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How It Works • Games & Tech

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a 1998 action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a 1998 action-adventure game for the Nintendo 64 and the first 3D entry in the series. Players control Link as he travels through Hyrule and time to stop Ganondorf.

What it is

Ocarina of Time is the first 3D game in the Legend of Zelda series, released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64. It combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat with a time-travel mechanic that lets players experience Hyrule as both a child and an adult.

Gameplay and story

Players guide Link through an open world and dungeons, using items and the ocarina to solve puzzles and fight enemies. The story follows Link’s mission to gather sacred stones, open the Temple of Time, and defeat Ganondorf before he seizes the Triforce.

Legacy and availability

Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the most influential video games ever made, setting standards for 3D action-adventure design. It is available on Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online expansion pack and has been re-released on several Nintendo platforms.

In short

  • First 3D Legend of Zelda game
  • Introduced time travel as a core mechanic
  • Considered a landmark title in gaming history
  • Available on Nintendo Switch Online
Canadian angle

The game was released in Canada on Nintendo platforms through North American launches and remains relevant to Canadian players through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo’s Canadian market presence.[2]

Quick questions

What is Ocarina of Time about?
It is about Link’s quest to stop Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule, using exploration, puzzle-solving, combat, and time travel.
How do you play Ocarina of Time?
You play as Link, exploring Hyrule, entering dungeons, solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and using items and the ocarina to progress.
Is Ocarina of Time on Switch?
A version is available on Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online expansion service.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Ocarina_of_Time
    Supports: Original release year, platform, first 3D Zelda game, gameplay premise, release regions.
  2. Zelda Dungeon Wikihttps://www.zeldadungeon.net/wiki/Ocarina_of_Time_Story
    Supports: High-level story description involving Ganondorf and Link’s quest to save Hyrule.
  3. Zelda Wiki (Fandom)https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Ocarina_of_Time
    Supports: Series position, release dates, and story outline.