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{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{redirect5|Majora's Mask|the game's title character and primary antagonist|Majora}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2018}}
| image = ]
{{Infobox video game
| developer = ]
| title = The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
| image = The Legend of Zelda - Majora's Mask Box Art.jpg
| alt = A heart-shaped mask with yellow eyes and spikes around the edges stands behind the title of the game.
| caption = North American box art featuring the titular Majora's mask
| developer = ]
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| director = {{ubl|
| designer = ]<br />]
|]
| engine =
|]
| released = <small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ] ]<br /><small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ] ] <br /><small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ] ]
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
| ratings = ]: E (Everyone)<br />]: 11+ <br /> ]: G8+
| platforms = ]<br />]
| media = 256 ] (32 ]) N64 ]<br />]
| requirements = ]
| input = ]
}} }}
| producer = ]
{{nihongo|'''''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'''''|ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面|Zeruda no Densetsu Mujura no Kamen}} is a ] for the ] ]. It was released in ] on ] ], in ] and the ] on ] ], and in ] on ] ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/n64/adventure/legendofzeldamajorasmask/similar.html?mode=versions | title=Release dates | publisher=GameSpot | date=] | accessdate=2006-01-18}}</ref> The game sold approximately 314,000 copies during its first week of sales in Japan<ref name="firstweek">{{cite web | url=http://www.n-sider.com/gameview.php?gameid=51 | title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask | publisher=n-sider.com | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> and it went on to sell three million copies worldwide.<ref name="3mil">{{cite web | url=http://www.optigamer.com/news/?id=733 | title=Zelda sales charts and sequel announced | date=] | publisher=OptiGamer | author=Tenchi | accessdate=2005-12-03 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050223002315/http://www.optigamer.com/news/?id=733 | archivedate=2005-02-23}}</ref>
| programmer = {{ubl|
|Toshio Iwawaki
|Toshihiko Nakago
}}
| artist = {{ubl|
|]
|]
}}
| writer = {{ubl|
|Mitsuhiro Takano
|Eiji Aonuma
|Yoshiaki Koizumi
}}
| composer = ]<!--Toru Minegishi only did three tracks, not significant enough to belong here per infobox documentation-->
| series = '']''
| platforms = {{cslist|]|]
}}
| released = {{ubl|'''Nintendo 64'''{{Video game release|JP|April 27, 2000|NA|October 26, 2000|PAL|November 17, 2000}}|'''GameCube'''{{Video game release|JP|November 7, 2003|NA|November 17, 2003|PAL|March 19, 2004}}}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'''''|ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面|Zeruda no Densetsu: Mujura no Kamen|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2000 ] developed and published by ] for the ]. It was the second '']'' game to use ], following '']'' (1998). Designed by a creative team led by ], ], and ], ''Majora's Mask'' was completed in less than two years. It features enhanced graphics and several gameplay changes, but reuses elements and character models from ''Ocarina of Time'', which the game's creators called a creative decision made necessary by time constraints.


The story takes place months after ''Ocarina of Time'' in the child timeline. ] arrives in a parallel world, Termina, and becomes embroiled in a quest to prevent the moon from crashing in three days' time. The game introduces gameplay concepts revolving around a ] three-day cycle and the use of various masks that transform Link into different forms. As the player progresses through the game, Link learns to play numerous melodies on his ], which allow him to control the flow of time, open hidden passages, or manipulate the environment. Characteristic of the ''Zelda'' series, completion of the game involves successfully navigating through several dungeons that contain complex puzzles and enemies. ''Majora's Mask'' requires the ] add-on for the Nintendo 64, which provides additional memory for more refined graphics and greater capacity in generating on-screen characters.
''Majora's Mask'' is the sixth installment in '']'' series, which began with '']'' in 1986. It was the second ''Legend of Zelda'' video game to feature ] graphics. Although it failed to match the sales success of its predecessor, '']'' (1998), ''Majora's Mask'' features a broader and darker storyline as well as deeper gameplay. The protagonist of the series, ], is placed in the land of ], rather than ], where most of the series is set. A mysterious mask-wearing ] known as the ] has persuaded the ] to abandon its ] and crash into Termina. The player repeatedly lives three days through ] in order to prevent this catastrophe. ''Majora's Mask'' is widely known as the darkest game in the ''Zelda'' series to date, largely due to its plot leading up to an impending apocalypse.


''Majora's Mask'' earned universal acclaim from critics and is widely considered one of the ]. It received praise for its level design, story, and ] art direction, and has been noted for its darker tone and themes compared to other Nintendo titles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Nikole |date=2023-04-15 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask: Inside the Surrealist Sequel That Was Never Supposed to Exist |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-inside-the-surrealist-sequel-that-was-never-supposed-to-exist/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103210526/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-inside-the-surrealist-sequel-that-was-never-supposed-to-exist/ |archive-date=2023-11-03 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> While the game only sold about half as many copies as its predecessor, it generated a substantial ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=2014-11-06 |title=Why The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Still Matters |url=https://kotaku.com/why-the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-still-matters-1655550826 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232919/https://kotaku.com/why-the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-still-matters-1655550826 |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="shacknews.com">{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Ozzie |date=2014-11-12 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask - Explaining Its Cult Following |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/87106/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask---explaining-its-cult-following |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030231839/https://www.shacknews.com/article/87106/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask---explaining-its-cult-following |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The game was rereleased as part of '']'' for the ] in 2003, and for the online services of the ], ], and ]. An enhanced ] for the ], '']'', was released in 2015.
The gameplay is centered around a repeatedly-played three-day cycle and the use of ]s, some of which are required to proceed and complete the game. A variety of songs control the flow of time and open passages to the four Temples that Link must complete. Unlike ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'' requires the use of the ], which allows for a larger number of on-screen characters and improved ]. ''Majora's Mask'' was generally received well by critics, who cited the graphic improvements as well as a deeper storyline; however, it is ranked lower than ''Ocarina of Time'' on most critics' lists of the ] since its predecessor had broken extensive new ground.


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
{{see also|The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time#Gameplay|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}}
{{unref|section}}
''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' is an ] set in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. Players control the on-screen character, Link, from a ] to explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and fight monsters. Players may direct Link to perform basic actions such as walking, running, and context-based jumping using the ], and must use items to navigate the environment.<ref name="IGN review" /> In addition to wielding a sword, Link can block or reflect attacks with a shield, stun enemies by throwing Deku Nuts, attack from a distance with a bow and arrow, and use bombs to destroy obstacles and damage enemies. He can also latch onto objects or paralyze enemies with the Hookshot. These actions are aided by the "Z-targeting" system introduced in '']'', wherein the player may lock the camera onto a particular character, object, or enemy and maintain it in view regardless of Link's motion through the environment.<ref name="manual">{{Cite book |url=http://m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NUS/USA/NZSE/NZSE_E.pdf |title=''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' Instruction Booklet |date=2000-10-25 |publisher=] |access-date=2024-01-29 |archive-date=June 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620023044/http://m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NUS/USA/NZSE/NZSE_E.pdf |url-status=live }}. (PDF)</ref>{{rp|15}} Similar to other games in the series, Link must progress through a variety of dungeons, which include numerous puzzles that the player must solve.<ref name="GameSpotRev" /> Dungeons also contain optional puzzles that award collectible fairies, which grant Link additional abilities when all are gathered.<ref name="manual"/>{{rp|37}} As a direct sequel to ''Ocarina of Time'', the first 3D title in the series, the game retains its predecessor's gameplay systems and control scheme while introducing new elements including character transformations and a three-day cycle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frear |first=Dave |date=2022-02-25 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030234715/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/n64/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
]
The gameplay of ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' is based on the 3D computer graphics engine used in its predecessor. Link retains a variety of basic actions, including walking, running, somersaulting, and limited jumping. ''Majora's Mask'' is the second game in the official ''Zelda'' series to take place outside of the land of ], placing the protagonist Link in a land named ]. The Skull Kid has been causing several issues and is attempting to persuade the moon to abandon its orbit and crash into Termina. The player repeatedly returns to the point of his first appearance three days before the crash of the moon using a song called the Song of Time on the Ocarina of Time; he relives these three days collecting the knowledge and abilities required to prevent the catastrophe.


===Masks and transformations===
Like in previous installments of the series, Link uses a variety of weapons to battle enemies and to solve puzzles. The ] is his standard weapon and is the most frequently used weapon in the game. Link has several different sword techniques and several more can be learned throughout the course of play. The ] is used for defending. The ] are typically used to attack a distant enemy or to activate a switch, although they can also assist in close-range combat. Link can stun enemies with deku nuts, then inflict damage with another weapon. Bombs can be used to blow up enemies and other obstacles, while the hookshot is capable of latching onto an enemy and pulling it towards Link or vice versa.
]
Whereas the masks in ''Ocarina of Time'' are limited to an optional ], they play a central role in ''Majora's Mask'', which has twenty-four masks in total.<ref name="IGN review" /> Using the three primary masks, the player can transform Link into different creatures: a ], a ], and a ].<ref name="manual" />{{rp|24–27}} Each form features unique abilities: Deku Link can perform a spin attack, shoot bubbles, skip on water, and fly for a short time by launching from Deku Flowers; Goron Link can roll at high speeds, punch with deadly force, pound the ground with his massive, rock-like body, and walk in lava without taking damage; Zora Link can swim faster, throw boomerang-like fins from his arms, generate an electric force field, and walk on the bottoms of bodies of water. Some areas can only be accessed by use of these abilities.<ref name="manual" />{{rp|24–27}} Link and his three transformations receive different reactions from other characters which is key to solving certain puzzles.<ref name="manual" />{{rp|24}} For instance, Goron and Zora Link can exit Clock Town at will, but town guards do not permit Deku Link to leave due to his childlike appearance.


Other masks provide situational benefits without transforming Link. For example, the Great Fairy's Mask helps locate ] in the four temples, the Bunny Hood increases Link's movement speed, and the Stone Mask renders Link invisible to most enemies. Certain masks are involved only in sidequests or specialized situations. Examples include the Postman's Hat, which grants Link access to items in mailboxes,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Strategy Guide - Masks |url=http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/1933/masks_2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131113634/http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/1933/masks_2.html |archive-date=2018-01-31 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> and Kafei's Mask, which initiates a long sidequest to locate a missing person.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Strategy Guide - Anju and Kafei Notebook Entry |url=http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/1933/anju_and_kafei.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321224330/http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/1933/anju_and_kafei.html |archive-date=2016-03-21 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref>
The gameplay in ''Majora's Mask'' expands upon that of ''Ocarina of Time''; while retaining puzzles based on the use of bombs, arrows, and music, ''Majora's Mask'' also includes masks, character transformations, and the limit of a three-day cycle to add further difficulty and variety to many quests in the game.


===Three-day cycle===
===Masks and transformations===
''Majora's Mask'' revolves around a 72-hour cycle<ref name="manual" />{{rp|10}} (lasting about 54 minutes in real time), in which ]s and events follow a predictable schedule.<ref name="IGN review" /> An on-screen clock tracks the day and time. Players may ] and return to 6:00&nbsp;am of the first day by playing the Song of Time. Players must use knowledge accumulated from previous cycles to solve puzzles, complete quests, and unlock dungeons related to the main story. Although returning to the first day resets most quests and character interactions, Link retains weapons, equipment, masks, learned songs, and proof of dungeon completion.<ref name="manual" />{{rp|10–11}} Link may slow down time by playing the Inverted Song of Time, or skip to the next morning or evening using the Song of Double Time. Owl statues scattered across major areas of the world allow players to temporarily save their progress after activation and also provide warp points to quickly navigate the world using the Song of Soaring.<ref name="manual" />{{rp|13, 40}}
{{main|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask masks, weapons and items}}
]s first appeared as a sidequest in ''Ocarina of Time'', but they play a much more important role in ''Majora's Mask''. Whereas ''Ocarina of Time'' has a few masks of which only one can be carried at a time, ''Majora's Mask'' has a complete inventory of twenty-four masks, many of which are necessary to progress through the game. Some masks are invaluable, others are helpful, and a few are used only once.


During the three-day cycle, Link tracks characters' fixed schedules using the Bombers' Notebook.<ref name="manual" />{{rp|35}} The notebook lists twenty characters in need of aid,<ref name="manual" />{{rp|35}} such as a soldier who needs medicine and an affianced couple estranged by Skull Kid's mischief. Blue bars on the notebook's timeline indicate when characters are available for interaction, and icons indicate that Link has received items, such as masks, from the characters.<ref name="manual" />{{rp|35}}
] in the northern Termina Field.]]
Unlike previous ''Zelda'' titles, Link is not limited to his human form; three special masks allow Link to transform into different species: the Deku mask transforms Link into a ], the Goron mask into a ], and the Zora mask into a ]. Each transformation grants unique abilities: the Deku Scrub can perform a spin dash, shoot bubbles from its mouth, and skip on water a limited number of times. The Goron transformation can roll around at high speeds and stomp the ground with his massive body. The Zora transformation can use its sleek body to swim rapidly, throw ]-like fins from his arms and generate a ]. Many areas of the game can only be accessed by Link's use of these abilities.


==Plot==
Link and his three transformations receive different reactions from various non-player characters. For instance, the Goron and Zora are allowed to exit Clock Town, but the Deku Scrub looks like a child and the guards do not permit him to pass. Many animals also interact differently with all four forms of Link. For example, Link's normal form receives an indifferent response from dogs, which will go about their business as they would in ''Ocarina of Time''. The Deku Scrub transformation, however, will be attacked if he goes near a dog, the Goron transformation will frighten the dog away, and the Zora transformation elicits an attraction from the dog.
===Setting and characters===
{{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology}}
''Majora's Mask'' is set in Termina, an alternate version of ] which is the main setting of most ''Zelda'' games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia |url=http://zelda.com/universe/pedia/t.jsp#Termina |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215074232/http://www.zelda.com/universe/pedia/t.jsp#Termina |archive-date=2006-12-15 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Zelda Universe |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' at Nintendo.com |url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/7OfVrKE-E5ri9Rjnqx9FBs0gIzJGZtns |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122201648/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/7OfVrKE-E5ri9Rjnqx9FBs0gIzJGZtns |archive-date=2010-11-22 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |publisher=] |quote=Link must save the world! This time, he finds himself trapped in Termina, an alternate version of Hyrule that is doomed to destruction in just three short days.}}</ref> Termina is depicted as a darker, more unsettling version of Hyrule, in which landmarks are familiar but twisted and minor characters who previously appeared in ''Ocarina of Time'' are presented with individual stories of misfortune.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=2020-04-27 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Needs to Be as Weird as Majora's Mask |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-2-needs-to-be-as-weird-as-majoras-mask |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228202850/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-2-needs-to-be-as-weird-as-majoras-mask |archive-date=2022-02-28 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In the skies above Termina, a grimacing ] moves inexorably closer, threatening to crash and obliterate all life. It is predicted to impact at dawn on the day of the Carnival of Time, an annual ] that begins in three days. Despite the looming threat, the various peoples of Termina are preoccupied by their own respective troubles. In the center of Termina, the people of Clock Town endlessly debate evacuating the city or continuing to prepare for the festival, the failure of which would be devastating to the economy.


===Story===
]
''Majora's Mask'' begins several months after ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=新しい「ゼルダ」の世界 |trans-title=A new "Zelda" world |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nzsj/normal/newworld/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103181614/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nzsj/normal/newworld/index.html |archive-date=2023-11-03 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |publisher=] |language=ja |quote=舞台は、前作『時のオカリナ』での活躍から数ヶ月後の世界。 |trans-quote=The stage is the world a few months after the exploits of the previous work "Ocarina of Time".}}</ref> Link seeks his fairy, ], who departed after the events of the previous game. During his search, he is ambushed by a Skull Kid wearing a mysterious mask and his two fairy companions, the siblings Tatl and Tael. They steal both his horse, ], and the Ocarina of Time. Link pursues them and falls into a trap; Skull Kid curses Link, transforming him into a Deku Scrub, but inadvertently leaves Tatl behind. With no other choice, Tatl guides Link to Clock Town to reunite with her brother. They meet the Happy Mask Salesman, who pressures Link into recovering the mask that Skull Kid stole, promising to break the curse if he succeeds. After three days, Link manages to locate Skull Kid and retrieve the Ocarina of Time but fails to get the mask. As the moon nears impact, Tael instructs Link to awaken the Four Giants, the guardian deities of the regions in each cardinal direction. Link plays the Song of Time and miraculously returns to the day he first set foot in Termina.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-complete-guide-book-ntt-publishing/The%20Legend%20of%20Zelda%20Majoras%20Mask%20Complete%20Guide%20Book%20NTT%20Publishing/page/n21/mode/2up | title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Complete Guide Book by NTT Publishing }}</ref>
A special mask called the Fierce Deity's Mask can be obtained at the end of the game if all of the other masks have been located. The Fierce Deity's Mask transforms Link into a larger, more powerful version of himself, with characteristic face markings, malicious-looking white eyes, a silver tunic, and mystical torso armor. He also uses a large two-handed sword which is capable of shooting bursts of energy when targeting an enemy. To counter its power, the mask may only be used during boss battles. The Fierce Deity features the same voice as Adult Link from ''Ocarina of Time''.


Mistakenly believing that Link recovered the mask, the Happy Mask Salesman breaks Link's curse. He soon discovers that Link failed and flies into a rage. He explains that Skull Kid's mask is Majora's Mask, which contains a powerful evil that can bring about the end of the world. After he collects himself, the salesman dispatches Link to retrieve the mask once more. Link embarks on his quest by going to the four regions that Tael mentioned where he finds that they are afflicted by Majora's magic. In Woodfall, the swamp is poisoned and the Deku princess was kidnapped. Snowhead has been suffering an eternal winter, driving the Gorons to starvation. Great Bay's waters have been contaminated, turning its creatures into monsters. In Ikana Canyon, inhabitants are terrorized by a plague that brings the dead back to life. Through his travels, Link learns that Skull Kid cursed the land as revenge for feeling abandoned by his Giant friends when they became Termina's guardians. Tatl and Tael befriended the lonely Skull Kid and accompanied him in the mischief that led to his theft of the mask, which has been corrupting him ever since. Under the mask's influence, Skull Kid forced the moon on a collision course with Termina.
Aside from the transformation masks, many masks provide some sort of situational benefit. For example, the Great Fairy's Mask helps retrieve the ] scattered throughout the four temples; the Bunny Hood allows Link to run faster; and the Stone Mask turns Link invisible to most ]s and enemies. Less valuable masks, however, are usually involved only in optional sidequests or very specialized situations. Examples are the Postman's Hat, which allows Link access to an item hidden in a ], and Kafei's Mask, which initiates a long and complicated sidequest that offers several masks as prizes.


Across numerous ]s, Link liberates the Giants and summons them on the eve of the Carnival. They manage to halt the moon's descent but Majora's Mask comes alive and possesses the moon itself, abandoning Skull Kid. Link confronts Majora's Mask inside the moon and defeats it. Link, the fairies, and the Giants all make amends with Skull Kid, while the Happy Mask Salesman recovers the now powerless Majora's Mask. The Carnival of Time begins with celebrations based on Link's accomplishments. In a nearby forest, Skull Kid draws himself with Link and his friends on a tree stump.
===Three-day cycle===
Since its debut, the ''Legend of Zelda'' series has always placed a heavy emphasis on free, open-ended exploration. Shigeru Miyamoto's ''The Legend of Zelda'' (1986) is a vastly different game from '']'' (1985): the timed, linear levels of the latter are replaced with an expansive world that the player may explore at will, provided he has the tools to reach his destination. Link may revisit areas he has been to and proceeds with the game only when he is ready. The game has no numerical ], just the satisfaction of finding hidden treasures and collecting every item. This concept is retained in ''Majora's Mask'', but for the first time in the series (excluding the ''Legend of Zelda'' titles released on Nintendo's ]), a time limit of sorts is imposed. Link is not free to wander around a Temple forever; by the end of the third day he must travel back in time, restarting from Clock Town. Players must plan what to accomplish in one cycle; attempting to complete too much could result in running out of time half-way through a task. That in turn could result in being forced to abandon it and start over in another cycle.


==Development==
Link can easily keep track of time by a persistent timer at the bottom of the screen. One hour in the game is approximately one real-time minute. Before the end of the seventy-two game hours, Link must return to the beginning of the first day to repeat the cycle. By doing so, Link is stripped of minor items collected during that cycle, but major items such as masks, key event items and weapons remain.
Whereas ''Ocarina of Time'' needed five years since the previous entry in the series, '']'', ''Majora's Mask'' was released on a much shorter timetable. The game was developed by a team led by ], ], and ], with Miyamoto primarily in a supervisory role.<ref name="BFB-polygon" /> It was initially conceived as a remixed "Ura" edition of ''Ocarina of Time'' for the disc-based ] peripheral for Nintendo 64.<ref name="iwataDS">{{Cite web |last=Iwata |first=Satoru |date=2009-11-19 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - The Previous Game Felt As Though We'd Given Our All |url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/zelda/0/0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109202052/https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/zelda/0/0/ |archive-date=2023-11-09 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Aonuma, who had been in charge of dungeons for ''Ocarina of Time'', was unenthused about simply redesigning them for ''Ura Zelda'' so Miyamoto challenged his team to create a new game using the existing ] and graphics in just one year.<ref name="iwataDS" /> By reusing game assets, the smaller team was able to finish ''Majora's Mask'' in 15 months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yoon |first=Andrew |date=2013-10-16 |title=Zelda's Eiji Aonuma on Annualization, And Why the Series Needs 'A Bit More Time' |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/81610/zeldas-eiji-aonuma-on-annualization-and-why-the-series-needs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103232249/https://www.shacknews.com/article/81610/zeldas-eiji-aonuma-on-annualization-and-why-the-series-needs |archive-date=2023-11-03 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="dengeki">{{Cite magazine |date=October 2000 |title=宮本 茂 の ロクヨン魂 |trans-title=Shigeru Miyamoto's N64 Spirit |url=https://archive.org/details/dengeki-nintendo-64-issue-53-october-2000/Dengeki%20Nintendo%2064%20-%20Issue%2053%20October%202000/page/96/mode/2up |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=] |publisher=] |pages=96–97 |language=Japanese |issue=53}}</ref> The aggressive development schedule resulted in a great deal of ']'—mandatory overtime—and the writers expressed their frustration by inserting complaints about overwork into the script.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=2023-01-04 |title=Majora's Mask's Most Infamous Line Is Actually All About Crunch |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/majoras-masks-most-infamous-line-is-actually-all-about-crunch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124205714/https://www.eurogamer.net/majoras-masks-most-infamous-line-is-actually-all-about-crunch |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> Another team finished ''Ura Zelda'', but it never came out on the 64DD, which was a commercial failure in Japan and was not released outside its home country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |first=live |date=2000-08-25 |title=Ura-Zelda Complete |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/26/ura-zelda-complete |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001018193925/http://ign64.ign.com/news/24100.html |archive-date=2000-10-18 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> It was later officially titled ''Ocarina of Time: Master Quest'' and packaged with ]ed copies of '']'' for ].<ref name="iwataDS" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2002-12-04 |title=Zelda Bonus Disc Coming to US |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/04/zelda-bonus-disc-coming-to-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030201000/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/04/zelda-bonus-disc-coming-to-us |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |first=live |date=2003-04-15 |title=Limited Edition Zelda in Europe |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/15/limited-edition-zelda-in-europe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013171814/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/15/limited-edition-zelda-in-europe |archive-date=2022-10-13 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref>


According to Aonuma, the development team grappled with the question of what kind of game would follow in the wake of ''Ocarina of Time''<nowiki/>'s success.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aonuma |first=Eiji |date=2004-03-25 |title=GDC 2004: The History of Zelda |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/26/gdc-2004-the-history-of-zelda |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121172127/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/26/gdc-2004-the-history-of-zelda |archive-date=2023-11-21 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> Aonuma recruited Koizumi, who was designing a repeatable "cops-and-robbers" game that would allow players to have a different experience each time they played it.<ref name="BFB-polygon" /><ref name="dengeki" /> Together, they adapted Koizumi's game into the three-day system to "make the game data more compact while still providing deep gameplay".<ref name="BFB-polygon" /><ref name="iwataDS" /><ref name="iwata3DS">{{Cite web |last=Iwata |first=Satoru |date=2015-02-13 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - Make It in a Year |url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/3ds/majoras-mask-3d/0/0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125000624/https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/3ds/majoras-mask-3d/0/0/ |archive-date=2024-01-25 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Early in development, this system originally rewound a week, but it was shorted as seven days was deemed too burdensome for players to remember and too complex to create in one year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2015-02-13 |title=Zelda: Majora's Mask Time Mechanic Originally Rewound a Week |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/zelda-majoras-mask-time-mechanic-originally-rewound-a-week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232435/https://www.eurogamer.net/zelda-majoras-mask-time-mechanic-originally-rewound-a-week |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Aonuma cited the 1998 film '']'' as inspiration for the time loop concept.<ref name="BFB-polygon" /> Miyamoto and Koizumi came up with the story that served as the basis for the script written by Mitsuhiro Takano.<ref name="miyastory">{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Jason |date=2000-07-07 |title=Jason Leung (Author of English Screen Text) Diary Part I |url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/gamepage/developerinfo.jsp?gameId=146 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010626151838/http://www.nintendo.com/games/gamepage/developerinfo.jsp?gameId=146 |archive-date=2001-06-26 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="koistory1">{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=2007-12-04 |title=Interview: Super Mario Galaxy Director On Sneaking Stories Past Miyamoto |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/12/interview-super/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702213630/https://www.wired.com/2007/12/interview-super/ |archive-date=2014-07-02 |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="koistory2">{{Cite magazine |last=Edge Staff |date=2008-02-06 |title=Interview: Nintendo's Unsung Star |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/interview-nintendo%C3%ADs-unsung-star |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820032259/http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-nintendo%C3%ADs-unsung-star |archive-date=2012-08-20 |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=]}}</ref> Koizumi said the idea for the moon falling came from one of his dreams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=East |first=Thomas |date=2011-07-05 |title=Zelda: Majora's Mask Came to Me in a Dream - Koizumi |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/28529/zelda-majoras-mask-came-to-me-in-a-dream-koizumi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709181825/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/28529/zelda-majoras-mask-came-to-me-in-a-dream-koizumi |archive-date=2011-07-09 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> Art director ] said that the name "Majora" was a portmanteau of his own surname and "jura", from one of his favorite films, '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=2023-07-04 |title=Random: Zelda: Majora's Mask's Title Was Inspired By Jurassic Park, Says Takaya Imamura |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/07/random-zelda-majoras-masks-title-was-inspired-by-jurassic-park-says-takaya-imamura |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709215108/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/07/random-zelda-majoras-masks-title-was-inspired-by-jurassic-park-says-takaya-imamura |archive-date=2023-07-09 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Reflecting on the game's mature and melancholy tone, Aonuma felt that players of ''Ocarina of Time'' had grown up somewhat and could be motivated by different emotions like sadness and regret. The game's signature sidequest, the Anju and Kafei wedding quest, was intended to highlight the contrast between a joyous occasion and the impending cataclysm.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=2015-02-17 |title=How A Zelda Dungeon Is Made |url=https://kotaku.com/how-a-zelda-dungeon-is-made-1686291960 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106145602/https://kotaku.com/how-a-zelda-dungeon-is-made-1686291960 |archive-date=2024-01-06 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> In addition to saving time, the reuse of character models from ''Ocarina of Time'' allowed the team to recontextualize them in the more sombre setting.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=2015-02-21 |title=Zelda Producer Eiji Aonuma Talks Creating Majora's Mask And His Personal Hobbies |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/02/21/zelda-eiji-aonuma-interview.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012175434/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/02/21/zelda-eiji-aonuma-interview.aspx |archive-date=2023-10-12 |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=]}}</ref> ] stated that in contrast to ''Ocarina of Time''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ] being inspired by ], ''Majora's Mask''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Termina took inspiration from ].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/64-dream-june-2000-06-600dpi-ozidual/64Dream%202000%2006%20%28J%20OCR%29/page/n85/mode/2up |title=Nintendo Double Header Interview |language=Japanese |magazine=The 64Dream |date=January 1999 |page=85 |quote=]: So anyway, this time the focus was on where to show how the game was different from Ocarina of Time. Even if this is the same grassy field, we wanted to do something different with it... Something like using a more vibrant color palette or making strangely shaped trees. The towns, which were inspired by medieval Europe in Ocarina of Time, have more of a Southeast Asian style this time.}}</ref>
Link is not the only character who plans his time. Non-player characters have schedules they follow during the cycle and most of them are in need of help in some way. Using a schedule book of sorts given to him in Clock Town, Link can keep track of the schedules of multiple persons and identify the crucial points at which he may intervene to assist. By timing his actions to arrive at the correct moment and resolve problems ranging from providing a ] with ] to reuniting an engaged couple, Link can earn masks and other beneficial items to aid him.


''Majora's Mask'' first appeared in the media in May 1999, when '']'' reported that a long-planned ''Zelda'' expansion for the ] was in development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=1999-05-11 |title=Nintendo Sequel Rumblings |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/12/nintendo-sequel-rumblings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030201529/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/05/12/nintendo-sequel-rumblings |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> It had a playable demo at the ] exhibition on August 27, 1999.<ref name="IGN Zelda Sequel">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |first=live |date=1999-06-16 |title=Zelda Sequel Invades Spaceworld |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/17/zelda-sequel-invades-spaceworld |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030234212/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/17/zelda-sequel-invades-spaceworld |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="GI-79-Space">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1999 |title=Space World '99 |magazine=] |publisher=] |pages=24–25 |issue=79}}</ref> The Space World demo included many elements from the final game, including the large clock that dominates the center of Clock Town, the timer at the bottom of the screen, and mask transformations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=1999-08-04 |title=First Screenshots of Zelda Gaiden! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/05/first-screenshots-of-zelda-gaiden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031203554/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/05/first-screenshots-of-zelda-gaiden |archive-date=2023-10-31 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="GI-79-Preview">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1999 |title=The Legend of Zelda: The Continuing Saga Preview |magazine=] |publisher=] |page=42 |issue=79}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=1999-08-19 |title=First Zelda Gaiden Details Exposed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/20/first-zelda-gaiden-details-exposed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103181908/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/20/first-zelda-gaiden-details-exposed |archive-date=2023-11-03 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> In November, Nintendo announced a "Holiday 2000" release date.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=1999-11-04 |title=Gaiden for Holiday 2000 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/05/gaiden-for-holiday-2000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817122033/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071852p1.html |archive-date=2012-08-17 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> The final title was announced in March 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2000-03-06 |title=Zelda Gets a New Name, Screenshots |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/07/zelda-gets-a-new-name-screenshots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118080548/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/07/zelda-gets-a-new-name-screenshots |archive-date=2024-01-18 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> The game was supported by a $8&nbsp;million marketing campaign in America.<ref>{{cite web|first=Peyton|last=Gaudiosi|url=http://www.videobusiness.com/news/072800_nintendo_zelda.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815070505/http://www.videobusiness.com/news/072800_nintendo_zelda.asp|title=Zelda Squares off Against PS2|website=Video Business|archivedate=August 15, 2000|accessdate=July 5, 2024}}</ref> The game was released on April 27, 2000 in Japan and October 26, 2000 in North America and featured a gold Nintendo 64 cartridge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2000-04-05 |title=Majora's Mask Commercials Online! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/06/majoras-mask-commercials-online |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2000-10-04 |title=Have You Reserved Your Gold? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/05/have-you-reserved-your-gold |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=IGN}}</ref>
===Songs===
The Ocarina of Time, a mystical instrument given to Link, plays an important role in ''Majora's Mask''. Link learns to play magical songs from those he meets in order to gain special abilities, ranging from controlling the weather to such powers as teleportation and time travel. Each transformation mask uses a different instrument: Deku Link plays the Deku ], Goron Link plays a set of ]s, and Zora Link plays the ].


] is required to run ''Majora's Mask'' on the Nintendo 64 console.]]
The most important song in the game is the Song of Time. It is used to return Link to the beginning of the first day; this is the only way to revisit the three-day cycle and permanently save one's progress. Other songs are primarily used for a plot-related effect, such as opening a new path. The Elegy of Emptiness is unique in that it is used extensively as a puzzle in one of the dungeons. Also, the Song of Healing is used in both the main storyline as well as several side-quests to unlock more items. Finally, songs like the Song of Soaring exist for the player's convenience, allowing teleportation to major locations.


=== Technical differences from ''Ocarina of Time'' ===
==Plot==
''Majora's Mask'' runs on an upgraded version of the engine used in ''Ocarina of Time'' and requires the use of the Nintendo 64's 4MB ], making it and '']'' the only two games that require the peripheral.<ref name="IGN review" /> '']'' theorized this requirement is due to ''Majora's Mask''{{'}}s origins as a ] game, which would necessitate an extra 4MB of ].<ref name="IGN review" /> The use of the Expansion Pak allows for greater ]s, more accurate ], more detailed ] and ], complex ] effects such as motion blur, and more characters displayed on-screen.<ref name="IGN review" /> This expanded draw distance allows the player to see much farther and eliminates the need for the ] and "cardboard panorama" seen in ''Ocarina of Time'', which were used to obscure distant areas.<ref name="IGN review" /> ''IGN'' considered the texture design to be one of the best created for the Nintendo 64, saying that although some textures have a low resolution, they are "colorful and diverse", which gives each area "its own unique look".<ref name="IGN review" />
===Setting===
{{main|Termina}}
{{see|Characters from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}
].]]
Termina appears to be an alternate version of Hyrule: the majority of the ''Ocarina'' characters were reused in ''Majora's Mask'' with slight differences. For example, the younger and older versions of ] from ''Ocarina of Time'' appear as sisters named ] and ] living on a ] on Milk Road. ], a resident of Clock Town whose ]s could be retrieved for a reward in ''Ocarina of Time'', is the main character of an intricate ]. Several other characters were also reused in ''Majora's Mask'', some of which include the ''Ocarina'' ], who administrates the Clock Town ], and the ''Ocarina'' ]s, whose occupations remain the same.


=== Music ===
The land of Termina contains a wide variety of terrain. Clock Town lies at the center of Termina and is the place Link starts from when he returns to the beginning of the three-day cycle. The centerpiece of Clock Town is the large clock on Clock Tower that counts down the three days before the Carnival of Time. Termina Field surrounds Clock Town; beyond lie a swamp, a mountain range, a bay, and a canyon in each of the four compass directions. The main portion of the game features Link traveling to dungeons in these areas and defeating the boss within.


The music was written by longtime series composer ] with contributions from ].<ref name="soundtrack">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2000-06-30 |title=Zelda Soundtrack Released |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/01/zelda-soundtrack-released |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020402142435/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/081/081667p1.html |archive-date=2002-04-02 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref> The soundtrack largely consists of reworked music from ''Ocarina of Time'', complemented with other traditional ''Zelda'' music such as the "Overworld Theme" and new material.<ref name="IGN review" /><ref name="GameSpotRev" /> Kondo described the music as having "an exotic ] sound".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 2005 |title=Inside Zelda Part 4: Natural Rhythms of Hyrule |magazine=] |publisher=] |pages=56–58 |volume=195}}</ref> As the three-day cycle progresses, the theme song of Clock Town changes between three variations, one for each day.<ref name="NP review" /> ''IGN'' related the shift in music to a shift in the game's atmosphere, saying that the quickened tempo of the Clock Town music on the second day conveys a sense of time passing quickly.<ref name="IGN review" /> The two-disc soundtrack was released in Japan on June 23, 2000, and features 112 tracks from the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面 オリジナルサウンドトラック |trans-title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Original Soundtrack |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nzsj/music_cd/normal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000918120406/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/software/nus_p_nzsj/music_cd/normal.html |archive-date=2000-09-18 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name=soundtrack/>
To the south of Clock Town is the Southern Swamp. The resident Deku population has set up a hereditary monarchy within the confines of the jungle-like area. The most prominent feature of this area is the Woodfall Temple, an ancient shrine that has fallen into disuse and now plays home to various monsters that have been poisoning the local swamp. North of Clock Town is the Snowhead mountain range where the Gorons live. Though normally temperate, the area has been experiencing an unusually long winter caused by a monster in Snowhead Temple. The western area of Termina is the Great Bay. The Zoras live here along with a society of Gerudo pirates. Unfortunately, a monster in the Great Bay Temple is causing a large number of storms and contaminating the water. The Ikana Canyon lies to the east. It is a desolate and barely inhabited area filled with the wandering spirits of the dead. A monster from the Stone Tower Temple is casting an evil aura over the land.


{{Clear}}
===Story===
]
''Majora's Mask'' begins with Link riding his horse ] through the Lost Woods, searching for his fairy friend, ]. He is ambushed by a Skull Kid wearing a strange mask and his two fairy friends, Tatl and Tael. They steal Epona and the Ocarina of Time from Link and run off into a mysterious cave. Link follows behind and catches up with them, only to be changed into a Deku Scrub through the Skull Kid's mysterious power. The Skull Kid and Tael race off, but Tatl is left behind after a door closes in front of her. Because she is a fairy, she cannot open it and appeals to Link for help. Tatl apologizes and offers to aid him in restoring his natural form. Link proceeds past the cave's obstacles with Tatl as he comes to terms with his new body.


== Reception ==
]
{{Video game reviews
Link chases the Skull Kid through the cave and somehow ends up in an alternate dimension called Termina. Inside some sort of clock tower, Link meets the ], who says that he can help Link if he retrieves the Ocarina of Time and ] from the Skull Kid. As they leave the clock tower, Link and Tatl find themselves in the middle of a city named Clock Town, which is preparing for its annual festival, the Carnival of Time. Link learns that a looming catastrophe is threatening Termina: the moon in the sky has abandoned its orbit and is travelling towards the land. In just three short days, it will crash into Clock Town and destroy Termina. Link eventually locates the Skull Kid and Tael at midnight on the third day at the top of the clock tower. He manages to retrieve his Ocarina of Time from the Skull Kid but is unable to get the mask. Instead, he plays the Song of Time and its power sends him back in time to the beginning of the first day he arrived in Termina.
| MC = 95/100{{efn|Based on 27 reviews.}}<ref name="Metacritic">{{Cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Nintendo 64 Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216050346/https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64 |archive-date=2023-12-16 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref>
| Edge = 9/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=Christmas 2000 |title=The Legend Of {{sic}} Zelda: Majora's Mask |magazine=] |issue=92 |pages=88–89}}</ref>
| EGM = 10/10<ref name="EGM">{{Cite magazine |last1=MacDonald |first1=Mark |last2=Sewart |first2=Greg |last3=Lockhart |first3=Ryan |date=December 2000 |title=Review Crew: ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' |url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-137-december-2000/page/209/mode/2up |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=] |publisher=] |page=209 |issue=137}}</ref>
| Fam = 37/40<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2006-06-30 |title=ニンテンドウ64 – ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面 |magazine=] |page=30 |language=ja |number=915}}</ref><ref name="Fam">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2000-04-20 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Reviewed! |url=http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/078/078338p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302190057/http://uk.ign64.ign.com/articles/078/078338p1.html |archive-date=2012-03-02 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref>
| GI = 9.75/10<ref name="GI review">{{Cite magazine |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |date=November 2000 |title=Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200011/R03.0807.1041.43846.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030920052621/https://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200011/R03.0807.1041.43846.htm |archive-date=2003-09-20 |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=] |page=136 |issue=91}}</ref>
| GamePro = 4.5/5<ref name="GamePro review">{{Cite magazine |last=The Freshman |date=2000-10-30 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/7186.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040225153839/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/7186.shtml |archive-date=2004-02-25 |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=]}}</ref>
| GRadar = 4/4<ref name="GRadar">{{Cite web |last=Bickham |first=Jes |date=2002-01-20 |title=Games Radar UK Review - Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/reviews/game_review_263.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020120041601/https://www.gamesradar.com/reviews/game_review_263.html |archive-date=2002-01-20 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref>
| GameRev = A-<ref name="GameRev">{{Cite web |last=Liu |first=Johnny |date=2000-11-01 |title=Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask - N64 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/n64/legend_of_zelda_majoras_mask |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209201924/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/n64/legend_of_zelda_majoras_mask |archive-date=2006-02-09 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=]}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3/10<ref name="GameSpotRev">{{Cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=2000-10-25 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-review/1900-2644956/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030609215637/http://www.gamespot.com/n64/adventure/legendofzeldamajorasmask/review.html |archive-date=2003-06-09 |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.9/10<ref name="IGN review">{{Cite web |last=Mirabella III |first=Fran |date=2000-10-25 |title=Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/26/legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206230614/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/151/151933p1.html |archive-date=2005-02-06 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>
| NGen = 4/5<ref name="NG">{{Cite magazine |last=Orlando |first=Greg |date=December 2000 |title=Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6a/NextGeneration_US_72.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227005941/https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6a/NextGeneration_US_72.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-27 |access-date=2024-01-29 |magazine=] |page=115 |volume=3 |issue=12}}</ref>
| NP = 9.4/10<ref name="NP review">{{Cite magazine |date=October 2000 |title=Now Playing |url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20137%20%28October%202000%29#page/n111/mode/2up |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=] |publisher=] |page=112 |volume=137}}</ref>
| rev1 = '']''
| rev1Score = A+<ref name="TampaBay">{{Cite news |last1=Carter |first1=Chip |last2=Carter |first2=Jonathan |date=2000-11-06 |title=New Zelda for N64 Leaves Them Moonstruck |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/11/06/new-zelda-for-n64-leaves-them-moonstruck/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114191443/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/11/06/new-zelda-for-n64-leaves-them-moonstruck/ |archive-date=2024-01-14 |access-date=2024-01-29 |work=]}}</ref>
| award1Pub = ]
| award1 = ] (])
| award2Pub = ]
| award2 = ] (])
}}
In Japan, ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' sold 601,542 copies by the end of 2000.<ref name="Famitsu">{{Cite book |url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2000_ne_fa/index.php |title=Famitsū Gēmu Hakusho 2001 |date=2001 |publisher=] |location=Tokyo |language=Japanese |script-title=ja:ファミ通ゲーム白書2001 |trans-title=Famitsu Game Whitebook 2001 |chapter=2000年ゲームソフト年間売上TOP100 |trans-chapter=2000 Game Software Annual Sales Top 300 |access-date=2024-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227142715/http://geimin.net/da/db/2000_ne_fa/index.php |archive-date=2008-12-27 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In the United States, it was the fourth best-selling ] at 1,206,489 copies.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=2001-01-16 |title=The Best-Selling Games of 2000 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-selling-games-of-2000/1100-2674371/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030231839/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-selling-games-of-2000/1100-2674371/ |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> In Europe, it was the eighth highest-grossing game of 2000.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2001-02-14 |title=Milia 2001: Pokémon, Les Champions Eccsell |trans-title=Milia 2001: Pokémon, the Eccsell champions |url=https://www.01net.com/actualites/milia-2001-pokemons-les-champions-eccsell-137291.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619224630/https://www.01net.com/actualites/milia-2001-pokemons-les-champions-eccsell-137291.html |archive-date=2021-06-19 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=] |language=fr}}</ref> Overall, 3.36&nbsp;million copies were sold worldwide for Nintendo 64.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parton |first=Rob |date=2004-03-31 |title=Xenogears Vs. Tetris |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/japan/rp033104.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202170610/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/japan/rp033104.html |archive-date=2013-02-02 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=RPGamer}}</ref>


Like its predecessor, ''Majora's Mask'' was lauded critically. The game holds a score of 95/100 on ] ], indicating "universal acclaim", based on 27 reviews.<ref name="Metacritic" /> Many reviews compared it favorably with ''Ocarina of Time'', which is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2005 |title=IGN's Top 100 Games |url=http://uk.top100.ign.com/2005/001-010.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306021241/http://uk.top100.ign.com/2005/001-010.html |archive-date=2010-03-06 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Critics from the '']'', who previously called ''Ocarina of Time'' "the '']'' of video gaming", claimed ''Majora's Mask'' outdid its predecessor.<ref name="TampaBay" /> Reviewers did not take issue with the reuse of ], control mechanics, and visual assets from ''Ocarina of Time'';<ref name="NP review" /><ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GI review" /><ref name="NG" /> Jes Bickham of '']'' said they were already "nigh-on perfect after all" and the recycling allowed the development team to concentrate on delivering new content.<ref name="GRadar" />
Once Link discovers how to transform himself back into a young boy, the real adventure begins. Link has to fight, solve puzzles, and think his way through the four major lands of Termina: a poisonous ], an icy ], a murky ], and a deserted ]. Each region contains its own ] that Link must go through. Once he successfully defeats the masked ] at the end of a dungeon, Link obtains the friendship of one of the four giants. When the dungeons are completed and a sequence of events are triggered, Link is able to call the giants, who halt the moon's passage towards Termina. Link must then enter the moon and face Majora's Mask itself to determine the fate of Termina.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/majora/walk.jsp | title=Walkthrough of ''Majora's Mask'' | date=2000 | publisher=Zelda Universe | accessdate=2005-12-15}}</ref>


Critics praised the game's signature three-day cycle, comparing it to the film '']''.<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GI review" /><ref name="GRadar" /> Andrew Reiner of '']'' called it "one of the most inventive premises in all of gaming", and also stated that "without question, ''Majora's Mask'' is the finest adventure the Nintendo 64 has to offer".<ref name="GI review" /> Fran Mirabella III of ''IGN'' appreciated the way the time mechanics interacted with mask-based puzzles.<ref name="IGN review" /> Some critics found that the time restrictions made it one of the most challenging games in the series.<ref name="TampaBay" /><ref name="Fam" /><ref name="EGM" /><ref name="NP review" /><ref name=GameSpotRev/> The '']'' reviewer suggested that the three-day cycle increased replay value.<ref name="Fam" /> On the other hand, ] of '']'' felt that the cyclic structure put too much focus on minigames and sidequests.<ref name=GameSpotRev/>
==Development==
]
Following the release of '']'' in ], fans waited five years for ''Ocarina of Time'', the active development of which took four years. By re-using the ] and graphics from ''Ocarina of Time'', a smaller team required only two years to finish ''Majora's Mask''. According to director ], they were "faced with the very difficult question of just what kind of game could follow ''Ocarina of Time'' and its worldwide sales of seven million units", and as a solution, came up with the three-day system to "make the game data more compact while still providing deep gameplay."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/501/501970p1.html | title=GDC 2004: The History of Zelda | last=Aonuma | first=Eiji | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref>


Multiple outlets took note of its darker tone and story compared to other games in '']'' series. Matt Casamassina of '']'' described the game as "'']'' of Nintendo 64", making an analogy to the film's status as a more mature and sophisticated sequel to '']''.<ref name="IGN review" /> '']'' magazine referred to ''Majora's Mask'' as "the oddest, darkest and saddest of all ''Zelda'' games".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 2004 |title=Time Extend – The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |magazine=] |page=121 |issue=143 |quote=In the first of our second sittings with important titles of recent years, we look at the oddest, darkest and saddest of all Zelda games.}}</ref> The '']'' reviewer characterized the story as "surreal and spooky, deep, and intriguing" and the game as "living proof that the N64 still has its magic".<ref name="GamePro review" /> Johnny Liu of '']'' wrote that it "takes a little longer to get into this ''Zelda''", but also that "there are moments when the game really hits you with all its intricacies and mysteries, and that makes it all worthwhile".<ref name="GameRev" />
''Majora's Mask'' first started to appear in the media in May 1999, when '']'' stated that a long-planned ''Zelda'' expansion for the ] was underway in Japan with no release date set. This project was tentatively titled "''Ura Zelda''", "Ura" translating approximately to "Hidden" or "Behind". This expansion would take ''Ocarina of Time'' and make changes to the level designs, similar to how the "]" of '']'' expanded upon the original game.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/068/068023p1.html | title=Nintendo Sequel Rumblings | publisher=IGN | date=] | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> In June, Nintendo announced that "''Zelda: Gaiden''", which roughly translates to "Zelda: Side Story", would appear as a playable demo at Nintendo's ] exhibition on ] ].<ref name="IGN Zelda Sequel">{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/068/068473p1.html | title=Zelda Sequel Invades Spaceworld | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> It was assumed by the media that ''Zelda: Gaiden'' was the new working title for ''Ura Zelda''.<ref name="IGN Zelda Sequel"/>


''Majora's Mask'' was a runner-up for ''GameSpot''{{'}}s "Best Nintendo 64 Game" award, losing to '']''. It was also nominated for "Best Adventure Game" among ]s.<ref name="bestworst2000">{{Cite web |last=GameSpot Staff |date=2001-01-05 |title=Best and Worst of 2000 |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020213041653/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/ |archive-date=2002-02-13 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> During the ], ''Majora's Mask'' was honored with the "Console ]/]" and "]" awards; it also received nominations for "Console Game of the Year" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards |url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-4/winners.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020604183428/http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-4/winners.asp |archive-date=2002-06-04 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>
Screenshots of ''Zelda: Gaiden'' released in August show unmistakable elements of the final version of ''Majora's Mask'', such as the large clock that dominates the center of Clock Town, the persistent timer at the bottom of the screen, and the Goron mask.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069324p1.html | title=First Screenshots of Zelda Gaiden! | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> Story and gameplay details revealed later that month show that the opening story of Link's travel to a parallel world where the moon is threatening to crash as well as the use of masks to transform into a Goron, a Zora, and a Deku Scrub are already in place.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069708p1.html | title=First Zelda Gaiden Details Exposed | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
That same month, Miyamoto confirmed in a ''Famitsu'' article that ''Ura Zelda'' and ''Zelda: Gaiden'' are separate projects.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069749p1.html | title=Gaiden and Ura Zelda Split | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> It is unclear if ''Zelda: Gaiden'' is an offshoot of ''Ura Zelda'' or if the two were always separate. ''Ura Zelda'' would become the '']'' outside Japan, eventually released on a bonus disc for the ] given to those that preordered '']''; a ]/] Nintendo 64 release was cancelled due to the failure of the ] in Japan.
''Majora's Mask'' makes consistent appearances on lists of the best games in the ''Zelda'' series,{{efn|Supported by multiple references.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Roberts |first1=David |last2=Wald |first2=Heather |last3=Loveridge |first3=Sam |last4=Gould-Wilson |first4=Jasmine |last5=West |first5=Josh |date=2023-07-26 |title=The 10 Best Zelda Games of All-Time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-zelda-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728082230/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-zelda-games/ |archive-date=2023-07-28 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=2023-05-25 |title=Best Zelda Games, Ranked - Where Does Tears Of The Kingdom Fall? |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-zelda-games/2900-3788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530144817/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-zelda-games/2900-3788/ |archive-date=2023-05-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2023-05-15 |title=The 10 Best Legend of Zelda Games of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-legend-of-zelda-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124192807/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-legend-of-zelda-games |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Monbleau |first=Timothy |date=2023-05-11 |title=The 10 Best Zelda Games of All Time, Ranked |url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-10-best-zelda-games-of-all-time-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124192806/https://www.destructoid.com/the-10-best-zelda-games-of-all-time-ranked/ |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Welsh |first1=Oli |last2=Myers |first2=Maddy |last3=Diaz |first3=Ana |last4=Mahardy |first4=Mike |last5=McWhertor |first5=Michael |date=2023-12-31 |title=The Legend of Zelda Games, Ranked |url=https://www.polygon.com/zelda/24012081/best-zelda-games-ranked |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124192813/https://www.polygon.com/zelda/24012081/best-zelda-games-ranked |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |date=2023-04-10 |title=The Mainline Legend Of Zelda Games, Ranked From Worst To Best |url=https://kotaku.com/best-legend-of-zelda-games-breath-wild-botw-nintendo-1850320051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126035827/https://kotaku.com/best-legend-of-zelda-games-breath-wild-botw-nintendo-1850320051 |archive-date=2024-01-26 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Kate |date=2021-12-25 |title=We Worked Out The Best Zelda Game Once And For All, Using Maths |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/we-worked-out-the-best-zelda-game-once-and-for-all-using-maths |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126035827/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/we-worked-out-the-best-zelda-game-once-and-for-all-using-maths |archive-date=2024-01-26 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>}} as well as the greatest games of all time.{{efn|Supported by multiple references.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=2009-11-16 |title=Game Informer's Top 100 Games Of All Time (Circa Issue 100) |url=http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/11/16/game-informer-s-top-100-games-of-all-time-circa-issue-100.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001105230/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/11/16/game-informer-s-top-100-games-of-all-time-circa-issue-100.aspx |archive-date=2023-10-01 |access-date=2024-01-29 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Game Informer Staff |date=December 2009 |title=The Top 200 Games of All Time |magazine=] |pages=44–79 |issue=200}}</ref><ref name="GI2018">{{Cite magazine |date=April 2018 |title=The Top 300 Games of All Time |magazine=] |issue=300}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Polygon Staff |date=2017-11-28 |title=The 500 Best Games of All Time: 400-301 |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/28/16689522/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-400-301 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322073820/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/28/16689522/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-400-301 |archive-date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Slant2014">{{Cite web |last=Slant Staff |date=2014-06-09 |title=100 Greatest Video Games of All Time |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712044110/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P10 |archive-date=2015-07-12 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Slant2018">{{Cite web |last=Slant Staff |date=2018-06-08 |title=The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108065607/https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P10 |archive-date=2018-11-08 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Slant2020">{{Cite web |last=Slant Staff |date=2020-04-13 |title=The 100 Best Video Games of All Time |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/the-100-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114233720/https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/the-100-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |archive-date=2024-01-14 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=EGM Staff |date=January 2002 |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |url=http://www.gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030620053308/http://www.gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp |archive-date=2003-06-20 |access-date=2024-01-29 |magazine=] |issue=150}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 2006 |title=The Greatest 200 Video Games of Their Time |url=https://archive.org/details/electronicgamingmonthlyissue200feb2006600dpi/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20200%20%28Feb%202006%29%20%28Searchable%29/page/n75/mode/2up |access-date=2024-01-29 |magazine=] |page=76 |issue=200}}</ref><ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite magazine |date=February 2006 |title=NP Top 200 |magazine=] |publisher=] |pages=58–66 |volume=200}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=East |first=Tom |date=2009-02-23 |title=100 Best Nintendo Games: Part 3 |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7258 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225040521/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7258 |archive-date=2009-02-25 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=White |first1=Sam |last2=Leedham |first2=Robert |date=2023-05-10 |title=The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time, Ranked by Experts |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-video-games-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118104530/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-video-games-all-time |archive-date=2024-01-18 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2007-11-30 |title=IGN's Top 100 Games 2007: 31. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_31.html#comments_top?p=2&s=DESC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071130223328/http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_31.html#comments_top?p=2&s=DESC |archive-date=2007-11-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="IGN2018">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2018-03-30 |title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time |url=http://ign.com/lists/top-100-games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614021412/http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games |archive-date=2018-06-14 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Edge2017">{{Cite magazine |last=Edge Staff |date=August 2017 |title=Edge Presents: The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time |magazine=] |issue=308}}</ref><ref name="1001Games">{{Cite book |title=] |publisher=] |year=2013 |isbn=978-1844037667 |editor-last=Tony Mott}}</ref><ref name="HG101">{{Cite web |last=Kalata |first=Kurt |date=2015-12-05 |title=HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029065018/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/ |archive-date=2017-10-29 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="GTM2018">{{Cite magazine |date=May 2018 |title=The 200 Greatest Games of All Time |magazine=] |issue=200}}</ref>}} It has also placed highly in fan-voted polls.{{efn|Supported by multiple references.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |title=The Greatest Legend of Zelda Game Tournament |url=http://www.ign.com/tournaments/greatest-zelda-game |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719194730/http://www.ign.com/tournaments/greatest-zelda-game |archive-date=2017-07-19 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2023-05-12 |title=The Legend of Zelda Face-Off: The Best Game Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-face-off-the-best-game-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124192806/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-face-off-the-best-game-revealed |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2021-12-27 |title=Over 50,000 Japanese Users Vote for Their Favorite Console Games in TV Asahi Poll – Top 100 Announced |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/12/over-50000-japanese-users-vote-for-their-favorite-console-games-in-tv-asahi-poll-top-100-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627121043/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/12/over-50000-japanese-users-vote-for-their-favorite-console-games-in-tv-asahi-poll-top-100-announced |archive-date=2023-06-27 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Gematsu}}</ref>}} Critics have compared it favorably to its closest contemporary, ''Ocarina of Time''. Writing for '']'', Danielle Riendeau observed that ''Ocarina of Time'' provided the foundations for ''Majora's Mask'' to become the "most innovative" game in the series on a structural level. She commended the way it shifted the focus away from the "chosen hero" narrative common in the series to the myriad people that Link meets on his adventure, most of whom were given more compelling characterization than in ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Riendeau |first=Danielle |date=2015-02-12 |title=Majora's Mask Is Better Than Ocarina of Time |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/2/12/8021353/majoras-mask-ocarina-of-time-better |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228004610/https://www.polygon.com/2015/2/12/8021353/majoras-mask-ocarina-of-time-better |archive-date=2023-02-28 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Tomas Franzese of '']'' saw ''Majora's Mask'' as the template for the way '']'' later retrofitted new mechanics onto the world of '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franzese |first=Tomas |date=2023-05-11 |title=Before Tears of the Kingdom, Pay Your Respects to Majora's Mask |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/zelda-majoras-mask-tears-of-the-kingdom-comparison/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124201156/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/zelda-majoras-mask-tears-of-the-kingdom-comparison/ |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Marty Sliva of '']'' placed it in conversation with '']'' in the way it challenged series conventions.<ref name="sliva">{{Cite web |last=Sliva |first=Marty |date=2023-05-04 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Isn't Just a Video Game |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/majoras-mask-isnt-just-a-video-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120222642/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/majoras-mask-isnt-just-a-video-game/ |archive-date=2023-11-20 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>


Retrospective analyses of the game recognize its mature themes and complex time loop gameplay. ] of ''The Escapist'' opined that its progress-resetting mechanics defied prevailing game design trends that prioritized player empowerment and a game of its type was unlikely to be repeated due to the conservatism of big-budget game development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Croshaw |first=Yahtzee |date=2015-03-17 |title=Why the N64 Majora's Mask Could Not Be Made Today As a AAA Title |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/why-the-n64-majoras-mask-could-not-be-made-today-as-a-aaa-title/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124232713/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/why-the-n64-majoras-mask-could-not-be-made-today-as-a-aaa-title/ |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Sliva identified the short development cycle and reuse of assets as a limitation that sparked the design team's creativity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sliva |first=Marty |date=2020-04-28 |title=20 Years Later, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Proves That Games Should Get Weird |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/20-years-later-the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-proves-that-games-should-get-weird/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110000309/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/20-years-later-the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-proves-that-games-should-get-weird/ |archive-date=2023-11-10 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Jonathan Holmes of '']'' called ''Majora's Mask'' a game about "being a young adult", with all the responsibility and confusion that entails. He saw Link as an adult in a child's body who must step up when the other adults in the game fail to do so in the face of crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Jonathan |date=2014-11-09 |title=Majora's Mask Is My Favorite Game About Being a Young Adult |url=https://www.destructoid.com/majoras-mask-is-my-favorite-game-about-being-a-young-adult/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124232712/https://www.destructoid.com/majoras-mask-is-my-favorite-game-about-being-a-young-adult/ |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The existential horror of the falling moon is another common topic of analysis, providing both pathos and a prism to understand the themes of loneliness and forgiveness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winslow |first=Levi |date=2021-10-29 |title=Majora's Mask Is A Masterpiece Of Existential Horror |url=https://kotaku.com/majora-s-mask-is-a-masterpiece-of-existential-horror-1847963798 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111043931/https://kotaku.com/majora-s-mask-is-a-masterpiece-of-existential-horror-1847963798 |archive-date=2023-11-11 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Petit |first=Carolyn |date=2015-03-03 |title=In the Mouth of the Moon: A Personal Reading of 'Majora's Mask' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wd4vy4/in-the-mouth-of-the-moon-a-personal-reading-of-majoras-mask-752 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124232714/https://www.vice.com/en/article/wd4vy4/in-the-mouth-of-the-moon-a-personal-reading-of-majoras-mask-752 |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' has been cited as a thematic and mechanical inspiration for games such as '']'',<ref name="PS Blog Announce" /> '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shanley |first=Patrick |date=2019-05-20 |title='Majora's Mask' Meets 'Apollo 13': Inside Annapurna Interactive's 'Outer Wilds' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/how-outer-wilds-became-majoras-mask-meets-apollo-13-1206548/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120222645/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/how-outer-wilds-became-majoras-mask-meets-apollo-13-1206548/ |archive-date=2023-11-20 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> and '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Steven |date=2016-12-22 |title=Making Grand Video Game Tragedy in 'Elsinore' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bmnaqa/making-grand-video-game-tragedy-in-elsinore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108051051/https://www.vice.com/en/article/bmnaqa/making-grand-video-game-tragedy-in-elsinore |archive-date=2023-11-08 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> among others.<ref name="kotaku_britsoft">{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Julian |date=2017-02-03 |title=Britsoft Focus: How Cavalier Games Made the Anti-Hitman |url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/02/03/britsoft-focus-how-cavalier-games-made-the-anti-hitman |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413073630/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/02/03/britsoft-focus-how-cavalier-games-made-the-anti-hitman |archive-date=2017-04-13 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=2019-07-31 |title=Learn, Reset, Repeat: The Intricacy of Time Loop Games |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/time-loop-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124064805/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/time-loop-games |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Author and literary critic Gabe Durham of ] has also observed the game's influence on films like '']'' and '']''.<ref name="BFB-polygon">{{Cite web |last=Durham |first=Gabe |date=2020-04-30 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Was Never Supposed to Exist |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/30/21241902/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-was-never-supposed-to-exist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124232712/https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/30/21241902/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-was-never-supposed-to-exist |archive-date=2024-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>
In November, Nintendo announced a "holiday 2000" release date for ''Zelda: Gaiden''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071852p1.html | title=Gaiden for Holiday 2000 | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> By March 2000, new tentative titles were announced that would become the finalized titles: ''The Legend of Zelda: Mask of Mujula'' in Japan and ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/076/076163p1.html | title=Zelda Gets a New Name, Screenshots | date=] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-03-16}}</ref>


===Improvements from ''Ocarina of Time''=== ===Ports and emulated releases===
In 2003, Nintendo rereleased ''Majora's Mask'' on the ] as part of ''The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition'', a special promotional disc which also contained three other ''The Legend of Zelda'' games and a twenty-minute demo of '']''.<ref name="IGN LOZCE">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2003-11-17 |title=Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/18/legend-of-zelda-collectors-edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216015203/http://cube.ign.com/articles/440/440850p1.html |archive-date=2004-02-16 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> This disc came bundled with a GameCube console, as part of a subscription offer to '']'' magazine, or through Nintendo's official website.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2003-11-04 |title=Zelda Bundle at $99 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/04/zelda-bundle-at-99 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040406221652/http://cube.ign.com/articles/457/457897p1.html |archive-date=2004-04-06 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The Collector's Edition was also available through the ] reward program,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yong |first=Song-Chan |date=2004-02-10 |title=클럽 닌텐도를 통해 게임큐브용 젤다 컬렉션을 Get! |trans-title=Get the Zelda Collection for the GameCube through Club Nintendo |url=https://www.gamemeca.com/view.php?gid=47432 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106175922/https://www.gamemeca.com/view.php?gid=47432 |archive-date=2021-11-06 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website={{ill|GameMeca|ko|게임메카}} |language=Korean}}</ref> with a bonus discount offered in 2004 with the purchase of '']'' during the month-long "Zelda Collection" campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-02-09 |title=シリーズ4タイトルのgc版を収録した『ゼルダコレクション』の入手方法が明らかに! |trans-title="Zelda Collection" containing GameCube versions of four titles in the series revealed |url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2004/2/9/3005013a7899bde9d52da139301f1ac2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730235629/http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2004/2/9/3005013a7899bde9d52da139301f1ac2.html |archive-date=2014-07-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=] |language=Japanese}}</ref>
''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' runs on an upgraded version of the game engine used in ''Ocarina of Time'' and requires the use of the 4MB ].<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/151/151933p1.html | title=Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask | last=Mirabella III | first=Fran | authorlink=Fran Mirabella III | publisher=IGN | date=] | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> The requirement is thought to be due to ''Majora's Mask'''s possible origin as a 64DD title, which would necessitate an extra 4MB of ].<ref name="IGN review" /> The use of the Expansion Pak allows for greater draw distances, more accurate ], more detailed ], more detailed ], complex framebuffer effects such as motion blur, and more characters displayed on the screen.<ref name="IGN review" /> The expanded draw distance permits the player to see extremely far in Termina, and eliminates the use of fog to obscure distant areas that had appeared in ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref name="IGN review" /> ] considered the texture design to be one of the best created for the Nintendo 64, saying that although some textures have a low resolution, they are "colorful and diverse", which gives each area "its own unique look".<ref name="IGN review" /> Finally, all building interiors are rendered in real-time, unlike the ] featured in ''Ocarina of Time''.


Similar to other GameCube rereleases, versions of the games featured in the ''Collector's Edition'' are ] of the originals using GameCube hardware. The only differences are minor adjustments to button icons to resemble the buttons on the GameCube controller. ''Majora's Mask'' also boots with a disclaimer that some of the original sounds from the game may cause problems due to their emulation.<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> Aside from these deliberate changes, ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Ricardo Torres found that the ] "appears choppier" and noted inconsistent audio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |date=2003-11-14 |title=The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition Bundle Impressions |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-collectors-edition-bundle-impressions/1100-6083637/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413182626/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-collectors-edition-bundle-impressions/1100-6083637/ |archive-date=2023-04-13 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The GameCube version also features a slightly higher native resolution than its Nintendo 64 counterpart, as well as ].<ref name="IGN LOZCE" />
The music was composed by ] and Toru Minegishi,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/081/081667p1.html | title=Zelda Soundtrack Released | publisher=IGN | date=] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> whose score featured new interpretations of familiar melodies from ''Ocarina of Time'' and other previous titles in the ''Zelda'' series along with new material. The main overworld theme from the original ''Legend of Zelda'' returned, after being conspicuously absent from ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/078/078770p1.html | title=Music to Your Ears | publisher=IGN | date=] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> ], who contributed to the voice of Link in ''Ocarina of Time'', returned for ''Majora's Mask''. ], who voiced adult Link, contributed to the voice of Fierce Deity Link and Zora Link.


''Majora's Mask'' was released on the ]'s ] service in Europe and Australia on April 3, 2009,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2009-04-03 |title=Zelda: Majora's Mask on Euro VC |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=212417 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406005643/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=212417 |archive-date=2009-04-06 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> and Japan on April 7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=2009-04-07 |title=VC/WiiWare Tuesday: Majora's Mask Arrives in Another Region |url=http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/07/vc-wiiware-tuesday-majoras-mask-arrives-in-another-region/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311010133/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/07/vc-wiiware-tuesday-majoras-mask-arrives-in-another-region/ |archive-date=2016-03-11 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> It was later released in North America on May 18 and commemorated as the 300th Virtual Console game available for purchase in the region.<ref name="NA VC">{{Cite web |date=2009-05-18 |title=Zelda Classic Becomes 300th Virtual Console Game |url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/rl33Ipv_7uHSJNVTxxe8YIHqtZHdgkxp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521093335/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/rl33Ipv_7uHSJNVTxxe8YIHqtZHdgkxp |archive-date=2009-05-21 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> During January 2012, Club Nintendo members could download ''Majora's Mask'' onto the Wii Console at a discount.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=Chris |date=2011-01-11 |title=Club Nintendo Now Offering Majora's Mask, Kirby, And Dr. Mario |url=http://www.1up.com/news/club-nintendo-majoras-mask-kirby-dr-mario |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203121034/http://www.1up.com/news/club-nintendo-majoras-mask-kirby-dr-mario |archive-date=2012-02-03 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> A similar deal was offered at the discontinuation of Club Nintendo in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macy |first=Seth G. |date=2015-02-02 |title=Here They Are: The Final Club Nintendo Rewards |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/02/here-they-are-the-final-club-nintendo-rewards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202235252/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/02/here-they-are-the-final-club-nintendo-rewards |archive-date=2015-02-02 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The game was released for the ]'s Virtual Console service in Europe on June 23, 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=https://www.nintendo.it/Giochi/Nintendo-64/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Majora-s-Mask-269525.html#gameDetails |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240128090225/https://www.nintendo.it/Giochi/Nintendo-64/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Majora-s-Mask-269525.html%23gameDetails |archive-date=2024-01-28 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Nintendo.it}}</ref> and in North America on November 24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask |url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-wii-u |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209003404/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-wii-u |archive-date=2016-12-09 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' was released through the ] Expansion Pack service on February 25, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=2021-10-15 |title=Nintendo Switch Online's N64 and Sega Genesis 'Expansion Pack' Launches October 25th for $49.99 per Year |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22728113/nintendo-switch-online-plus-expansion-pack-price-n64-genesis-animal-crossing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015144417/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/15/22728113/nintendo-switch-online-plus-expansion-pack-price-n64-genesis-animal-crossing |archive-date=2021-10-15 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Will |date=2022-02-18 |title='Majora's Mask' Gets New Trailer Ahead of Next Week's Switch Online Launch |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/majoras-mask-gets-new-trailer-ahead-of-next-weeks-switch-online-launch-3164488 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218135443/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/majoras-mask-gets-new-trailer-ahead-of-next-weeks-switch-online-launch-3164488 |archive-date=2022-02-18 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>
==Reception==
The game sold approximately 314,000 copies in its first week of sales in Japan,<ref name="firstweek" /> and has sold three million copies worldwide.<ref name="3mil" />


=== Nintendo 3DS remake ===
Despite superficial similarities to ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'' is often described as different from and much darker than the rest of the series. '']'' magazine referred to ''Majora's Mask'' as "the oddest, darkest and saddest of all ''Zelda'' games".<ref>"Time Extend - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask". ("In the first of our second sittings with important titles of recent years, we look at the oddest, darkest and saddest of all Zelda games.") '']'' issue 143 (December 2004), p. 121.</ref> Reviews were generally favorable, although opinions are mixed regarding whether the game is as good as its predecessor. Some feel that ''Majora's Mask'' is significantly better than ''Ocarina of Time'' in certain areas. According to '']'', "The difficulty level of the game is drastically improved , the limited saves, and the time limit to finish the game all help to make the game more enjoyable to play".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.famitsu.com/ | title=Majora's Mask | publisher=''Famitsu'' | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> ] described ''Majora's Mask'' as "'']'' of Nintendo 64. It's the same franchise, but it's more intelligent, darker, and tells a much better storyline".<ref name="IGN review"> '']'' characterized the story as "surreal and spooky, deep, and intriguing".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/7186.shtml | title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask review | publisher=GamePro | date=] | accessdate=2005-12-16}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' was one of the last major titles for the Nintendo 64, and may have suffered in terms of popular interest due to the familiarity of the technology. Nevertheless, ''GamePro'' described the game as "living proof that the N64 still has its magic". It has been ranked the 7th-greatest game of all time by '']'';<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp | title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time | publisher='']'' | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20030620053308/http://www.gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp | archivedate=2003-06-20}}</ref> however, ''Ocarina of Time'' ranks higher than ''Majora's Mask'' in the majority of ].
{{Main|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D}}
After the release of '']'', a remake for the ], director ] suggested that a ''Majora's Mask'' ] was dependent on interest and demand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=2011-07-25 |title=Majora's Mask Remake Is a Possibility |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/25/majoras-mask-remake-is-a-possibility |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002181627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/07/25/majoras-mask-remake-is-a-possibility |archive-date=2023-10-02 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Following this news, a fan campaign called "Operation Moonfall" was launched to demonstrate that demand.<ref name="moonfall">{{Cite web |last=Sterling |first=James Stephanie |author-link=James Stephanie Sterling |date=2011-07-28 |title=Operation Moonfall Plans to Get Majora's Mask on 3DS |url=http://www.destructoid.com/operation-moonfall-plans-to-get-majora-s-mask-on-3ds-207344.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416145945/https://www.destructoid.com/operation-moonfall-plans-to-get-majora-s-mask-on-3ds-207344.phtml |archive-date=2021-04-16 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The campaign name is a reference to a similar fan-based movement, ], set up to persuade ] to ] a trio of ]s for the ].<ref name="moonfall" /> The petition reached 16,000 signatures after a week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Starkey |first=Daniel |date=2011-08-13 |title=Interview: Operation Moonfall |url=https://www.destructoid.com/interview-operation-moonfall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128090507/https://www.destructoid.com/interview-operation-moonfall/ |archive-date=2024-01-28 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Nintendo of America president ] acknowledged the campaign but said that the ultimate decision would be based on financial projections rather than a fan petition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Joshua |date=2013-12-04 |title=Nintendo's Reggie Talks Wii U, Western Development And Operation Rainfall |url=https://www.siliconera.com/nintendos-reggie-talks-wii-u-western-development-operation-rainfall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830182259/https://www.siliconera.com/nintendos-reggie-talks-wii-u-western-development-operation-rainfall/ |archive-date=2023-08-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Both ''Zelda'' producer Eiji Aonuma<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gudmundson |first=Carolyn |date=2011-11-09 |title=Zelda, Past and Future: An Interview with Koji Kondo and Eiji Aonuma |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/zelda-past-and-future-interview-koji-kondo-and-eiji-aonuma/2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030060001/https://www.gamesradar.com/zelda-past-and-future-interview-koji-kondo-and-eiji-aonuma/2/ |archive-date=2018-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=] |quote=Eiji Aonuma: I did hear that there's a website here that was launched in North America by some people that are hoping we'll release a 3D version of ''Majora's Mask''. Of course I'm very flattered to hear that so many people are asking for that game, so I hope that at some point in the future hopefully, maybe, we'll be able to do something with it.}}</ref> and Miyamoto expressed interest in developing the remake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=2012-06-12 |title=Zelda 3DS: It's Majora's Mask Vs. Link to the Past |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/12/zelda-3ds-its-majoras-mask-vs-link-to-the-past |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226174830/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/12/zelda-3ds-its-majoras-mask-vs-link-to-the-past |archive-date=2023-12-26 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=2013-06-20 |title=Nintendo Still Thinking About Majora's Mask Remake |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/20/nintendo-still-thinking-about-majoras-mask-remake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030234414/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/20/nintendo-still-thinking-about-majoras-mask-remake |archive-date=2023-10-30 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>


The remake, titled ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D'', was released worldwide in February 2015. Like ''Ocarina of Time 3D'' before it, the remake features improved character models and ] graphics, along with altered boss battles, an additional fishing minigame, and compatibility with the ], particularly its second ] used for camera control.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haywald |first=Justin |date=2014-11-05 |title=The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask Confirmed for Nintendo 3DS |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-confirmed-for-nin/1100-6423394/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108221058/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-confirmed-for-nin/1100-6423394/ |archive-date=2014-11-08 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iwata |first=Satoru |date=2015-02-13 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - "Moon Gazing" With the C-Stick |url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/3ds/majoras-mask-3d/0/4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125003309/https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/3ds/majoras-mask-3d/0/4/ |archive-date=2024-01-25 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> To update the game for modern audiences, Aonuma and the team at ] compiled a list of gameplay moments that stuck out to them as unreasonable for players, colloquially dubbed the "what in the world" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iwata |first=Satoru |date=2015-02-13 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D - The "What in The World" List |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/3ds/majoras-mask-3d/0/3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129043426/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/majoras-mask-3d/0/3 |archive-date=2021-01-29 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The game's release coincided with the launch of the New Nintendo 3DS system in North America and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=2015-02-18 |title=Nintendo Really Likes Metacritic |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/02/nintendo-really-likes-metacritic/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218023403/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/02/nintendo-really-likes-metacritic/ |archive-date=2015-02-18 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=] |quote=The two software titles which were released simultaneously with the New Nintendo 3DS hardware in the U.S. and Europe, "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D" and "Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate"}}</ref> A ] New Nintendo 3DS XL model was launched alongside the game,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burleson |first=Kyle MacGregor |date=2015-01-14 |title=Majora's Mask Launches February 13 with a Limited Edition New 3DS XL |url=https://www.destructoid.com/majoras-mask-launches-february-13-with-a-limited-edition-new-3ds-xl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111123025/https://www.destructoid.com/majoras-mask-launches-february-13-with-a-limited-edition-new-3ds-xl/ |archive-date=2021-11-11 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> with the European release featuring a pin badge, double-sided poster, and ] case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahdev |first=Ishaan |date=2014-11-05 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Gets A Special Edition In Europe |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/05/legend-zelda-majoras-mask-3d-gets-special-edition-europe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106180432/https://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/05/legend-zelda-majoras-mask-3d-gets-special-edition-europe/ |archive-date=2014-11-06 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The UK retailer ] offered a ''Majora's Mask''-themed ] as a pre-order bonus for the standard edition of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=2014-12-22 |title=Majora's Mask 3D GAME Pre-Order Bonus Is a Commemorative Paperweight |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-22-majoras-mask-game-pre-order-bonus-is-a-commemorative-paperweight |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224164241/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-22-majoras-mask-game-pre-order-bonus-is-a-commemorative-paperweight |archive-date=2014-12-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>
One common criticism is that ''Majora's Mask'' is not as accessible as ''Ocarina of Time''. ] wrote that some might "find the focus on minigames and side quests tedious and slightly out of place".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/n64/adventure/legendofzeldamajorasmask/review.html | title=''Majora's Mask'' is a great game, but it isn't for everybody | date=] | publisher='']'' | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> ] wrote that it "takes a little longer to get into this ''Zelda''", but also that "there are moments when the game really hits you with all its intricacies and mysteries, and that makes it all worthwhile".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gr.bolt.com/oldsite/games/n64/rpg/legend_of_zelda_majoras_mask.htm | title=Majora's Mask review | last=Liu | first=Johnny | publisher=gamerevolution.com | date=November 2000 | accessdate=2004-12-08}}</ref>


===GameCube re-release=== ===Cultural impact===
''Majora's Mask'' was the primary inspiration for the 2010s ] '']'' by Alexander D. Hall, which helped define the ] genre of online storytelling.<ref name="Kotaku Defined">{{Cite web |last=Van Allen |first=Eric |date=2017-10-26 |title=The ''Zelda'' Ghost Story That Helped Define Creepypasta |url=https://kotaku.com/the-zelda-ghost-story-that-helped-define-creepypasta-1819883645/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418055309/https://kotaku.com/the-zelda-ghost-story-that-helped-define-creepypasta-1819883645/amp |archive-date=2023-04-18 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="The Haunting">{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen |date=2010-09-11 |title=The Haunting Of A Majora's Mask Cartridge |url=https://kotaku.com/the-haunting-of-a-majoras-mask-cartridge-5635521 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010142300/https://kotaku.com/the-haunting-of-a-majoras-mask-cartridge-5635521 |archive-date=2023-10-10 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Vice">{{Cite web |last=Conlon |first=Liam |date=2019-06-28 |title=Zelda Is at Its Best When It Embraces Horror |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3njam/zelda-is-at-its-best-when-it-embraces-horror-breath-of-the-wild-sequel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628213734/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3njam/zelda-is-at-its-best-when-it-embraces-horror-breath-of-the-wild-sequel |archive-date=2019-06-28 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Building on the horror elements of the game, ''Ben Drowned'' is framed as an ] about a "haunted" ''Majora's Mask'' game cartridge that causes unexplainable events in-game and in the player's real life. Eric Van Allen of '']'' compared it to a ] adapted for the ].<ref name="Kotaku Defined" /> Victor Luckerson of '']'' attributed part of ''Majora's Mask''{{'}}s enduring ] to its ambiguous themes, malleable and receptive to reinterpretations like ''Ben Drowned''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luckerson |first=Victor |date=2017-03-03 |title=The Cult of 'Zelda: Majora's Mask' |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/3/3/16040930/the-cult-of-zelda-majoras-mask-1b2b2382fb84 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010142106/https://www.theringer.com/2017/3/3/16040930/the-cult-of-zelda-majoras-mask-1b2b2382fb84 |archive-date=2023-10-10 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Sliva considered ''Ben Drowned'' an inextricable part of the game's wider legacy.<ref name="sliva" />
In 2003 Nintendo re-released ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' on the ] as part of the '']'', a special promotional disc which also contained '']'' as well as the original two 8-bit ] '']'' games, '']'', and '']''.<ref name="IGN LOZCE">{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/440/440850p1.html | title=Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition | publisher=IGN | date=] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> This disc could be purchased with a GameCube console, as part of a subscription offer to '']'' magazine, or through Nintendo's official website by purchasing and registering a certain number of first-party Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/457/457897p1.html | title=Zelda Bundle at $99 | publisher=IGN | date=] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> The offer expired in early 2004.


Features based on ''Majora's Mask'' have also appeared in the '']'' series. A stage based on the Great Bay appears in '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Elton |date=2018-08-09 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Full Stage List |url=https://heavy.com/games/2018/08/super-smash-bros-ultimate-stages/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809070748/https://heavy.com/games/2018/08/super-smash-bros-ultimate-stages/ |archive-date=2018-08-09 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> Skull Kid appears as a computer-controlled Assist Trophy in '']''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=2013-12-06 |title=Skull Kid Is an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. For Wii U |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/06/skull-kid-is-an-assist-trophy-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091749/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/06/skull-kid-is-an-assist-trophy-in-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u |archive-date=2018-11-03 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=2013-12-06 |title=Majora's Mask's Skull Kid to Be an Assist in Smash Bros. |url=http://www.destructoid.com/majora-s-mask-s-skull-kid-to-be-an-assist-in-smash-bros--267012.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209024701/http://www.destructoid.com/majora-s-mask-s-skull-kid-to-be-an-assist-in-smash-bros--267012.phtml |archive-date=2013-12-09 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> and ''Ultimate'', while the Moon appears as an Assist Trophy in ''Ultimate'' as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Toby |date=2018-12-06 |title=Smash Ultimate Assist Trophy List - Complete List of Assist Trophies |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/466597-smash-ultimate-assist-trophy-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124041312/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/466597-smash-ultimate-assist-trophy-list |archive-date=2019-01-24 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> A Skull Kid-themed mask is available as customizable headgear to be worn by ] characters in ''Nintendo 3DS and Wii U''<ref>{{Cite web |last=GamesRadar Staff |date=2015-04-01 |title=Mewtwo Comes to Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS In April, Lucas in June, Plus More DLC |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-dlc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405213245/https://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-dlc/ |archive-date=2023-04-05 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> and ''Ultimate''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newell |first=Adam |date=2018-12-06 |title=Here Are All the Mii Fighter Costumes Available in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |url=https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/here-are-all-the-mii-fighter-costumes-available-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220175140/https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/here-are-all-the-mii-fighter-costumes-available-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate |archive-date=2018-12-20 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref>
Similar to some other GameCube re-releases, the game is not a ] in the traditional sense, but rather the ] of the original game running on a software ].<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> The only differences are the colors of the action buttons due to the GameCube's green A button and red B button and the pause screen's use and depiction of the L button as the left page scroller, as opposed to Z. Aside from these, because it is only emulated (rather than altered for the new console), there are some timing discrepancies between the two consoles; some of the music sounds inaccurate on the GameCube and the framerate is noticably lower.<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> Another issue that has been raised is that the game unexpectedly crashes on the GameCube occasionally; this is once again caused by the inaccuracies of the emulator. Despite these problems, the GameCube version has a cleaner look since it runs at a higher resolution than its Nintendo 64 counterpart.<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> In addition, the GameCube version supports component video connections and ] (]).<ref name="IGN LOZCE" />


Ember Lab made an animated short film called ''Terrible Fate'' in 2016, based on characters from ''Majora's Mask''.<ref name="VentureBeat Announce">{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=2020-06-11 |title=Kena: Bridge of Spirits Is a Story of Redemption with Cute Characters on the PS5 |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/06/11/kena-bridge-of-spirits-is-a-story-of-redemption-with-cute-characters-on-the-ps5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614005803/https://venturebeat.com/2020/06/11/kena-bridge-of-spirits-is-a-story-of-redemption-with-cute-characters-on-the-ps5/ |archive-date=2020-06-14 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg">{{Cite web |last=Schreier |first=Jason |author-link=Jason Schreier |date=2021-10-22 |title=Sony's Breakout Video Game Owes Its Success to a Hazmat Suit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-10-22/sony-s-hit-video-game-for-the-playstation5-almost-never-happened-in-covid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022195141/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-10-22/sony-s-hit-video-game-for-the-playstation5-almost-never-happened-in-covid |archive-date=2021-10-22 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="PS Blog Announce">{{Cite web |last=Grier |first=Josh |date=2020-06-11 |title=Kena: Bridge of Spirits from Indie Studio Ember Lab Announced for PS5 |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2020/06/11/kena-bridge-of-the-spirits-from-indie-studio-ember-lab-announced-for-ps5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612002348/https://blog.playstation.com/2020/06/11/kena-bridge-of-the-spirits-from-indie-studio-ember-lab-announced-for-ps5/ |archive-date=2020-06-12 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=]}}</ref> The studio would later develop ''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' as a "natural next step".<ref name="PS Blog Announce" />
==Notes and references==
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==External links== ==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
*
*{{Nintendo.com|id=m-Game-0000-146|title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}
*{{GameFAQs|type=/console/n64|num=197770|name=''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask''}}
*{{imdb title|id=0264790|title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}
* at ]


==References==
{{Zelda games}}
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{featured article}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-64/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Majora-s-Mask-269525.html}}
* {{mobygames|/legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask}}


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Latest revision as of 15:34, 20 December 2024

2000 video game

2000 video game
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
A heart-shaped mask with yellow eyes and spikes around the edges stands behind the title of the game.North American box art featuring the titular Majora's mask
Developer(s)Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)
Producer(s)Shigeru Miyamoto
Programmer(s)
  • Toshio Iwawaki
  • Toshihiko Nakago
Artist(s)
Writer(s)
  • Mitsuhiro Takano
  • Eiji Aonuma
  • Yoshiaki Koizumi
Composer(s)Koji Kondo
SeriesThe Legend of Zelda
Platform(s)
Release
  • Nintendo 64
    • JP: April 27, 2000
    • NA: October 26, 2000
    • PAL: November 17, 2000
  • GameCube
    • JP: November 7, 2003
    • NA: November 17, 2003
    • PAL: March 19, 2004
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is a 2000 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It was the second The Legend of Zelda game to use 3D graphics, following Ocarina of Time (1998). Designed by a creative team led by Eiji Aonuma, Yoshiaki Koizumi, and Shigeru Miyamoto, Majora's Mask was completed in less than two years. It features enhanced graphics and several gameplay changes, but reuses elements and character models from Ocarina of Time, which the game's creators called a creative decision made necessary by time constraints.

The story takes place months after Ocarina of Time in the child timeline. Link arrives in a parallel world, Termina, and becomes embroiled in a quest to prevent the moon from crashing in three days' time. The game introduces gameplay concepts revolving around a perpetually repeating three-day cycle and the use of various masks that transform Link into different forms. As the player progresses through the game, Link learns to play numerous melodies on his ocarina, which allow him to control the flow of time, open hidden passages, or manipulate the environment. Characteristic of the Zelda series, completion of the game involves successfully navigating through several dungeons that contain complex puzzles and enemies. Majora's Mask requires the Expansion Pak add-on for the Nintendo 64, which provides additional memory for more refined graphics and greater capacity in generating on-screen characters.

Majora's Mask earned universal acclaim from critics and is widely considered one of the best video games ever made. It received praise for its level design, story, and surrealist art direction, and has been noted for its darker tone and themes compared to other Nintendo titles. While the game only sold about half as many copies as its predecessor, it generated a substantial cult following. The game was rereleased as part of The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition for the GameCube in 2003, and for the online services of the Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch. An enhanced remake for the Nintendo 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D, was released in 2015.

Gameplay

See also: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time § Gameplay, and The Legend of Zelda § Gameplay

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is an action-adventure game set in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. Players control the on-screen character, Link, from a third-person perspective to explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and fight monsters. Players may direct Link to perform basic actions such as walking, running, and context-based jumping using the analog stick, and must use items to navigate the environment. In addition to wielding a sword, Link can block or reflect attacks with a shield, stun enemies by throwing Deku Nuts, attack from a distance with a bow and arrow, and use bombs to destroy obstacles and damage enemies. He can also latch onto objects or paralyze enemies with the Hookshot. These actions are aided by the "Z-targeting" system introduced in Ocarina of Time, wherein the player may lock the camera onto a particular character, object, or enemy and maintain it in view regardless of Link's motion through the environment. Similar to other games in the series, Link must progress through a variety of dungeons, which include numerous puzzles that the player must solve. Dungeons also contain optional puzzles that award collectible fairies, which grant Link additional abilities when all are gathered. As a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, the first 3D title in the series, the game retains its predecessor's gameplay systems and control scheme while introducing new elements including character transformations and a three-day cycle.

Masks and transformations

A rock-like humanoid standing on a town street. Around the image are icons representing time passed, Link's health, magic, money, items and possible actions.
Link in his Goron form. The clock at the bottom of the screen indicates the time within the three-day cycle, which is currently 10 am on the first day.

Whereas the masks in Ocarina of Time are limited to an optional sidequest, they play a central role in Majora's Mask, which has twenty-four masks in total. Using the three primary masks, the player can transform Link into different creatures: a Deku Scrub, a Goron, and a Zora. Each form features unique abilities: Deku Link can perform a spin attack, shoot bubbles, skip on water, and fly for a short time by launching from Deku Flowers; Goron Link can roll at high speeds, punch with deadly force, pound the ground with his massive, rock-like body, and walk in lava without taking damage; Zora Link can swim faster, throw boomerang-like fins from his arms, generate an electric force field, and walk on the bottoms of bodies of water. Some areas can only be accessed by use of these abilities. Link and his three transformations receive different reactions from other characters which is key to solving certain puzzles. For instance, Goron and Zora Link can exit Clock Town at will, but town guards do not permit Deku Link to leave due to his childlike appearance.

Other masks provide situational benefits without transforming Link. For example, the Great Fairy's Mask helps locate stray fairies in the four temples, the Bunny Hood increases Link's movement speed, and the Stone Mask renders Link invisible to most enemies. Certain masks are involved only in sidequests or specialized situations. Examples include the Postman's Hat, which grants Link access to items in mailboxes, and Kafei's Mask, which initiates a long sidequest to locate a missing person.

Three-day cycle

Majora's Mask revolves around a 72-hour cycle (lasting about 54 minutes in real time), in which non-player characters and events follow a predictable schedule. An on-screen clock tracks the day and time. Players may save their game and return to 6:00 am of the first day by playing the Song of Time. Players must use knowledge accumulated from previous cycles to solve puzzles, complete quests, and unlock dungeons related to the main story. Although returning to the first day resets most quests and character interactions, Link retains weapons, equipment, masks, learned songs, and proof of dungeon completion. Link may slow down time by playing the Inverted Song of Time, or skip to the next morning or evening using the Song of Double Time. Owl statues scattered across major areas of the world allow players to temporarily save their progress after activation and also provide warp points to quickly navigate the world using the Song of Soaring.

During the three-day cycle, Link tracks characters' fixed schedules using the Bombers' Notebook. The notebook lists twenty characters in need of aid, such as a soldier who needs medicine and an affianced couple estranged by Skull Kid's mischief. Blue bars on the notebook's timeline indicate when characters are available for interaction, and icons indicate that Link has received items, such as masks, from the characters.

Plot

Setting and characters

Further information: The Legend of Zelda § Fictional chronology

Majora's Mask is set in Termina, an alternate version of Hyrule which is the main setting of most Zelda games. Termina is depicted as a darker, more unsettling version of Hyrule, in which landmarks are familiar but twisted and minor characters who previously appeared in Ocarina of Time are presented with individual stories of misfortune. In the skies above Termina, a grimacing moon moves inexorably closer, threatening to crash and obliterate all life. It is predicted to impact at dawn on the day of the Carnival of Time, an annual harvest festival that begins in three days. Despite the looming threat, the various peoples of Termina are preoccupied by their own respective troubles. In the center of Termina, the people of Clock Town endlessly debate evacuating the city or continuing to prepare for the festival, the failure of which would be devastating to the economy.

Story

Majora's Mask begins several months after Ocarina of Time. Link seeks his fairy, Navi, who departed after the events of the previous game. During his search, he is ambushed by a Skull Kid wearing a mysterious mask and his two fairy companions, the siblings Tatl and Tael. They steal both his horse, Epona, and the Ocarina of Time. Link pursues them and falls into a trap; Skull Kid curses Link, transforming him into a Deku Scrub, but inadvertently leaves Tatl behind. With no other choice, Tatl guides Link to Clock Town to reunite with her brother. They meet the Happy Mask Salesman, who pressures Link into recovering the mask that Skull Kid stole, promising to break the curse if he succeeds. After three days, Link manages to locate Skull Kid and retrieve the Ocarina of Time but fails to get the mask. As the moon nears impact, Tael instructs Link to awaken the Four Giants, the guardian deities of the regions in each cardinal direction. Link plays the Song of Time and miraculously returns to the day he first set foot in Termina.

Mistakenly believing that Link recovered the mask, the Happy Mask Salesman breaks Link's curse. He soon discovers that Link failed and flies into a rage. He explains that Skull Kid's mask is Majora's Mask, which contains a powerful evil that can bring about the end of the world. After he collects himself, the salesman dispatches Link to retrieve the mask once more. Link embarks on his quest by going to the four regions that Tael mentioned where he finds that they are afflicted by Majora's magic. In Woodfall, the swamp is poisoned and the Deku princess was kidnapped. Snowhead has been suffering an eternal winter, driving the Gorons to starvation. Great Bay's waters have been contaminated, turning its creatures into monsters. In Ikana Canyon, inhabitants are terrorized by a plague that brings the dead back to life. Through his travels, Link learns that Skull Kid cursed the land as revenge for feeling abandoned by his Giant friends when they became Termina's guardians. Tatl and Tael befriended the lonely Skull Kid and accompanied him in the mischief that led to his theft of the mask, which has been corrupting him ever since. Under the mask's influence, Skull Kid forced the moon on a collision course with Termina.

Across numerous time loops, Link liberates the Giants and summons them on the eve of the Carnival. They manage to halt the moon's descent but Majora's Mask comes alive and possesses the moon itself, abandoning Skull Kid. Link confronts Majora's Mask inside the moon and defeats it. Link, the fairies, and the Giants all make amends with Skull Kid, while the Happy Mask Salesman recovers the now powerless Majora's Mask. The Carnival of Time begins with celebrations based on Link's accomplishments. In a nearby forest, Skull Kid draws himself with Link and his friends on a tree stump.

Development

Whereas Ocarina of Time needed five years since the previous entry in the series, Link's Awakening, Majora's Mask was released on a much shorter timetable. The game was developed by a team led by Eiji Aonuma, Yoshiaki Koizumi, and Shigeru Miyamoto, with Miyamoto primarily in a supervisory role. It was initially conceived as a remixed "Ura" edition of Ocarina of Time for the disc-based 64DD peripheral for Nintendo 64. Aonuma, who had been in charge of dungeons for Ocarina of Time, was unenthused about simply redesigning them for Ura Zelda so Miyamoto challenged his team to create a new game using the existing game engine and graphics in just one year. By reusing game assets, the smaller team was able to finish Majora's Mask in 15 months. The aggressive development schedule resulted in a great deal of 'crunch'—mandatory overtime—and the writers expressed their frustration by inserting complaints about overwork into the script. Another team finished Ura Zelda, but it never came out on the 64DD, which was a commercial failure in Japan and was not released outside its home country. It was later officially titled Ocarina of Time: Master Quest and packaged with pre-ordered copies of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for GameCube.

According to Aonuma, the development team grappled with the question of what kind of game would follow in the wake of Ocarina of Time's success. Aonuma recruited Koizumi, who was designing a repeatable "cops-and-robbers" game that would allow players to have a different experience each time they played it. Together, they adapted Koizumi's game into the three-day system to "make the game data more compact while still providing deep gameplay". Early in development, this system originally rewound a week, but it was shorted as seven days was deemed too burdensome for players to remember and too complex to create in one year. Aonuma cited the 1998 film Run Lola Run as inspiration for the time loop concept. Miyamoto and Koizumi came up with the story that served as the basis for the script written by Mitsuhiro Takano. Koizumi said the idea for the moon falling came from one of his dreams. Art director Takaya Imamura said that the name "Majora" was a portmanteau of his own surname and "jura", from one of his favorite films, Jurassic Park. Reflecting on the game's mature and melancholy tone, Aonuma felt that players of Ocarina of Time had grown up somewhat and could be motivated by different emotions like sadness and regret. The game's signature sidequest, the Anju and Kafei wedding quest, was intended to highlight the contrast between a joyous occasion and the impending cataclysm. In addition to saving time, the reuse of character models from Ocarina of Time allowed the team to recontextualize them in the more sombre setting. Yoshiaki Koizumi stated that in contrast to Ocarina of Time's Hyrule being inspired by medieval Europe, Majora's Mask's Termina took inspiration from Southeast Asia.

Majora's Mask first appeared in the media in May 1999, when Famitsu reported that a long-planned Zelda expansion for the 64DD was in development. It had a playable demo at the Nintendo Space World exhibition on August 27, 1999. The Space World demo included many elements from the final game, including the large clock that dominates the center of Clock Town, the timer at the bottom of the screen, and mask transformations. In November, Nintendo announced a "Holiday 2000" release date. The final title was announced in March 2000. The game was supported by a $8 million marketing campaign in America. The game was released on April 27, 2000 in Japan and October 26, 2000 in North America and featured a gold Nintendo 64 cartridge.

The 4MB Expansion Pak is required to run Majora's Mask on the Nintendo 64 console.

Technical differences from Ocarina of Time

Majora's Mask runs on an upgraded version of the engine used in Ocarina of Time and requires the use of the Nintendo 64's 4MB Expansion Pak, making it and Donkey Kong 64 the only two games that require the peripheral. IGN theorized this requirement is due to Majora's Mask's origins as a Nintendo 64DD game, which would necessitate an extra 4MB of RAM. The use of the Expansion Pak allows for greater draw distances, more accurate dynamic lighting, more detailed texture mapping and animation, complex framebuffer effects such as motion blur, and more characters displayed on-screen. This expanded draw distance allows the player to see much farther and eliminates the need for the fog effect and "cardboard panorama" seen in Ocarina of Time, which were used to obscure distant areas. IGN considered the texture design to be one of the best created for the Nintendo 64, saying that although some textures have a low resolution, they are "colorful and diverse", which gives each area "its own unique look".

Music

The music was written by longtime series composer Koji Kondo with contributions from Toru Minegishi. The soundtrack largely consists of reworked music from Ocarina of Time, complemented with other traditional Zelda music such as the "Overworld Theme" and new material. Kondo described the music as having "an exotic Chinese opera sound". As the three-day cycle progresses, the theme song of Clock Town changes between three variations, one for each day. IGN related the shift in music to a shift in the game's atmosphere, saying that the quickened tempo of the Clock Town music on the second day conveys a sense of time passing quickly. The two-disc soundtrack was released in Japan on June 23, 2000, and features 112 tracks from the game.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic95/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
Edge9/10
Electronic Gaming Monthly10/10
Famitsu37/40
Game Informer9.75/10
GamePro4.5/5
GameRevolutionA-
GameSpot8.3/10
GamesRadar+4/4
IGN9.9/10
Next Generation4/5
Nintendo Power9.4/10
St. Petersburg TimesA+
Awards
PublicationAward
Academy of Interactive Arts & SciencesConsole Action/Adventure (2001)
Academy of Interactive Arts & SciencesGame Design (2001)

In Japan, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask sold 601,542 copies by the end of 2000. In the United States, it was the fourth best-selling game of 2000 at 1,206,489 copies. In Europe, it was the eighth highest-grossing game of 2000. Overall, 3.36 million copies were sold worldwide for Nintendo 64.

Like its predecessor, Majora's Mask was lauded critically. The game holds a score of 95/100 on review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 27 reviews. Many reviews compared it favorably with Ocarina of Time, which is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. Critics from the St. Petersburg Times, who previously called Ocarina of Time "the Gone With the Wind of video gaming", claimed Majora's Mask outdid its predecessor. Reviewers did not take issue with the reuse of game engine, control mechanics, and visual assets from Ocarina of Time; Jes Bickham of GamesRadar said they were already "nigh-on perfect after all" and the recycling allowed the development team to concentrate on delivering new content.

Critics praised the game's signature three-day cycle, comparing it to the film Groundhog Day. Andrew Reiner of Game Informer called it "one of the most inventive premises in all of gaming", and also stated that "without question, Majora's Mask is the finest adventure the Nintendo 64 has to offer". Fran Mirabella III of IGN appreciated the way the time mechanics interacted with mask-based puzzles. Some critics found that the time restrictions made it one of the most challenging games in the series. The Famitsu reviewer suggested that the three-day cycle increased replay value. On the other hand, Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot felt that the cyclic structure put too much focus on minigames and sidequests.

Multiple outlets took note of its darker tone and story compared to other games in The Legend of Zelda series. Matt Casamassina of IGN described the game as "The Empire Strikes Back of Nintendo 64", making an analogy to the film's status as a more mature and sophisticated sequel to Star Wars. Edge magazine referred to Majora's Mask as "the oddest, darkest and saddest of all Zelda games". The GamePro reviewer characterized the story as "surreal and spooky, deep, and intriguing" and the game as "living proof that the N64 still has its magic". Johnny Liu of GameRevolution wrote that it "takes a little longer to get into this Zelda", but also that "there are moments when the game really hits you with all its intricacies and mysteries, and that makes it all worthwhile".

Majora's Mask was a runner-up for GameSpot's "Best Nintendo 64 Game" award, losing to Perfect Dark. It was also nominated for "Best Adventure Game" among console games. During the 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Majora's Mask was honored with the "Console Action/Adventure" and "Game Design" awards; it also received nominations for "Console Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year".

Legacy

Majora's Mask makes consistent appearances on lists of the best games in the Zelda series, as well as the greatest games of all time. It has also placed highly in fan-voted polls. Critics have compared it favorably to its closest contemporary, Ocarina of Time. Writing for Polygon, Danielle Riendeau observed that Ocarina of Time provided the foundations for Majora's Mask to become the "most innovative" game in the series on a structural level. She commended the way it shifted the focus away from the "chosen hero" narrative common in the series to the myriad people that Link meets on his adventure, most of whom were given more compelling characterization than in Ocarina of Time. Tomas Franzese of Digital Trends saw Majora's Mask as the template for the way Tears of the Kingdom later retrofitted new mechanics onto the world of Breath of the Wild. Marty Sliva of The Escapist placed it in conversation with Zelda II: The Adventure of Link in the way it challenged series conventions.

Retrospective analyses of the game recognize its mature themes and complex time loop gameplay. Yahtzee Croshaw of The Escapist opined that its progress-resetting mechanics defied prevailing game design trends that prioritized player empowerment and a game of its type was unlikely to be repeated due to the conservatism of big-budget game development. Sliva identified the short development cycle and reuse of assets as a limitation that sparked the design team's creativity. Jonathan Holmes of Destructoid called Majora's Mask a game about "being a young adult", with all the responsibility and confusion that entails. He saw Link as an adult in a child's body who must step up when the other adults in the game fail to do so in the face of crisis. The existential horror of the falling moon is another common topic of analysis, providing both pathos and a prism to understand the themes of loneliness and forgiveness. Majora's Mask has been cited as a thematic and mechanical inspiration for games such as Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Outer Wilds, and Elsinore, among others. Author and literary critic Gabe Durham of Boss Fight Books has also observed the game's influence on films like Source Code and Edge of Tomorrow.

Ports and emulated releases

In 2003, Nintendo rereleased Majora's Mask on the GameCube as part of The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition, a special promotional disc which also contained three other The Legend of Zelda games and a twenty-minute demo of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. This disc came bundled with a GameCube console, as part of a subscription offer to Nintendo Power magazine, or through Nintendo's official website. The Collector's Edition was also available through the Club Nintendo reward program, with a bonus discount offered in 2004 with the purchase of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures during the month-long "Zelda Collection" campaign.

Similar to other GameCube rereleases, versions of the games featured in the Collector's Edition are emulations of the originals using GameCube hardware. The only differences are minor adjustments to button icons to resemble the buttons on the GameCube controller. Majora's Mask also boots with a disclaimer that some of the original sounds from the game may cause problems due to their emulation. Aside from these deliberate changes, GameSpot's Ricardo Torres found that the frame rate "appears choppier" and noted inconsistent audio. The GameCube version also features a slightly higher native resolution than its Nintendo 64 counterpart, as well as progressive scan.

Majora's Mask was released on the Wii's Virtual Console service in Europe and Australia on April 3, 2009, and Japan on April 7. It was later released in North America on May 18 and commemorated as the 300th Virtual Console game available for purchase in the region. During January 2012, Club Nintendo members could download Majora's Mask onto the Wii Console at a discount. A similar deal was offered at the discontinuation of Club Nintendo in 2015. The game was released for the Wii U's Virtual Console service in Europe on June 23, 2016 and in North America on November 24. Majora's Mask was released through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack service on February 25, 2022.

Nintendo 3DS remake

Main article: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D

After the release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, a remake for the Nintendo 3DS, director Eiji Aonuma suggested that a Majora's Mask remake was dependent on interest and demand. Following this news, a fan campaign called "Operation Moonfall" was launched to demonstrate that demand. The campaign name is a reference to a similar fan-based movement, Operation Rainfall, set up to persuade Nintendo of America to localize a trio of role-playing games for the Wii. The petition reached 16,000 signatures after a week. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé acknowledged the campaign but said that the ultimate decision would be based on financial projections rather than a fan petition. Both Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma and Miyamoto expressed interest in developing the remake.

The remake, titled The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D, was released worldwide in February 2015. Like Ocarina of Time 3D before it, the remake features improved character models and stereoscopic 3D graphics, along with altered boss battles, an additional fishing minigame, and compatibility with the New Nintendo 3DS, particularly its second analog stick used for camera control. To update the game for modern audiences, Aonuma and the team at Grezzo compiled a list of gameplay moments that stuck out to them as unreasonable for players, colloquially dubbed the "what in the world" list. The game's release coincided with the launch of the New Nintendo 3DS system in North America and Europe. A special edition New Nintendo 3DS XL model was launched alongside the game, with the European release featuring a pin badge, double-sided poster, and steelbook case. The UK retailer Game offered a Majora's Mask-themed paperweight as a pre-order bonus for the standard edition of the game.

Cultural impact

Majora's Mask was the primary inspiration for the 2010s web serial Ben Drowned by Alexander D. Hall, which helped define the creepypasta genre of online storytelling. Building on the horror elements of the game, Ben Drowned is framed as an urban legend about a "haunted" Majora's Mask game cartridge that causes unexplainable events in-game and in the player's real life. Eric Van Allen of Kotaku compared it to a campfire story adapted for the digital age. Victor Luckerson of The Ringer attributed part of Majora's Mask's enduring cult following to its ambiguous themes, malleable and receptive to reinterpretations like Ben Drowned. Sliva considered Ben Drowned an inextricable part of the game's wider legacy.

Features based on Majora's Mask have also appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series. A stage based on the Great Bay appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Skull Kid appears as a computer-controlled Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Ultimate, while the Moon appears as an Assist Trophy in Ultimate as well. A Skull Kid-themed mask is available as customizable headgear to be worn by Mii characters in Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Ultimate.

Ember Lab made an animated short film called Terrible Fate in 2016, based on characters from Majora's Mask. The studio would later develop Kena: Bridge of Spirits as a "natural next step".

Notes

  1. Japanese: ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面, Hepburn: Zeruda no Densetsu: Mujura no Kamen
  2. Based on 27 reviews.
  3. Supported by multiple references.
  4. Supported by multiple references.
  5. Supported by multiple references.

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