definitely show you just how sad Majora’s Mask really is.
One of the most enduring images from Majora’s Mask isn’t the
titular mask, but the Moon that hangs overhead throughout the
entire game. Over the brief 72 hours that Link must relive over
and over, we watch as the Moon comes closer and closer to
impacting. But the Moon’s size and relativity to the action isn’t
it’s only affect on the game: As each day goes by, the mood in
Clock Town changes. The music becomes more frantic and eerie;
the citizens become more on-edge; the earth periodically shakes.
Finally, on the third and Final Day, most people have fled the town for what they hope is safety. Those who remain have accepted their doom. The Postman now sits in his office, torn between the fear of his impending doom, and his diligent adherence to his delivery schedule: Though the next day won’t happen, he has mail to deliver. The apparently brave Swordsman now cowers in the back of his Dojo, pleading not to die. Mutoh, who argued with the town guards that the Moon wasn’t going to crash, and that abandoning Clock Town before the Festival of Time was a stupid idea, now stands in reservation at the foot of the uncompleted viewing tower, finally acknowledging the inevitable end of the world. Even the Banker stays at his post. The Final Day will definitely show you just how sad Majora’s Mask really is.
We Have Time
Another big aspect of Majora’s Mask is the use of time travel. Over the course of the game you must relive the same 72 hours over and over again, and every time you “restart” the cycle, the majority of your good
of my favorite pastimes).
The three day cycle can be frustrating at times, at least until you learn how to properly manage the time allotted you. It’s not uncommon to attempt to do too many things when you first start playing Majora’s Mask, only to find that you cannot finish them before the end of the Final Day. Of course, Nintendo wouldn’t put something in the game if it weren’t possible to complete (though one quest will take nearly every second of the three day cycle to complete, for those hardcore gamers), so once you get into that stride, you will find that the cycle isn’t as hampering as you thought. Limiting your actions to three days also forces you to use your ingenuity, using logic (and sometimes trial and error) to complete quests.
Another big aspect of Majora’s Mask is the use of time travel. Over the course of the game you must relive the same 72 hours over and over again, and every time you “restart” the cycle, the majority of your good
of my favorite pastimes).
The three day cycle can be frustrating at times, at least until you learn how to properly manage the time allotted you. It’s not uncommon to attempt to do too many things when you first start playing Majora’s Mask, only to find that you cannot finish them before the end of the Final Day. Of course, Nintendo wouldn’t put something in the game if it weren’t possible to complete (though one quest will take nearly every second of the three day cycle to complete, for those hardcore gamers), so once you get into that stride, you will find that the cycle isn’t as hampering as you thought. Limiting your actions to three days also forces you to use your ingenuity, using logic (and sometimes trial and error) to complete quests.
He Looks Familiar….
For anyone who has played Ocarina of Time before, one of the most noticeable features in Majora’s Mask is it’s reuse of character models. Almost every character in Majora’s Mask has a counterpart in Ocarina of Time. For example, the group of carpenters found working in Kakariko Village and the Gerudo Valley in Ocarina of Time are found readying Clock Town for the Festival of Time, and Malon of the Lon Lon Ranch (where Link first gets Epona) in Ocarina of Time is split in two in Majora’s Mask: her younger form is Romani, her older form Cremia, both found running the Romani Ranch. This feature is explained to be due to Termina being an alternate reality of Hyrule: Nearly everyone in Hyrule has a counterpart in Majora’s Mask.
Not only did this design choice cut down on development time, but for me, it also strengthened my bond with the characters. Everyone already felt familiar, which pulled me into the game faster and kept me hooked the same way Ocarina of Time did. Some people chastise Nintendo’s decision to reuse character models as “cheap”, but I feel that it was a brilliant one: There aren’t as many “new” characters to familiarize yourself with, while at the same time it doesn’t feel stale; the idea was used in such a way that I actually felt like I was in an alternate reality, and not just a rehash of Ocarina of Time.
For anyone who has played Ocarina of Time before, one of the most noticeable features in Majora’s Mask is it’s reuse of character models. Almost every character in Majora’s Mask has a counterpart in Ocarina of Time. For example, the group of carpenters found working in Kakariko Village and the Gerudo Valley in Ocarina of Time are found readying Clock Town for the Festival of Time, and Malon of the Lon Lon Ranch (where Link first gets Epona) in Ocarina of Time is split in two in Majora’s Mask: her younger form is Romani, her older form Cremia, both found running the Romani Ranch. This feature is explained to be due to Termina being an alternate reality of Hyrule: Nearly everyone in Hyrule has a counterpart in Majora’s Mask.
Not only did this design choice cut down on development time, but for me, it also strengthened my bond with the characters. Everyone already felt familiar, which pulled me into the game faster and kept me hooked the same way Ocarina of Time did. Some people chastise Nintendo’s decision to reuse character models as “cheap”, but I feel that it was a brilliant one: There aren’t as many “new” characters to familiarize yourself with, while at the same time it doesn’t feel stale; the idea was used in such a way that I actually felt like I was in an alternate reality, and not just a rehash of Ocarina of Time.
Golden Child
So, how does The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask compare to it’s predecessor, the saintlike and nearly universally acclaimed Ocarina of Time? Well, that’s a tough one. It’s really like comparing your children: Ocarina of Time is your popular, older son who is both likeable and respected, while Majora’s Mask is your younger son, who, while looking very similar to his older sibling, has a completely different personality: Not quite as well known around school, he’s smarter, darker, and a bit more intimidating. And he knows it.
In the end, it’s not quite fair to compare Majora’s Mask to Ocarina of Time, as, while they share characters and gameplay, they’re completely different games. Those who enjoyed Ocarina of Time will either love the game as a true sequel, or dislike the game for having the gall to be as good (if not better) than Ocarina of Time. Personally, I hold Majora’s Mask in a slightly higher regard than Ocarina of Time, as it takes what made that game great, and improved upon it, while not completely overhauling it to an unrecognizable degree (though, when has Nintendo ever done that?). Majora’s Mask is both a darker and deeper game than Ocarina of Time, with both the air of familiarity and the awe of something new. It’s not quite as accessible as Ocarina of Time, and is a helluva lot more intimidating, but any gamer owes it to themselves to give it a whirl, especially if they have ever called themselves a Zelda fan. It is a definite classic, and deserves every ounce of praise it’s ever gotten.
So, how does The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask compare to it’s predecessor, the saintlike and nearly universally acclaimed Ocarina of Time? Well, that’s a tough one. It’s really like comparing your children: Ocarina of Time is your popular, older son who is both likeable and respected, while Majora’s Mask is your younger son, who, while looking very similar to his older sibling, has a completely different personality: Not quite as well known around school, he’s smarter, darker, and a bit more intimidating. And he knows it.
In the end, it’s not quite fair to compare Majora’s Mask to Ocarina of Time, as, while they share characters and gameplay, they’re completely different games. Those who enjoyed Ocarina of Time will either love the game as a true sequel, or dislike the game for having the gall to be as good (if not better) than Ocarina of Time. Personally, I hold Majora’s Mask in a slightly higher regard than Ocarina of Time, as it takes what made that game great, and improved upon it, while not completely overhauling it to an unrecognizable degree (though, when has Nintendo ever done that?). Majora’s Mask is both a darker and deeper game than Ocarina of Time, with both the air of familiarity and the awe of something new. It’s not quite as accessible as Ocarina of Time, and is a helluva lot more intimidating, but any gamer owes it to themselves to give it a whirl, especially if they have ever called themselves a Zelda fan. It is a definite classic, and deserves every ounce of praise it’s ever gotten.
If you haven’t played The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and can’t track down an original copy for the Nintendo 64, the game is currently available in all regions on the Wii’s Virtual Console for 1000 Nintendo Points.
Notes:
*1 While not explicitly stated to be Navi, it’s generally assumed to be her that Link is searching for by the fan community, though by no means wholly. I choose to believe that he is indeed searching for the fairy. Perhaps he misses hearing her yell, “Look!”
*2 Late in the game, Skull Kid remarks to Link that he smells like the little fairy boy who taught him a song, strongly referring to Link’s adventure in Ocarina of Time, during which Link sells a Skull Mask to a Skull Kid. Once again, this isn’t definitively confirmed in-game, and is pure conjecture; it’s up to you make whatever connections you feel comfortable with.
*1 While not explicitly stated to be Navi, it’s generally assumed to be her that Link is searching for by the fan community, though by no means wholly. I choose to believe that he is indeed searching for the fairy. Perhaps he misses hearing her yell, “Look!”
*2 Late in the game, Skull Kid remarks to Link that he smells like the little fairy boy who taught him a song, strongly referring to Link’s adventure in Ocarina of Time, during which Link sells a Skull Mask to a Skull Kid. Once again, this isn’t definitively confirmed in-game, and is pure conjecture; it’s up to you make whatever connections you feel comfortable with.
Lunging at his assailants, the Skull Kid jumps onto Epona and attempts to escape. Grabbing onto the rogue’s leg, Link holds on for dear life. Finally, rounding a corner, Link is thrown from the horse, and the Skull Kid gallops into a nearby cave. Giving chase, Link soon finds himself confronted by the Skull Kid. After taunting our hero, the imp uses the power of the mask he wears to curse Link, transforming the boy into a diminutive Deku Scrub.
As the Skull Kid and his fairy companions make their getaway, Link
once more attempts to follow them. Falling back, Tatl holds Link off. To the fairy’s surprise, the door closes, cutting her off from her brother Tael and the Skull Kid. Wanting to reunite with Tael, Tatl decides to journey with Link.
- Who is the Happy Mask Salesman? While appearing in a small but memorable role in Ocarina of Time, the Happy Mask Salesman plays a much bigger part in Majora’s Mask. Link’s surreal encounters with him, and his mysterious nature, as well as his pension for instantly changing poses and materializing immense organs out of thin air makes you wonder. He is also one of the few characters not to have a Terminian counterpart.
- What happened to the tribe that created and then sealed away
- What happened to the tribe that created and then sealed away
Majora’s Mask? Did they wipe themselves out with their meddling in black magic? Or were they the ancestors of what would eventually become the Twili people as some gamers have theorized?
deeds and actions are reset, and you lose many items (aside from integral items (e.g., bow, hookshot, etc.,…) and masks), and all progress in dungeons are negated. Throughout the game, the bottom of the screen is dominated by a clock, counting down the days to the Moon’s inevitable crash. Though there are ways to slow down (and speed up) the clock, Doom’s Day is inevitable, and on the Final Day you must eventually use your Ocarina of Time to play the Song of Time, sending Link and Navi back to the First Day. Luckily, Nintendo implemented a bank in Clock Town, so we can still hoard Rupees (one
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