The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and New York Lizards: Difference between pages

Revision as of 23:09, 6 November 2006

Revision as of 17:20, 9 June 2007

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{{MLL Team Infobox

{{redirect5|Majora's Mask|the game's primary antagonist|Majora}}

|team_name=Long Island Lizards

{{Infobox CVG

|bg_color=black

| title = The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

|title_color=#00a86b

| image = [[Image:ZeldaMMbox.jpg|260px|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask game cover]]

|conference=Eastern

| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]

|logo=LongIslandLizards.JPG

| publisher = [[Nintendo]]

|founded=[[2001]]

| designer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<br>[[Eiji Aonuma]]

|home_stadium=[[Mitchel Athletic Complex]]

| engine =

|hometown=[[Uniondale, New York]]

| released = <small>^{'''[[Japan|JP]]'''}</small> [[April 27]] [[2000]]<br><small>^{'''[[North America|NA]]'''}</small> [[October 26]] [[2000]]<br><small>^{'''[[Europe|EU]]'''}</small> [[November 17]] [[2000]]

|team_colors=black, green

| genre = [[action-adventure game|Action-adventure]]

|head_coach=Jim Mule

| modes = [[Single player]]

|general_manager=[[Timothy Kelly]]

| ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: E (Everyone)<br>[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association|ELSPA]]: 11+<br>[[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]: G8+

|media=[[New York Newsday]]

| platforms = [[Nintendo 64]]<br>[[Nintendo GameCube]]

|champs=2001,2003

| media = 256 [[Megabit|Mbit]] (32 [[Megabyte|MB]]) N64 [[cartridge (electronics)|cartridge]]<br>[[Nintendo GameCube Game Disc]]

|conference_champs= American Division: 2001, 2002, 2003

| requirements = [[Expansion Pak]]

|division=American

| input = [[Gamepad]]

|division_champs=2001,2002,2003

|website=[http://www.longislandlizards.com www.longislandlizards.com]

}}

The '''Long Island Lizards''' are a professional [[Lacrosse]] team based in [[Uniondale, New York]]. Since the 2001 season, they have been members of [[Major League Lacrosse]]. They are currently in the Eastern Conference. Prior to 2006, they were in the American Division.

{{nihongo|'''''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'''''|ゼルダの伝説 ムジュラの仮面|Zeruda no Densetsu Mujura no Kamen}} is a [[video game]] for the [[Nintendo 64]] [[video game console|console]]. It was released in [[Japan]] on [[April 27]] [[2000]], in [[Canada]] and the [[United States]] on [[October 26]] [[2000]], and in [[Europe]] on [[November 17]] [[2000]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/151/151933p1.html | title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Review | publisher=IGN | date=[[2000-10-25]] | accessdate=2006-10-28}}</ref> The game sold approximately 314,000 copies during its first week of sales in Japan<ref name="firstweek">{{cite web | url=http://www.n-sider.com/gameview.php?gameid=51 | title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask | publisher=n-sider.com | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> and it went on to sell three million copies worldwide.<ref name="3mil">{{cite web | url=http://www.optigamer.com/news/?id=733 | title=Zelda sales charts and sequel announced | date=[[2004-03-28]] | publisher=OptiGamer | author=Tenchi | accessdate=2005-12-03 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050223002315/http://www.optigamer.com/news/?id=733 | archivedate=2005-02-23}}</ref>

==Franchise history==

''Majora's Mask'' is the sixth installment in ''[[The Legend of Zelda series|The Legend of Zelda]]'' series, which began with ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' in 1986. It was the second ''Legend of Zelda'' video game to feature [[3D computer graphics|3D]] graphics. ''Majora's Mask'' features a broader and darker storyline as well as deeper gameplay than its prequel, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. The protagonist of the series, [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]], is placed in the land of [[Termina]], rather than [[Hyrule]], where most of the series is set. A mysterious mask-wearing [[imp]] known as the [[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask characters#Skull Kid|Skull Kid]] has persuaded the [[moon]] to abandon its [[planetary orbit|orbit]] and crash into Termina. The player repeatedly lives three days through [[time travel]] in order to prevent this catastrophe. ''Majora's Mask'' is widely known as the darkest game in the ''Zelda'' series to date, largely due to its plot leading up to an impending apocalypse.

In their inaugural season in 2001, the Lizards split their home games between [[Hofstra Stadium]] and [[EAB Park]](now Citibank Park). For the 2002 season, they used Hofstra Stadium as their home field. As of 2003, the Lizards have played all home contests at [[Mitchel Athletic Complex]], in Uniondale, New York. The Lizards have won American Division championships in 2001, 2002, and 2003, and Major League Lacrosse titles in 2001 and 2003. The team made the playoffs in 2005 as a wildcard despite a losing record.

The gameplay is centered around a repeatedly-played three-day cycle and the use of [[mask]]s, some of which are required to proceed and complete the game. A variety of songs control the flow of time and open passages to the four Temples that Link must complete. Unlike ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'' requires the use of the [[Expansion Pak]], which allows for a larger number of on-screen characters and improved [[computer graphics|graphics]]. ''Majora's Mask'' was generally received well by critics, who cited the graphic improvements as well as a deeper storyline.

==Gameplay==

[[Image:The Majora's Mask Moon.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Link has three days to prevent the moon from abandoning its orbit and crashing into Termina.]]

The gameplay of ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' is based on the 3D computer graphics engine used in its predecessor. Link retains a variety of basic actions, including walking, running, somersaulting, and limited jumping. ''Majora's Mask'' is the second game in the official ''Zelda'' series to take place outside of the land of [[Hyrule]], placing the protagonist Link in a land named [[Termina]]. The Skull Kid has been causing several issues and is attempting to persuade the moon to abandon its orbit and crash into Termina. The player repeatedly returns to the point of his first appearance three days before the crash of the moon using a song called the Song of Time on the Ocarina of Time; he relives these three days collecting the knowledge and abilities required to prevent the catastrophe.

==Season-by-season==

As in previous installments of the series, Link uses a variety of weapons to battle enemies and to solve puzzles. The [[sword]] is his standard weapon and is the most frequently used weapon in the game. Link has several different sword techniques and several more can be learned throughout the course of play. The [[shield]] is used for defending. The [[Weapons and items from The Legend of Zelda series#Bow & Arrow|bow and arrows]] are typically used to attack a distant enemy or to activate a switch, although they can also assist in close-range combat. Link can stun enemies with deku nuts, then inflict damage with another weapon. Bombs can be used to damage enemies and clear other obstacles, while the hookshot is capable of latching onto an enemy and pulling it towards Link or vice versa.

<center>

{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="2" style="border-collapse: collapse;"

|- bgcolor="#efefef"

|-

| colspan="5" align="center" | '''Long Island Lizards'''

|-

! Year !! W !! L !! Regular season finish!! Playoff results

|-

|[[2001 MLL season|2001]] || 10 || 4 || 1st in American Division ||Won semifinal 13-12 over [[Rochester Rattlers|Rattlers]]<BR> Won championship 15-11 over [[Baltimore Bayhawks|Bayhawks]]

|-

|[[2002 MLL season|2002]] || 9|| 5 || 1st in American Division ||Won semifinal 19-11 over [[New Jersey Pride|Pride]] <BR> Lost championship 21-12 to Bayhawks

|-

|[[2003 MLL season|2003]]* || 8 || 3 || 1st in American Division || Won semifinal 20-14 over [[Boston Cannons|Cannons]]<BR> Won championship 15-14 (OT) over Bayhawks

|-

|[[2004 MLL season|2004]] || 6 || 6 || 3rd in American Division || -

|-

|[[2005 MLL season|2005]] || 4 || 8 || 2nd in American Division ||Won semifinal 19-14 over Cannons<BR> Lost championship 15-9 to Bayhawks

|-

|[[2006 MLL season|2006]] ||5 ||7 ||4th Eastern Conference ||-

|-

|[[2007 MLL season|2007]] ||2 ||0 ||Eastern Conference ||

|}

</center>

*one game canceled in 2003

== Current Roster ==

The gameplay in ''Majora's Mask'' expands upon that of ''Ocarina of Time''; while retaining puzzles based on the use of bombs, arrows, and music, ''Majora's Mask'' also includes masks, character transformations, and the limit of a three-day cycle to add further difficulty and variety to many quests in the game.

<div style="clear: both"></div>

{| align=left border=4 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4

===Masks and transformations===

!align="center" colspan="7" bgcolor=black style="color:#00a86b"|'''2007 Long Island Lizards'''

{{main|The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask masks, weapons and items}}

|-

[[Mask]]s first appeared as a sidequest in ''Ocarina of Time'', but they play a much more important role in ''Majora's Mask''. Whereas ''Ocarina of Time'' has a few masks of which only one can be carried at a time, ''Majora's Mask'' has a complete inventory of twenty-four masks, many of which are necessary to progress through the game. Some masks are invaluable, others are helpful, and a few are used only once.

|-

!align="center" colspan="1"|Number

!align="center" colspan="1"|Player's Name

!align="center" colspan="1"|Position

!align="center" colspan="1"|Height

!align="center" colspan="1"|Weight

|-

[[Image:Majora's Mask image.png|220px|thumb|left|Link in his Goron form, fighting with a [[The Legend of Zelda series enemies#Dodongo|Dodongo]] in the northern Termina Field.]]

Unlike previous ''Zelda'' titles, Link is not limited to his human form; three special masks allow Link to transform into different species: the Deku mask transforms Link into a [[Races of The Legend of Zelda series#Deku|Deku Scrub]], the Goron mask into a [[Races of The Legend of Zelda series#Gorons|Goron]], and the Zora mask into a [[Races of The Legend of Zelda series#Zoras|Zora]]. Each transformation grants unique abilities: the Deku Scrub can perform a spin dash, shoot bubbles from its mouth, and skip on water a limited number of times. The Goron transformation can roll around at high speeds and stomp the ground with his massive body. The Zora transformation can use its sleek body to swim rapidly, throw [[boomerang]]-like fins from his arms and generate a [[Force field (science fiction)|force field]]. Many areas of the game can only be accessed by Link's use of these abilities.

|1|| Dan Cocchi ||Midfield ||5' 11"|| 185 lbs

Link and his three transformations receive different reactions from various non-player characters. For instance, the Goron and Zora are allowed to exit Clock Town, but the Deku Scrub looks like a child and the guards do not permit him to pass. Many animals also interact differently with all four forms of Link. For example, Link's normal form receives an indifferent response from dogs, which will go about their business as they would in ''Ocarina of Time''. The Deku Scrub transformation, however, will be attacked if he goes near a dog, the Goron transformation will frighten the dog away, and the Zora transformation elicits an attraction from the dog.

|-

|3|| Joseph Canuso ||Goal ||6' 0" || 200 lbs

|-

|5|| Nick Russo ||Midfield ||6' 0" ||180 lbs

|-

|6|| Chris Massey ||Attack ||5' 11"||182 lbs

|-

|7|| [[Keith Cromwell]] ||Attack ||6' 1" ||180 lbs

|-

|8|| Peter Vlahakis ||Midfield/Faceoff||5' 10"|| 190 lbs

|-

|9|| Tim Goettelmann ||Attack ||6' 4" ||215 lbs

|-

|10|| [[Jay Jalbert]] ||Midfield ||6' 2" ||210 lbs

|-

|11|| [[John Gagliardi]] ||Defense ||6' 0" ||200 lbs

|-

|12|| [[Parks 'Glenn' Adams III]] ||Attack ||5' 10"||170 lbs

|-

|13|| Stephen Berger ||Midfield ||6' 0" ||190 lbs

|-

|15|| Frank D'Agostino||Defense ||6' 2" ||210 lbs

|-

|17|| Reynolds Garnett||Defense ||6' 4" ||215 lbs

|-

|18|| Nick Murtha ||Goal ||6' 0" ||180 lbs

|-

|19|| Ryan Moran ||Midfield ||5' 11"||175 lbs

|-

|21|| Tim Byrnes ||Midfield ||6' 3" ||205 lbs

|-

|22|| Patrick Walsh Jr||Attack ||5' 8" ||180 lbs

|-

|23|| Adam Borcz ||Midfield ||6' 1" ||185 lbs

|-

|26|| [[Blake Miller (lacrosse)|Blake Miller]] ||Midfield ||6' 1" ||195 lbs

|-

|27|| Austin Garrison ||Midfield ||6' 2" ||190 lbs

|-

|37|| Stephen Byrnes ||Defense ||6' 1" ||192 lbs

|-

|41|| [[Nicky Polanco]] ||Defense ||6' 4" ||235 lbs

|-

|42|| Mike Howley ||Defense ||6' 1" ||205 lbs

|-

|56|| John Orsen ||Defense ||6' 3" ||203 lbs

|-

|0|| Brian Boyle ||Attack ||0' 0" ||0 lbs

|-

|0|| Rob Bonaguro ||Midfield ||5' 10"||195 lbs

|-

|0|| Jamie Ireland ||Midfield ||0' 0" ||0 lbs

|-

|0|| Joe Mascaretti ||Midfield/Faceoff||5' 11"||195 lbs

|-

|}

<br style="clear:both;">

</center>

*updated 05/21/2007

==='''Not to be forgotten'''===

[[Image:MajorasMaskMiakuPractice.jpg|239px|right|thumb|Link in his Zora form, playing a fish skeleton guitar.]]

*[[Casey Powell]]

A special mask called the Fierce Deity's Mask can be obtained at the end of the game if all of the other masks have been located. The Fierce Deity's Mask transforms Link into a larger, more powerful version of himself, with characteristic face markings, malicious-looking white eyes, a silver tunic, and mystical torso armor. He also uses a large two-handed sword which is capable of shooting bursts of energy when targeting an enemy. To counter its power, the mask may only be used during boss battles. The Fierce Deity features the same voice as Adult Link from ''Ocarina of Time''.

== Retired numbers ==

Aside from the transformation masks, many masks provide some sort of situational benefit. For example, the Great Fairy's Mask helps retrieve the [[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask characters#Stray fairies|stray fairies]] scattered throughout the four temples; the Bunny Hood allows Link to run faster; and the Stone Mask turns Link invisible to most [[non-player character]]s and enemies. Less valuable masks, however, are usually involved only in optional sidequests or very specialized situations. Examples are the Postman's Hat, which allows Link access to an item hidden in a [[mailbox]], and Kafei's Mask, which initiates a long and complicated sidequest that offers several masks as prizes.

#29 [[Pat McCabe]]

== Coaches and others ==

===Three-day cycle===

*'''John DeTommaso''' - 2001-03

Since its debut, the ''Legend of Zelda'' series has always placed a heavy emphasis on free, open-ended exploration. Shigeru Miyamoto's ''The Legend of Zelda'' (1986) is a vastly different game from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' (1985): the timed, linear levels of the latter are replaced with an expansive world that the player may explore at will, provided he has the tools to reach his destination. Link may revisit areas he has been to and proceeds with the game only when he is ready. The game has no numerical [[score (gaming)|score]], just the satisfaction of finding hidden treasures and collecting every item. This concept is retained in ''Majora's Mask'', but for the first time in the series (excluding the ''Legend of Zelda'' titles released on Nintendo's [[Satellaview]]), a time limit of sorts is imposed. Link is not free to wander around a Temple forever; by the end of the third day he must travel back in time, restarting from Clock Town. Players must plan what to accomplish in one cycle; attempting to complete too much could result in running out of time half-way through a task. That in turn could result in being forced to abandon it and start over in another cycle.

*'''Vinnie Sombrotto''' - 2004

*'''Jim Mule''' - 2005-present

*'''Matt Schommburg''' 2005-present

*'''David Kotowski ''' ''President''

*'''[[Timothy Kelly]]''' ''General Manager''

*'''Maureen Cacioppo''' ''Director of Sales and Community Relations''

*'''R. Casey Hilpert''' ''Director Of Marketing''

*Owned by The Bishop family

Link can easily keep track of time by a persistent timer at the bottom of the screen. One hour in the game is approximately one real-time minute. Before the end of the seventy-two game hours, Link must return to the beginning of the first day to repeat the cycle. By doing so, Link is stripped of minor items collected during that cycle, but major items such as masks, key event items and weapons remain.

== External links ==

Link is not the only character who plans his time. Non-player characters have schedules they follow during the cycle and most of them are in need of help in some way. Using a schedule book of sorts given to him in Clock Town, Link can keep track of the schedules of multiple persons and identify the crucial points at which he may intervene to assist. By timing his actions to arrive at the correct moment and resolve problems ranging from providing a [[soldier]] with [[medicine]] to reuniting an engaged couple, Link can earn masks and other beneficial items to aid him.

{{Major League Lacrosse}}

{{NewYorksports}}

[[Category:Major League Lacrosse teams]]

===Songs===

[[Category:Sports in Long Island]]

The Ocarina of Time, a mystical instrument given to Link, plays an important role in ''Majora's Mask''. Link learns to play magical songs from those he meets in order to gain special abilities, ranging from controlling the weather to such powers as teleportation and time travel. Each transformation mask uses a different instrument: Deku Link plays the Deku [[Bagpipes|pipes]], Goron Link plays a set of [[bongo drum]]s, and Zora Link plays the [[guitar]].

[[Category:Sports clubs established in 2001]]

[[Category:New York lacrosse teams]]

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

==Plot==

===Setting===

{{main|Termina}}

{{see|Characters from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}

[[Image:Termina.jpg|thumb|355px|A map of Termina. Areas are revealed as the player buys maps from [[Tingle]].]]

Termina appears to be an alternate version of Hyrule: the majority of the ''Ocarina'' characters were reused in ''Majora's Mask'' with slight differences. For example, the younger and older versions of [[Characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Malon|Malon]] from ''Ocarina of Time'' appear as sisters named [[Characters from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask#Romani|Romani]] and [[Characters from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask#Cremia|Cremia]] living on a [[farm]] on Milk Road. Also, the unnamed red-head whose [[Cucco]] could be retrieved for a reward in ''Ocarina of Time'', is a resident of Clock Town named [[Anju]], and is a key element to a very intricate [[quest (gaming)|sidequest]]. Several other characters were also reused in ''Majora's Mask'', some of which include the ''Ocarina'' [[vagrancy (people)|vagrant]], who administrates the Clock Town [[bank]], The gravekeeper Dampé, who runs the Graveyard in both games, and the ''Ocarina'' [[carpenter]]s, whose occupations remain the same.

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

To the south of Clock Town is the Southern Swamp. The resident Deku population has set up a hereditary monarchy within the confines of the jungle-like area. The most prominent feature of this area is the Woodfall Temple, an ancient shrine that has fallen into disuse and now plays home to various monsters that have been poisoning the local swamp. North of Clock Town is the Snowhead mountain range where the Gorons live. Though normally temperate, the area has been experiencing an unusually long winter caused by a monster in Snowhead Temple. The western area of Termina is the Great Bay. The Zoras live here along with a society of Gerudo pirates. Unfortunately, a monster in the Great Bay Temple is causing a large number of storms and contaminating the water. The Ikana Canyon lies to the east. It is a desolate and barely inhabited area filled with the wandering spirits of the dead. A monster from the Stone Tower Temple is casting an evil aura over the land.

===Story===

[[Image:Skull Kid.jpg|265px|thumb|right|The Skull Kid wearing Majora's Mask.]]

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

[[Image:Termina Field.jpg|255px|thumb|left|Link travels across the land of Termina at sunrise.]]

Link chases the Skull Kid through the cave and somehow ends up in an alternate dimension called Termina. Inside some sort of clock tower, Link meets the [[The Legend of Zelda series characters#Happy Mask Salesman|Happy Mask Salesman]], who says that he can help Link if he retrieves the Ocarina of Time and [[Majora|Majora's Mask]] from the Skull Kid. As they leave the clock tower, Link and Tatl find themselves in the middle of a city named Clock Town, which is preparing for its annual festival, the Carnival of Time. Link learns that a looming catastrophe is threatening Termina: the moon in the sky has abandoned its orbit and is travelling towards the land. In just three short days, it will crash into Clock Town and destroy Termina. Link eventually locates the Skull Kid and Tael at midnight on the third day at the top of the clock tower. He manages to retrieve his Ocarina of Time from the Skull Kid but is unable to get the mask. Instead, he plays the Song of Time and its power sends him back in time to the beginning of the first day he arrived in Termina.

Once Link discovers how to transform himself back into a young boy, the real adventure begins. Link has to fight, solve puzzles, and think his way through the four major lands of Termina: a poisonous [[swamp]], an icy [[mountain]], a murky [[Headlands and bays|bay]], and a deserted [[canyon]]. Each region contains its own [[dungeon (games)|dungeon]] that Link must go through. Once he successfully defeats the masked [[video game boss|boss]] at the end of a dungeon, Link obtains the friendship of one of the four giants. When the dungeons are completed and a sequence of events are triggered, Link is able to call the giants, who halt the moon's passage towards Termina. Link must then enter the moon and face Majora's Mask itself to determine the fate of Termina.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/majora/walk.jsp | title=Walkthrough of ''Majora's Mask'' | date=2000 | publisher=Zelda Universe | accessdate=2005-12-15}}</ref>

==Development==

[[Image:Tatl and Tael.jpg|240px|thumb|right|Scenes featuring the fairies Tatl and Tael were some of the first introduced into the video game's production.]]

Following the release of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]'' in [[1993 in video gaming|1993]], fans waited five years for ''Ocarina of Time'', the active development of which took four years. By re-using the [[game engine]] and graphics from ''Ocarina of Time'', a smaller team required only two years to finish ''Majora's Mask''. According to director [[Eiji 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", and as a solution, came up with the three-day system to "make the game data more compact while still providing deep gameplay."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/501/501970p1.html | title=GDC 2004: The History of Zelda | last=Aonuma | first=Eiji | date=[[2004-03-25]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref>

''Majora's Mask'' first started to appear in the media in May 1999, when ''[[Famitsu]]'' stated that a long-planned ''Zelda'' expansion for the [[Nintendo 64DD|64DD]] was underway in Japan with no release date set. This project was tentatively titled "''Ura Zelda''", "Ura" translating approximately to "Hidden" or "Behind". This expansion would take ''Ocarina of Time'' and make changes to the level designs, similar to how the "[[The Legend of Zelda#Second Quest|second quest]]" of ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' expanded upon the original game.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/068/068023p1.html | title=Nintendo Sequel Rumblings | publisher=IGN | date=[[1999-05-11]] | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> In June, Nintendo announced that "''Zelda: Gaiden''", which roughly translates to "Zelda: Side Story", would appear as a playable demo at Nintendo's [[SpaceWorld]] exhibition on [[August 27]] [[1999]].<ref name="IGN Zelda Sequel">{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/068/068473p1.html | title=Zelda Sequel Invades Spaceworld | date=[[1999-06-16]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> It was assumed by the media that ''Zelda: Gaiden'' was the new working title for ''Ura Zelda''.<ref name="IGN Zelda Sequel"/>

Screenshots of ''Zelda: Gaiden'' released in August show unmistakable elements of the final version of ''Majora's Mask'', such as the large clock that dominates the center of Clock Town, the persistent timer at the bottom of the screen, and the Goron mask.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069324p1.html | title=First Screenshots of Zelda Gaiden! | date=[[1999-08-04]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> Story and gameplay details revealed later that month show that the opening story of Link's travel to a parallel world where the moon is threatening to crash as well as the use of masks to transform into a Goron, a Zora, and a Deku Scrub are already in place.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069708p1.html | title=First Zelda Gaiden Details Exposed | date=[[1999-08-19]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref>

That same month, Miyamoto confirmed in a ''Famitsu'' article that ''Ura Zelda'' and ''Zelda: Gaiden'' are separate projects.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/069/069749p1.html | title=Gaiden and Ura Zelda Split | date=[[1999-08-20]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> It is unclear if ''Zelda: Gaiden'' is an offshoot of ''Ura Zelda'' or if the two were always separate. ''Ura Zelda'' would become the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest|Master Quest]]'' outside Japan, eventually released on a bonus disc for the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] given to those that preordered ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]''; a [[PAL region|PAL]]/[[NTSC]] Nintendo 64 release was cancelled due to the failure of the [[Nintendo 64DD|64DD]] in Japan.

In November, Nintendo announced a "holiday 2000" release date for ''Zelda: Gaiden''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/071/071852p1.html | title=Gaiden for Holiday 2000 | date=[[1999-11-04]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref> By March 2000, new tentative titles were announced that would become the finalized titles: ''The Legend of Zelda: Mask of Mujula'' in Japan and ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/076/076163p1.html | title=Zelda Gets a New Name, Screenshots | date=[[2000-03-06]] | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-03-16}}</ref>

===Improvements from ''Ocarina of Time''===

''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' runs on an upgraded version of the game engine used in ''Ocarina of Time'' and requires the use of the 4MB [[Expansion Pak]].<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/151/151933p1.html | title=Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask | last=Mirabella III | first=Fran | authorlink=Fran Mirabella III | publisher=IGN | date=[[2000-10-25]] | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> The requirement is thought to be due to ''Majora's Mask'''s possible origin as a 64DD title, which would necessitate an extra 4MB of [[Random access memory|RAM]].<ref name="IGN review" /> The use of the Expansion Pak allows for greater draw distances, more accurate [[lighting|dynamic lighting]], more detailed [[bitmap|textures]], more detailed [[animation]], complex framebuffer effects such as motion blur, and more characters displayed on the screen.<ref name="IGN review" /> The expanded draw distance permits the player to see extremely far in Termina, and eliminates the use of fog to obscure distant areas that had appeared in ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref name="IGN review" /> [[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" /> Finally, all building interiors are rendered in real-time, unlike the [[fixed 3D]] featured in ''Ocarina of Time''.

The music was composed by [[Koji Kondo]] and Toru Minegishi,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/081/081667p1.html | title=Zelda Soundtrack Released | publisher=IGN | date=[[2000-06-30]] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> whose score featured new interpretations of familiar melodies from ''Ocarina of Time'' and other previous titles in the ''Zelda'' series along with new material. The main overworld theme from the original ''Legend of Zelda'' returned, after being conspicuously absent from ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/078/078770p1.html | title=Music to Your Ears | publisher=IGN | date=[[2000-05-01]] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> [[Fujiko Takimoto]], who contributed to the voice of Link in ''Ocarina of Time'', returned for ''Majora's Mask''. [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]], who voiced adult Link, contributed to the voice of Fierce Deity Link and Zora Link.

==Reception==

The game sold approximately 314,000 copies in its first week of sales in Japan,<ref name="firstweek" /> and has sold three million copies worldwide.<ref name="3mil" />

Despite superficial similarities to ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'' is often described as different from and much darker than the rest of the series. ''[[Edge (games magazine)|Edge]]'' magazine referred to ''Majora's Mask'' as "the oddest, darkest and saddest of all ''Zelda'' games".<ref>"Time Extend - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask". ("In the first of our second sittings with important titles of recent years, we look at the oddest, darkest and saddest of all Zelda games.") ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' issue 143 (December 2004), p. 121.</ref> Reviews were generally favorable, although opinions are mixed regarding whether the game is as good as its predecessor. Some feel that ''Majora's Mask'' is significantly better than ''Ocarina of Time'' in certain areas. According to ''[[Famitsu]]'', "The difficulty level of the game is drastically improved [from ''Ocarina of Time''], the limited saves, and the time limit to finish the game all help to make the game more enjoyable to play".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.famitsu.com/ | title=Majora's Mask | publisher=''Famitsu'' | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> [[IGN]] described ''Majora's Mask'' as "''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back|The Empire Strikes Back]]'' of Nintendo 64. It's the same franchise, but it's more intelligent, darker, and tells a much better storyline".<ref name="IGN review"> ''[[GamePro]]'' characterized the story as "surreal and spooky, deep, and intriguing".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/7186.shtml | title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask review | publisher=GamePro | date=[[2000-10-30]] | accessdate=2005-12-16}}</ref> ''Majora's Mask'' was one of the last major titles for the Nintendo 64, and may have suffered in terms of popular interest due to the familiarity of the technology. Nevertheless, ''GamePro'' described the game as "living proof that the N64 still has its magic". It has been ranked the 7th-greatest game of all time by ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'';<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp | title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time | publisher=''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20030620053308/http://www.gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp | archivedate=2003-06-20}}</ref>.

One common criticism is that ''Majora's Mask'' is not as accessible as ''Ocarina of Time''. [[GameSpot]] wrote that some might "find the focus on minigames and side quests tedious and slightly out of place".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/n64/adventure/legendofzeldamajorasmask/review.html | title=''Majora's Mask'' is a great game, but it isn't for everybody | date=[[2000-10-25]] | publisher=''[[GameSpot]]'' | accessdate=2005-12-03}}</ref> [[Game-Revolution]] wrote that it "takes a little longer to get into this ''Zelda''", but also that "there are moments when the game really hits you with all its intricacies and mysteries, and that makes it all worthwhile".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gr.bolt.com/oldsite/games/n64/rpg/legend_of_zelda_majoras_mask.htm | title=Majora's Mask review | last=Liu | first=Johnny | publisher=gamerevolution.com | date=November 2000 | accessdate=2004-12-08}}</ref>

===GameCube re-release===

In 2003 Nintendo re-released ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' on the [[Nintendo GameCube]] as part of the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'', a special promotional disc which also contained ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' as well as the original two 8-bit [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] ''[[The Legend of Zelda series|Zelda]]'' games, ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', and ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]''.<ref name="IGN LOZCE">{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/440/440850p1.html | title=Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition | publisher=IGN | date=[[2003-11-17]] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> This disc could be purchased with a GameCube console, as part of a subscription offer to ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' magazine, or through Nintendo's official website by purchasing and registering a certain number of first-party Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/457/457897p1.html | title=Zelda Bundle at $99 | publisher=IGN | date=[[2003-11-04]] | accessdate=2006-10-01}}</ref> The offer expired in early 2004.

Similar to some other GameCube re-releases, the game is not a [[porting|port]] in the traditional sense, but rather the [[ROM image|ROM]] of the original game running on a software [[emulator]].<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> The only differences are the colors of the action buttons due to the GameCube's green A button and red B button and the pause screen's use and depiction of the L button as the left page scroller, as opposed to Z. Aside from these, because it is only emulated (rather than altered for the new console), there are some timing discrepancies between the two consoles; some of the music sounds inaccurate on the GameCube and the framerate is noticably lower.<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> Another issue that has been raised is that the game unexpectedly crashes on the GameCube occasionally; this is once again caused by the inaccuracies of the emulator. Furthermore, the GameCube's controls are different than the [[Nintendo 64]]'s. This results in occasional difficulties in performing maneuvers such as back-walking. Despite these problems, the GameCube version has a cleaner look since it runs at a higher resolution than its Nintendo 64 counterpart.<ref name="IGN LOZCE" /> In addition, the GameCube version supports component video connections and [[progressive scan]] ([[480p]]).<ref name="IGN LOZCE" />

==Notes and references==

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==External links==

*[http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/majora/ ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'' official site]

*{{Nintendo.com|id=m-Game-0000-146|title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}

*{{GameFAQs|type=/console/n64|num=197770|name=''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask''}}

*{{imdb title|id=0264790|title=The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask}}

*[http://speeddemosarchive.com/MajorasMask.html Speed run videos] at [[Speed Demos Archive]]

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