CGR Undertow - THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: MAJORA'S MASK Video Game Review

Classic Game Room presents a CGR Undertow video game review of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA MAJORA'S MASK for Nintendo 64. Released in 2000 for N64. There is something familiar about this place, yet it feels unnervingly alien. The faces, as recognizable as they seem, use voices which only echo those we expect. Indeed, though it carries the familiar Zelda moniker, Majora's Mask is an entirely new legend.

Released two years after the acclaimed Ocarina of Time, it was inevitable Majora's Mask would face steep expectations. Rather than pandering to the hype by revisiting the Ocarina formula, however, Nintendo took a much more ambitious route. This time around, there is no princess to save, nor is there an evil desert thief to foil. The game doesn't even take place in Hyrule—instead, Majora's Mask presents a twisted, nightmarish rendition of the Legend of Zelda, a bizarre and kaleidoscopic spin on one of gaming's most beloved franchises. Dark, smart and often genuinely sad, it's the boldest, most complex Zelda to date.

Picking up in the aftermath of Ocarina of Time, we rejoin a very different Link than the hero we remember. The boy is now a legend, but his heroic radiance is dimmed by loneliness. He leaves Hyrule on a deeply personal quest not for adventure, but for companionship.

Unfortunately for Link, that journey takes an unexpected turn. Like a Zelda version of Groundhog Day, Link relives the same three days repeatedly, a 72-hour cycle in which he must save the bizarre land of Terminia from an eerie doom. Narrative twists aside; however, playing Majora's Mask is like riding a bike. Players guide Link through several puzzle-filled dungeons and enemy hordes as smoothly as they did in Ocarina, using the same combat system that has been the backbone of every Zelda since. Ability-altering masks ensure Majora's Mask feels fresh, and it looks even better than its exalted predecessor.

It's almost as good, too.

[zamboni]

there was no game before and no game since that been even close to reaching the atmosphere this game created, a truly one of a kind experience and my favorite game of all time

[flamehour]

Majora's Mask is most likely the most amazing game I've ever played. It gives me an emotion that is inexplicable. This game is dark, yes, but that's the beauty of the game to me. Now, I love Ocarina of Time, don't get me wrong. Majora's Mask, is, though, an all around better game. I like the connection you make with the characters. It's not about "do the thing claim the reward" like Ocarina of Time is. You get to really see and make your own opinions about each character because you get to see their personality and their vernacular and their attitude. It's definitely on my top 3 games for the Nintendo 64.

[arturogomez]

This Review is over 10 years old now. That’s crazy

[drewhughes]

I have memories of watching this video when i was 12 years old. Time flies. I'm 21 now.

[SirDibble]

The story is really hard to understand but yet tragic. It is an adult like story in a game that looks kid friendly.

[FredDoGG]

Going back to watch untertow vids... your missed Derek

[lasseplatburk]

I guess you could say that if OOT is like Lord of the Rings, MM is more like Alice in Wonderland.

[krankerrrr]

This is an incredibly well articulated and well thought out review. Keep them coming I really enjoy them!

[DKPaladinX]

It's official: Dereck its the only reviewer worth listening in this channel.

[PikaLink]

Dunno why, but I always loved the scream Link utters when transforming xD

[saikitten]

Although I find this game super creepy, I do adore it. It's ranked my number 2 favorite Zelda game.

[Icebearsever]

Zelda has been one of my favorite gaming franschises of all time. But I still haven't played Majora's Mask. I need to get the limited edition of Zelda on Gamecube which gives you four Zelda games. Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker will always be in my heart.

[MrCarrot]

You think the main story isnt as epic as oot? Thats hilarious. All Oot is a simple save the damsel story in a new 3D environment. MM improves where OOt succeeded and gave a darker and more interesting story which improved the experience with sidequests. These sidequests introduced you to a wide variety of characters that inspired you to save them from their inevitability.

Now say that MM's story is not as epic. 

[dgxkeyboards]

THE GREATEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE UNDERRATED GAMES OF ALL TIME, IT'S NOT ONLY THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK OF ZELDA BUT OF VIDEO GAMES.

[hmompoint]

The ending to this review really startled me XD

But in all serious, that was a great review of my second favorite game in the franchise. Great Job!

[devmiles]

too bad a lot of gamers missed out on this game. it came out along with pretty much the final commercial breath of the n64. in 2000 things were pretty much heated up by psx, ps2, xbox and dreamcast so yeah i can imagine. but.... it's a very very special zelda game and luckily it gets re-released on 3ds next year (as all the fans have been praying and screaming) as it deserves to be, OOT 3ds was a fantasic re-release. MM is absolutely one of the most darkest, weirdest, psychedelic and even disturbing ones in the series. If you've played this as a child you're most likely fucked up hehe... the music, the scenery, almost everything is very mesmerizing. i'm first in line to pick this up for 3ds next year to re-live the dark and psychedelic story. very very memorable game.

[GuizerJarlMusic]

i am a majoras mask fan, but your commentary about the indie, hollywood VS indie flick for arts words, commentary is spot on. I do loveee MM though, one of my faves. awesome review man

[Dzzy]

I wish Nintendo made Skull Kid a playable character in Super Smash Bros. 4

[Beghty]

Thank you for being one of the few people with the insight to truly understand the intricate depth of design and mood in this game.

[Gamer-Crafts]

Watching this video after the 3DS version was announce . I'm so hyped it's not even funny ....