The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D
Common Sense says
- Nintendo 3DS
- $39.99
- 2015
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is an update of the classic Nintendo adventure. Similar to other games in the Legend of Zelda series, this third-person action-adventure involves combat against skeletons, spiders, and lizard-like creatures. The player will use weapons -- a sword, a bow, bombs, and some magic attacks -- to defeat enemies. In some cases, green "blood" will ooze out of "dead" adversaries. Parents should also know that the game's female Great Fairies wear revealing outfits, although leaves and twigs prevent any nudity from being shown. Finally, Nintendo recommends kids under 7 do not activate the 3-D feature on the Nintendo 3DS as it could potentially harm their eyesight; this is reiterated because Majora's Mask 3D is the launch title for the new 3DS XL hardware.
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User Reviews
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- Kids say
Majora's Mask - Dark, Creepy and Scary, but has a VERY good message
If www.toonlinkfan reviews this, do not listen to them
What's it about?
One of the most beloved games from the Nintendo 64 era is back -- and this time it's portable and in glasses-free 3-D. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA'S MASK 3D serves up another epic action-adventure starring Link and taking place at the tail end of Ocarina of Time after he destroys the evil Ganon and returns to his youth. This time around, Link must stop Skull Kid from causing the ominous moon to crash down and destroy Clock Town and the rest of the planet -- all within a three-day period. By playing a tune through the "ocarina," Link can travel back and forth in the fictional world of Termina and slow down time to complete a number of key tasks within four realms (snow, beach, grass, desert). This element of "time" serves as the key focus of the gameplay as Link will lose money, weapons, and other objects while popping back and forth from dungeon to dungeon over the 72 hours. Also bear in mind certain people will only meet Link on given days (and times); specific masks -- each with unique and often transforming qualities -- can only be found in set areas; and Link’s tunes also can lend way to special powers such as changing weather patterns, healing, and so forth.
Is it any good?
Although it might not be an all-new adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is an extraordinarily fun remake for your handheld Nintendo 3DS machine. Not only does the game look so much better than its 15-year-old predecessor (with sharper, more colorful graphics, better lighting/shadows, and 3-D-effects support), it feels great, too, particularly if played on Nintendo's upcoming 3DS XL handheld. The new system places a C-stick to its right side to adjust the camera to see Link's surroundings clearly. Some players on older hardware may find that the camera could possibly feel "clunky" without this extra functionality.
The gameplay is just as engaging as in the original title, but Nintendo also has added a few extra goodies. Players now will find a refined battle system and more save-game points to make playing the game easier. There's also a new song to move forward to a specific hour (in the same day) and a better quest log, with alarms, to keep an eye on your objectives. Even if you never played the Nintendo 64 version, it's easy to fall for this charming adventure. Along with the tension as you race against the clock, gamers no doubt will love the memorable characters, exploring the land, picking up various masks, and fighting against those who try to stop you in their tracks.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the impact of violence in media. Is the fantasy violence in Majora's Mask 3D acceptable because the creatures are clearly unrealistic?
Talk about fantasy games and their appeal. Is playing a game that takes place in the real world better than those set in a made-up world?
Discuss the three-day time limit in this game. Does the limited amount of time make the game better or worse? Why?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
- Price: $39.99
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Nintendo of America
- Release date: February 13, 2015
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Adventures, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Music and Sing-Along
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
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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.