The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Retro graphics & some violence, but still a great adventure.
Parents say
Based on 6 reviews
Kids say
Based on 51 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this game is a re-release of the 2000 Nintendo 64 title of the same name, and that it will not work on the Wii unless you have either a Gamecube controller or the add-on Classic Controller connected to the Wii. Parents also should know that even though the game is rated E, its themes are very dark due to the impending crash of the moon into the world. Each game day, the moon gets closer and does not let up – the sense of hopelessness and dread permeates the game.
Community Reviews
Polished gameplay, but the actions of the antagonists are just...
Report this review
I love this game, but it can be disturbing. The mask transformations are honestly creepy for younger kids, and there are sexual references and jokes. There also a few situations where kids are given alcohol. Also, the game just has a dark theme. Overall, it is my favorite Zelda game, but I do not recommend it for children.
Report this review
What’s It About?
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA'S MASK takes place immediately after the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but in a world slightly different than the one Link just saved in the previous game. In the opening moments, Link is jostled off of his horse and it, as well as his ocarina, are stolen by a Skull Kid from the first game who is wearing an evil mask, and therefore very powerful. Link then meets a travelling mask salesman who mentions the mask was stolen from him, and he asks you to help him get the mask back within three days (before he leaves town). Three days is also the time left before the moon crashes into the ground – with an always visible grimace on its face.
Is It Any Good?
The dark feeling of an inevitable end makes playing Majora's Mask somewhat depressing. At any time, you can look up to the sky and see the moon getting closer and closer. Thankfully, just as in The Legendo of Zelda: Ocarina of Time you can learn songs which will reverse or slow down time to allow you to accomplish tasks throughout the game.
For players who enjoy the Zelda series, Majora's Mask offers a very interesting twist on the standard game story. For a new generation of gamers who are experiencing this game for the first time, the game is quite enjoyable if one can get past the outdated graphics and sound. Younger gamers may not appreciate and/or worry about the dark undertones of the game, so to them, it may simply present a new adventure game with fun challenges including great puzzles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fantasy games and their appeal -- is playing a game that takes place in the real world better than those in a made-up world? They can also talk about the three day imposed time limit in this game, and if it makes the game better or worse.
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo Wii
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: May 18, 2009
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: E for Animated Violence
- Last updated: November 5, 2015
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Version)
Glitches make this Zelda just short of perfect.
-
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Innovative gameplay makes this Zelda soar.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate