This is perhaps the greatest bonus offer to ever accompany a game. Sure, developers, publishers, retail outlets, magazines, and online game sites have given away free key chains, stickers, strategy guides, posters, T-shirts, cards of various uses, subscriptions to gaming magazines, special memory cards, original game soundtracks, and many other items. However, no company has ever given away not one, but two free games, one being the 1998 Game of the Year, and another being a highly-anticipated update only released in Japan.



But that’s exactly what Nintendo is doing. Upon pre-ordering a copy of the upcoming GameCube title, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, gamers across the country (as well as in Europe) will receive a free bonus disc containing the original Nintendo 64 classic, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, as well as a remixed version of Ocarina of Time only released in Japan on the ill-fate 64DD entitled the Legend of Zelda: Master Quest. Along with the two games, Nintendo has packaged in some videos highlighting some of its big 2002 and 2003 GameCube and Game Boy Advance titles, such as 1080º: Avalanche, F-Zero, Wario World, and Metroid Prime. The package also contains full-length manuals for Ocarina of Time and Master Quest, as well as a teaser manual for the Wind Waker featuring characters and items from the upcoming game.

Aesthetics:  
Back in the day when 64 was the big number for Nintendo, these graphics were stellar; the best anyone had ever seen at the time. Unfortunately, the game has remained on that level while technology has advanced, and compared to many of today’s modern games, Zelda certainly shows its age. Blurry textures, blocky levels and characters, and a low framerate hinder the enjoyment of the game to a minor degree, especially if you’re used to playing modern games with superior graphics and framerate.

However, there are some GameCube games that actually look worse. In fact, the graphics don’t hinder the game at all except in the beginning whenever you try to reaccustom yourself with N64-quality visuals, and that’s only to a small degree.

Sound:  
Again, all of the sounds are taken straight from the Nintendo 64 version. Music and effects sound weak when compared to today’s standard GameCube fare. But the epic and classic tunes are still some of the best in gaming, and though they are bottlenecked by the Nintendo 64 software used to emulate the game, the music still manages to capture the mood brilliantly. As usual, many of the songs and sounds found in this game are reminiscent of past Zelda titles, while other songs are original renditions by composer Koji Kondo.

One of the more innovative ideas used with music and sound is the infamous Ocarina. Once you acquire the ocarina, you can play the sacred and mystic melodies handed down by various people in the game, or you can create your own ocarina rhapsodies whenever you feel bored. It’s a great concept, and is really a neat little idea to throw in. Of course, if you’re a veteran to Ocarina of Time or Majora’s Mask, then it’s familiar ground.

Control:
Those used to the Nintendo 64 versions of Zelda (Ocarina of Time or Majora’s Mask) should have very little trouble grasping the controls. You move Link with the analog stick, perform actions and slash with your sword with the A and B action buttons, respectively. The Z-targeting system is now the L-targeting system, R is the defensive posture.

Hwoever, some minor quirks are present due to the transposition of the N64 control system to the GameCube controller. For instance, the C-buttons have been mapped to the X, Y, and Z buttons, but because the buttons are not laced as it is listed in the game, it takes a while to know which C-button corresponds to which GameCube button. The GameCube’s C-stick has also been mapped to the N64’s C-buttons, but because of the C-stick’s 360 degree motion, it’s easy to switch to the wrong item, as well as making it difficult to change items during particularly action-intense areas. This controller scheme also makes it more difficult to freestyle on the ocarina, but that’s a minor quibble at best.

Multiplayer:
None to be found.

OVERALL:
I find it amazing how a free bonus game can actually be better than some modern titles that publishers are charging $49.99 for. It may be old, and it may be outdated, but since it’s free, it’s one of the greatest values for the system. And besides, it was Game of the Year in 1998 for a reason. Those eagerly anticipating The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker can pass the time with two classic Zelda games. This collection should be part of any GameCube owner’s library.

 

The Lowdown on  The Legend of Zelda: Bonus Disc Aesthetics: Below Average Control: Above Average Gameplay: Very Good Multiplayer: Average Sound: Above Average Innovation: 3/6 Lasting Appeal: 4/6 Rating Explanation Overall: Very Good! "A Must-Buy"