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'{{Short description|2000 video game}} {{Featured article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2018}} {{Infobox video game | 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 | developer = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development|Nintendo EAD]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | director = {{ubl| |[[Eiji Aonuma]] |[[Yoshiaki Koizumi]] }} | producer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] | programmer = {{ubl| |Toshio Iwawaki |Toshihiko Nakago }} | artist = {{ubl| |[[Yusuke Nakano]] |[[Takaya Imamura]] }} | writer = {{ubl| |Mitsuhiro Takano |Eiji Aonuma |Yoshiaki Koizumi }} | composer = [[Koji Kondo]]<!--Toru Minegishi only did three tracks, not significant enough to belong here per infobox documentation--> | series = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' | platforms = {{cslist|[[Nintendo 64]]|[[GameCube]] }} | 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 = [[Action-adventure]] | modes = [[Single-player]] }} {{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 [[action-adventure game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo 64]]. It was the second ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' game to use [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]], following ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|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 featured enhanced graphics and several gameplay changes, but reused 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''. [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|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 introduced 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'' required the [[Expansion Pak]] add-on for the Nintendo 64, which provided 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 [[List of video games considered the best|best video games ever made]]. It received praise for its level design, story, and [[surrealism|surrealist]] 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=GamesRadar+ |language=en-US}}</ref> While the game only sold about half as many copies as its predecessor, it generated a substantial [[cult following]].<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=Kotaku |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=Shacknews |language=en}}</ref> 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 Online|Nintendo Switch]]. An enhanced [[video game remake|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|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}} The gameplay of ''Majora's Mask'' expands on that of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. It retains the concept of dungeon puzzles and ocarina songs and introduces 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=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> As in previous titles, Link can perform basic actions such as walking, running, and context-based jumping, and must use items to battle enemies and solve puzzles.<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. Similar to other games in the series, the player must progress through a variety of dungeons, which include numerous puzzles that the player needs to solve.<ref name="GameSpotRev" /> Dungeons also contain optional puzzles that award collectible fairies, which grant the player additional abilities when all are gathered.<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=Nintendo |access-date=2024-01-29}}[ ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' instruction booklet]. (PDF)</ref>{{rp|37}} ===Masks and transformations=== [[File:Majoras Mask screenshot.png|thumb|Link in his Goron form. The clock at the bottom of the screen indicates the time within the three-day cycle, which is currently 10AM on the 1st day.|alt=A rock-like humanoid standing on a town street. Around the image are icons representing time passed, the player's health, magic, money, items and possible actions.]] 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.<ref name="IGN review" /> Using the three primary masks, Link can transform himself at will into different creatures: a [[Deku Scrub]], a [[Goron]], and a [[Zoras|Zora]].<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 retrieve [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Fairy|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,<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=IGN Guides}}</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=IGN Guides}}</ref> ===Three-day cycle=== ''Majora's Mask'' revolves around a three-day cycle<ref name="manual" />{{rp|10}} (about 54 minutes in real time), in which [[non-player character]]s and events follow a predictable schedule.<ref name="IGN review" /> An on-screen clock tracks the day and time. Players may [[saved game|save their game]] 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}} Other uses for music include manipulating the weather, calling Link's horse, and unlocking the four dungeons. Each transformation mask uses a different instrument: Deku Link plays the multi-horned "Deku Pipes", Goron Link plays a set of bongo drums tied around his waist, and Zora Link plays a guitar made from a large fish skeleton. [[Jackson Guitars]] created a limited edition 7-string guitar in this style that was the grand prize in a contest in ''[[Nintendo Power]]'', known as the "Jackson Zoraxe".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 2001 |title=Player's Poll Contest |url=https://archive.org/stream/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20140%20%28January%202001%29#page/n97/mode/2up |access-date=2024-01-26 |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |pages=98–99 |volume=140}}</ref> 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}} ==Plot== ===Setting and characters=== {{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology}} ''Majora's Mask'' is set in Termina, an "alternate version" of [[Hyrule]], 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=Nintendo}}</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=Nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo |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=USgamer |language=en}}</ref> In the skies above Termina, a grimacing [[moon]] threatens to crash and obliterate all life. It is predicted to impact on the eve 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''.<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=Nintendo.co.jp |publisher=Nintendo |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, [[Navi (The Legend of Zelda)|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 (The Legend of Zelda)|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. 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, Termina's guardian deities. 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 days. After he collects himself, the Happy Mask Salesman dispatches Link to retrieve Majora's Mask. Link embarks on his quest by going to the regions that Tael mentioned: Woodfall, Snowhead, the Great Bay, and Ikana Canyon. Link learns that the four locations 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, 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 loop]]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. ==Development== Whereas ''Ocarina of Time'' needed five years since the previous entry in the series, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|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.<ref name="BFB-polygon" /> It was initially conceived as a remixed "Ura" edition of ''Ocarina of Time'' for the disc-based [[64DD]] 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=Nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</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 [[game engine]] 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=Shacknews}}</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=Dengeki Nintendo 64 |publisher=ASCII Media Works |pages=96–97 |language=Japanese |issue=53}}</ref> The aggressive development schedule resulted in a great deal of '[[crunch (video games)|crunch]]'—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=Eurogamer}}</ref> Another team finished the remixed game, 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=IGN}}</ref> It was later officially titled ''Ocarina of Time: Master Quest'' and packaged with [[pre-order]]ed copies of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]'' for [[GameCube]].<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=IGN}}</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=IGN}}</ref> According to Aonuma, 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".<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=IGN}}</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=Nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</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=Eurogamer |language=en}}</ref> Aonuma cited the 1998 film ''[[Run Lola Run]]'' 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=Nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</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/gamelife/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=Wired: GameLife |publisher=Condé Nast Digital}}</ref><ref name="koistory2">{{Cite web |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 |website=Edge 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=The Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> 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 (film)|Jurassic Park]]''.<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=Nintendo Life |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=Kotaku}}</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 web |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=live |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 |website=Game Informer}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' first appeared in the media in May 1999, when ''[[Famitsu]]'' reported that a long-planned ''Zelda'' expansion for the [[Nintendo 64DD|64DD]] 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=IGN}}</ref> It had a playable demo at the [[Nintendo Space World]] 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=IGN}}</ref><ref name="GI-79-Space">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1999 |title=Space World '99 |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=Funco, Inc. |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=IGN}}</ref><ref name="GI-79-Preview">{{Cite magazine |date=November 1999 |title=The Legend of Zelda: The Continuing Saga Preview |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=Funco, Inc. |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=IGN}}</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=IGN}}</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=IGN}}</ref> [[File:Nintendo-64-Memory-Expansion-Pak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|The 4MB [[Expansion Pak]] is required to run ''Majora's Mask''.]] === 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 one of the two games that require said peripheral; the other being ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''.<ref name="IGN review" /> ''[[IGN]]'' theorized this requirement is due to ''Majora's Mask''{{'}}s possible origin as a [[Nintendo 64DD]] game, which would necessitate an extra 4MB of [[Random-access memory|RAM]].<ref name="IGN review" /> The use of the Expansion Pak allows for greater [[draw distance]]s, more accurate [[dynamic lighting]], more detailed [[texture mapping]] and [[Computer animation|animation]], complex [[framebuffer]] 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 [[Distance fog|fog effect]] 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" /> === Music === The music was written by longtime series composer [[Koji Kondo]] with contributions from [[Toru Minegishi]].<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=IGN}}</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 describes the music as having "an exotic [[Chinese opera]] sound".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 2005 |title=Inside Zelda Part 4: Natural Rhythms of Hyrule |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |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=Nintendo.co.jp |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name=soundtrack/> {{Clear}} == Reception == {{Video game reviews | 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=Metacritic}}</ref> | Edge = 9/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 2000 |title=Majora's Mask review |magazine=Edge Magazine |issue=92}}</ref> | EGM = 10/10<ref name="EGM">{{Cite magazine |last=MacDonald |first=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=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |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=Famitsu |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=IGN}}</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=Game Informer |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=GamePro}}</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=GamesRadar}}</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=GameRevolution}}</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=GameSpot |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=IGN}}</ref> | NGen = {{rating|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=Next Generation |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=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |page=112 |volume=137}}</ref> | rev1 = ''[[Tampa Bay Times|St. Petersburg Times]]'' | rev1Score = A+<ref name="TampaBay">{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=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=St. Petersburg Times}}</ref> | award1Pub = [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] | award1 = [[D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year|Console Action/Adventure]] ([[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|2001]]) | award2Pub = [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] | award2 = [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Game Design]] ([[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|2001]]) }} 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=Enterbrain |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 [[2000 in video games|game of 2000]] 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=GameSpot}}</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=[[:fr:01net (site web)|01net]] |language=fr}}</ref> Overall, 3.36 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 [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]], 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=IGN}}</ref> Critics from the ''[[Tampa Bay Times|St. Petersburg Times]]'', who previously called ''Ocarina of Time'' "the ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone With the Wind]]'' of video gaming", claimed ''Majora's Mask'' outdid its predecessor.<ref name="TampaBay" /> Reviewers did not take issue with the reuse of [[game engine]], control mechanics, and visual assets from ''Ocarina of Time'';<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GI review" /><ref name="NG" /><ref name="NP review" /> 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.<ref name="GRadar" /> Critics praised the game's signature three-day cycle, comparing it to the film ''[[Groundhog Day (film)|Groundhog Day]]''.<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GI review" /><ref name="GRadar" /> 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".<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 ''[[Famitsu]]'' reviewer suggested that the three-day cycle increased replay value.<ref name="Fam" /> On the other hand, [[Jeff Gerstmann]] of ''[[GameSpot]]'' felt that the cyclic structure put too much focus on minigames and sidequests.<ref name=GameSpotRev/> 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 (film)|Star Wars]]''.<ref name="IGN review" /> ''[[Edge (games magazine)|Edge]]'' 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=Edge |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 ''[[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".<ref name="GamePro review" /> 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".<ref name="GameRev" /> ''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 game]]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=GameSpot}}</ref> During the [[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], ''Majora's Mask'' was honored with the "Console [[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Action]]/[[D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year|Adventure]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Game Design]]" awards; it also received nominations for "Console Game of the Year" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year]]".<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=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences}}</ref> == Legacy == ''Majora's Mask'' makes consistent appearances on lists of the best games in the ''Zelda'' series,{{efn|Supported by multiple references.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=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=GamesRadar+}}</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=GameSpot}}</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=IGN}}</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=Destructoid}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Welsh |first=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=Polygon}}</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=Kotaku}}</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=Nintendo Life}}</ref>}} as well as the greatest games of all time.{{efn|Supported by multiple references.<ref>{{Cite web |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=live |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 |website=Game Informer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Game Informer Staff |date=December 2009 |title=The Top 200 Games of All Time |magazine=Game Informer |pages=44–79 |issue=200}}</ref><ref name="GI2018">{{Cite magazine |date=April 2018 |title=The Top 300 Games of All Time |magazine=Game Informer |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=Polygon}}</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=Slant Magazine}}</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=Slant Magazine}}</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=Slant Magazine |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=Electronic Gaming Monthly |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=Electronic Gaming Monthly |page=76 |issue=200}}</ref><ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite magazine |date=February 2006 |title=NP Top 200 |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |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=Official Nintendo Magazine UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=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=British GQ}}</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=IGN}}</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=IGN}}</ref><ref name="Edge2017">{{Cite magazine |last=Edge Staff |date=August 2017 |title=Edge Presents: The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time |magazine=Edge |issue=308}}</ref><ref name="1001Games">{{Cite book |title=[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]] |publisher=Universe Publishing |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=Hardcore Gaming 101}}</ref><ref name="GTM2018">{{Cite magazine |date=May 2018 |title=The 200 Greatest Games of All Time |magazine=GamesTM |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=IGN}}</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=IGN}}</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 ''[[Polygon (website)|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 are "[[remix]]ed" and 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=Polygon}}</ref> Tomas Franzese of ''[[Digital Trends]]'' saw ''Majora's Mask'' as the template for the way ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom|Tears of the Kingdom]]'' later retrofitted new mechanics onto the world of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.<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=Digital Trends}}</ref> Marty Sliva of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' placed it in conversation with ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]'' 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=The Escapist}}</ref> 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 "[[AAA (video game industry)|AAA]]" 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=The Escapist}}</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=The Escapist}}</ref> 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.<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=Destructoid}}</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=Kotaku}}</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=Waypoint}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' has been cited as a thematic and mechanical inspiration for games such as ''[[Kena: Bridge of Spirits]]'',<ref name="PS Blog Announce" /> ''[[Outer Wilds]]'',<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=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> and ''[[Elsinore (video game)|Elsinore]]'',<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=Waypoint}}</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=Kotaku UK}}</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=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> 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]]''.<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=Polygon}}</ref> ===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]]''.<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=IGN}}</ref> This disc came bundled with a GameCube console, as part of a subscription offer to ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' 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=IGN}}</ref> The Collector's Edition was also available through the [[Club Nintendo]] 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 ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]]'' 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" ["The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition"] 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=Dengeki Online |language=Japanese}}</ref> Similar to other GameCube rereleases, versions of the games featured in the ''Collector's Edition'' are [[Video game console emulator|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.<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> Aside from these deliberate changes, ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Ricardo Torres found that the [[frame rate]] "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=GameSpot}}</ref> The GameCube version also features a slightly higher native resolution than its Nintendo 64 counterpart, as well as [[progressive scan]].<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> ''Majora's Mask'' was released on the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] 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=Computer and Video Games}}</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=Joystiq}}</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=Nintendo.com |publisher=Nintendo of America}}</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=1UP}}</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=IGN}}</ref> The game was released for the [[Wii U]]'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=Nintendo.com}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' was released through the [[Nintendo Switch Online]] 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=The Verge}}</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=NME}}</ref> === Nintendo 3DS remake === {{Main|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'' [[Video game remake|remake]] 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=IGN}}</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=Destructoid}}</ref> The campaign name is a reference to a similar fan-based movement, [[Operation Rainfall]], set up to persuade [[Nintendo#Nintendo of America|Nintendo of America]] to [[Video game localization|localize]] a trio of [[role-playing game]]s for the [[Wii]].<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=Destructoid}}</ref> 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.<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=Siliconera}}</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=GamesRadar+ |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=IGN}}</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=IGN}}</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 [[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.<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=GameSpot}}</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=Nintendo.com}}</ref> 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.<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=Nintendo.com}}</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=live |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=Kotaku Australia |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 [[special edition]] 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=Destructoid}}</ref> with the European release featuring a pin badge, double-sided poster, and [[steelbook]] 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=Siliconera}}</ref> The UK retailer [[Game (retailer)|Game]] offered a ''Majora's Mask''-themed [[paperweight]] 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=Eurogamer}}</ref> ===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.<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=Kotaku}}</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=Kotaku}}</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=Waypoint}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="Kotaku Defined" /> Victor Luckerson of ''[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]'' attributed part of ''Majora's Mask''{{'}}s enduring [[cult following]] 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=The Ringer}}</ref> Sliva considered ''Ben Drowned'' an inextricable part of the game's wider legacy.<ref name="sliva" /> 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]]''.<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=Heavy}}</ref> Skull Kid appears as a computer-controlled Assist Trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]''<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=IGN}}</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=Destructoid}}</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=GameRevolution}}</ref> A Skull Kid-themed mask is available as customizable headgear to be worn by [[Mii]] 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=GamesRadar+}}</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=Dot Esports}}</ref> 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=VentureBeat}}</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=Bloomberg News}}</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=PlayStation Blog}}</ref> The studio would later develop ''Kena: Bridge of Spirits'' as a "natural next step".<ref name="PS Blog Announce" /> ==Notes== {{Notelist}} ==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== {{Wikiquote}} * {{Official website|https://www.zelda.com/majoras-mask/}} * {{mobygames|/legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask}} {{The Legend of Zelda}} {{Portal bar|Video games|Japan}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask, The}} [[Category:2000 video games]] [[Category:Apocalyptic video games]] [[Category:Cancelled 64DD games]] [[Category:Video games about impact events]] [[Category:Fiction set on moons]] [[Category:Nintendo 64 games]] [[Category:Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development games]] [[Category:GameCube games]] [[Category:Fiction about giants]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:The Legend of Zelda video games|Majora's Mask]] [[Category:Dark fantasy video games]] [[Category:Video games about shapeshifting]] [[Category:Video game sequels]] [[Category:Video games about time loops]] [[Category:Video games developed in Japan]] [[Category:Video games about parallel universes]] [[Category:Video games about curses]] [[Category:Video games produced by Shigeru Miyamoto]] [[Category:Video games scored by Koji Kondo]] [[Category:Video games scored by Toru Minegishi]] [[Category:Video games set on the Moon]] [[Category:Virtual Console games for Wii]] [[Category:Virtual Console games for Wii U]] [[Category:Video games about time travel]] [[Category:Video games with time manipulation]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch Online games]] [[Category:Portal fantasy]] [[Category:Video games directed by Eiji Aonuma]] [[Category:Video games directed by Yoshiaki Koizumi]]'