The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Gameplay examples The player navigates the vast Hyrule Field, the central hub of the world. The on-screen display shows actions mapped to context-sensitive buttons. When the player uses Z-targeting, the view shifts to a letterbox format and arrows indicate the targeted enemy. The player can then circle strafe around the enemy to keep their sight on them.

In this particular screenshot, adult Link is fighting a Wolfos "miniboss" at the entrance to the Forest Temple. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a fantasy action-adventure game set in a three-dimensional world with an expansive environment. The game world is mostly rendered in real-time polygonal 3D , while a few areas make use of pre-rendered backgrounds. The player controls series protagonist Link from a third-person perspective.

Link primarily fights with a sword and shield but can also use other weapons such as projectiles, bombs, and magic spells. : 22–25 The control scheme introduced techniques such as context-sensitive actions and a targeting system called "Z-targeting", {{cite book | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | year=2003 | title=The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition instruction booklet | location=USA | pages=16–17}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | year=2003 | title=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time/Master Quest instruction booklet | location=USA | pages=14–15}}</ref>"}},"i":0}}]}'> which allows the player to have Link focus on enemies or objects. : 11–12 When using this technique, the camera follows the target and Link constantly faces it. Projectile attacks are automatically directed at the target and do not require manual aiming.

Context-sensitive actions allow multiple tasks to be assigned to one button, simplifying the control scheme. The on-screen display shows what will happen when the button is pushed and changes depending on what the character is doing. For example, the button that causes Link to push a box if he is standing next to it will have him climb on the box if the analog stick is pushed toward it. Much of the game is spent exploring and fighting, but some parts require stealth .

Link gains abilities by collecting items and weapons found in dungeons or in the overworld, including several optional side quests and minor objectives. Side quests can reward new weapons or abilities. In one side quest, Link trades items with non-player characters in a trading sequence that features ten items and ends with him receiving the two-handed Biggoron Sword, the strongest sword. In another side quest, Link can acquire a horse who allows him to travel faster but restricts him to only attacking with arrows while riding.

: 38 Link is given an ocarina near the beginning of the game, which is later replaced by the Ocarina of Time. Link learns twelve melodies that allow him to solve music-based puzzles and teleport to previously visited locations. : 30 The Ocarina of Time is also used to claim the Master Sword in the Temple of Time, which causes Link to be transported seven years into the future and become an adult. Young Link and adult Link have different abilities.

For example, only adult Link can use the Fairy Bow, and only young Link can fit through certain small passages. After completing certain tasks, Link can travel freely between the two time periods by replacing and taking the sword.