By Joseph Walter
To say that Zelda's first foray into the 3D space was monumental is an understatement. Ocarina of Time changed the playing field for action-adventure games, with its impressive story, puzzles, gameplay, music and, especially, its wonderful atmosphere and aesthetic.
From the peaceful-but-haunting Forest Temple, the depths of the Deku Tree, or in the dreamlike Kakariko Village, there's an exceptional atmosphere to the game that, even to this day, sets it apart from its peers and other Zelda titles.
This atmosphere is nailed from the second the player fires up the game and is transported to the realm of Hyrule by the outstanding title screen.
From the peaceful-but-haunting Forest Temple, the depths of the Deku Tree, or in the dreamlike Kakariko Village, there's an exceptional atmosphere to the game that, even to this day, sets it apart from its peers and other Zelda titles.
This atmosphere is nailed from the second the player fires up the game and is transported to the realm of Hyrule by the outstanding title screen.
The player is ushered in with the sound of hoof steps, with the vision of the moonlit night fading into day over a spacious field as Link, riding Epona, comes into frame. The logo for the game then fades into existence with a gorgeous, ethereal flame effect. With no SFX to accompany it, the visuals do the job on their own.
The rest of the title screen provides sweeping angles and shots of the at-the-time expansive Hyrule Field, tracking Link on his journey, before we are given a first-person send off into the mystery entrance to Kokiri Woods at the southern end of the field.
What ties everything together in crafting the perfectly executed title screen, however, is the gorgeous score. Curiously taking the recorder theme from the original Legend of Zelda (and the whistle theme from Super Mario Bros. 3) the idea, played by an ocarina, is expanded upon, and accompanied by a gentle piano with relaxing strings. Overall, this piece, along with the visuals, creates an at-once stirring and dreamlike world, the likes of which had never been seen before.
The rest of the title screen provides sweeping angles and shots of the at-the-time expansive Hyrule Field, tracking Link on his journey, before we are given a first-person send off into the mystery entrance to Kokiri Woods at the southern end of the field.
What ties everything together in crafting the perfectly executed title screen, however, is the gorgeous score. Curiously taking the recorder theme from the original Legend of Zelda (and the whistle theme from Super Mario Bros. 3) the idea, played by an ocarina, is expanded upon, and accompanied by a gentle piano with relaxing strings. Overall, this piece, along with the visuals, creates an at-once stirring and dreamlike world, the likes of which had never been seen before.
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