How Modern Zelda Games Honor Ocarina of Time’s Legacy, 25 Years Later

On November 21, 1988, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time made its debut on the Nintendo 64. The first game in the Zelda series to feature 3D graphics, Ocarina of Time soon captivated fans with its complex time-travel plot, multiple tricky dungeons, and unique incorporation of the titular ocarina’s music into both story and gameplay. Twenty-five years later, Ocarina of Time has earned its place on many “greatest games of all time” lists and still stands as the highest-rated game on review site Metacritic with an unequaled score of 99. Ocarina‘s impact can be felt in practically every Zelda game released since, including those released a full 25 years after its debut.