Fresh Takes: The Call of Majora’s Mask to Slow Down, Lean In, and Listen
Posted on February 25 2025 by Jared Eubanks
In our 2024 edition of Best Zelda Ever, twelve games sit head and shoulders above all the rest with a considerable gap in the scores from No. 13 and beyond on the list. In my personal rankings of those twelve top-tier games games, Majora’s Mask came in last.
In my only playthrough of the game on the Nintendo 3DS, I did not connect well with the story. In my opinion, it paled in comparison with its predecessor Ocarina of Time, and I longed for the familiar story elements that most of the other core console titles include, such as Princess Zelda, Ganon(dorf), the Triforce, the Master Sword, Hyrule Castle, etc. Although other top-tier games in the series, such as Link’s Awakening, lack those tried and true lore components as well, Majora’s Mask just fell short for me.
I found the gameplay mechanic of working within a three-day period anxiety inducing, and I didn’t like the feeling of being rushed or the frustration of losing many of the items which I had accrued (e.g., arrows, bombs, potions, etc.). The inclusion of only four proper dungeons – although of high-quality – made the game feel smaller than other console hits to me. It was a solid game, but I just couldn’t see why so many fans of the series adored it and preferred it over other games in the top tier of the Zelda saga.
One of my favorite Zelda content creators on YouTube is Liam Triforce. He has well-produced, thoughtful, and insightful retrospectives on many of the core titles in the Zelda series. After watching his video titled The Bittersweet Comfort of Majora’s Mask, I realized that I had missed so much of the game’s story along the way by rushing through it and by only completing the mandatory side quests. I had only asked, “What must I do?” in order to keep advancing, rather than asking, “What kind of story is this game telling?” in the interactions with the non-playable characters (NPCs) along the way.
If you haven’t watched his video, I whole-heartedly recommend spending some time ruminating on its dense message, especially if you yourself had trouble connecting with Majora’s Mask. The game is full of pain, loss, estrangement, grief, dread, and a host of other complicated emotions. It is tempting to find the stories of the NPCs in your path as needlessly burdensome or inconvenient. However, if you are willing to slow down, lean in, and listen, there is much beauty to be experienced despite the darkness.
Although Link cannot restore Kafei to his right age and full stature, Link can reunite him with his love, Anju, who accepts him just as he is in his new appearance. Despite the fact that Link cannot restore the lost innocence of childhood to Pamela, he can chase away the Gibdos, bring wholeness to her father through the Song of Healing, and end the collective nightmare that entrapped them inside their house. Mikau has passed on from this life, but Link can restore to Lulu her lost Zora eggs, tell of the bravery of her lover’s valiant efforts to rescue them, and at least provide some measure of closure on his death to her and the Indigo-Go’s band. The harm that Skull Kid caused while controlled by Majora’s Mask cannot be undone, but Link gives him an opportunity to experience forgiveness and begin anew with his four estranged Giant friends. These stories and many others can pull the player into the world of Termina and offer both an invitation to empathize with its anguish and an opportunity to provide a helping hand or listening ear.
After hearing Liam’s call for players to slow down, speak with every NPC, and take note of the details as they fill the Bombers’ Notebook, I decided to give it one more try. I also decided to experience its original Nintendo 64 version despite the downgrade in visuals and loss of quality-of-life features found on the 3DS. I’m not sure how much Majora’s Mask will climb up the rankings in my personal list, but I have found a new measure of respect for it. I have accepted that it will take multiple runs and have learned to become content with the limited accomplishments I can achieve in a three-day cycle. Though Link’s efforts can feel Sisyphean with the return of the ever-threatening Moon every time the “Song of Time” is played, I have come to terms with the knowledge that there is value in doing good and easing the pain of the people of Termina.
There is light in the midst of the darkness. There is joy despite the pain. Our time is finite and will eventually come to an end. Nonetheless, we can still do good and find connection with others — all while the existential dread of the Moon bears down on us.
Have you played Majora’s Mask more than once? How did the story sit with you the second time through? Did you connect better with the NPCs and sidequests after familiarizing yourself with the core gameplay? Let us know in the comments below.
Jared Eubanks is a staff writer at Zelda Dungeon, and he is also a husband, father, and engineer. He is originally from the Atlanta, GA area and still lives there. He graduated from Georgia Tech and is a proud Yellow Jacket. He loves to play boardgames, build Lego, and read books with his family. He’s been gaming since childhood with the original NES and GameBoy, and he enjoys retro gaming, collecting, and modding consoles and handhelds. His favorite Zelda game is Breath of the Wild but is also fond of the older classic titles.
