Ocarina of Time Retrospective: How 2D Zelda Shaped a Giant

A Zelda Ocarina of Time retrospective—how did 2D games shape this 3D giant? We explore its development history, from Zelda II’s combat to Link’s Awakening’s dungeons, and Mario 64’s influence. Discover how Z-Targeting was born, why Hyrule Field matters, and if Ocarina of Time still holds up in 2025. A deep dive into dungeon design, Miyamoto’s tea-table flips, and its action-adventure legacy.

Subscribe for more Zelda retrospectives!



Ocarina of Time didn’t just redefine The Legend of Zelda series—it revolutionized 3D game design. In this video essay, we dive deep into how Ocarina of Time built on the legacy of its 2D predecessors like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, A Link to the Past, and Link’s Awakening, while borrowing lessons from Super Mario 64. From pioneering Z-targeting to perfecting dungeon design, Ocarina of Time wasn’t made in a vacuum—it stood on the shoulders of giants to become one itself.

Join me as we explore the game’s groundbreaking development process, the challenges of transitioning Zelda into 3D, and how it laid the groundwork for modern action-adventure games. Whether you're a nostalgic N64 fan or a curious gamer looking to understand why Ocarina of Time is still revered today, this video will show you why it’s more than just a retro classic—it’s a cornerstone of gaming history.

GMTK Boss Keys Zelda Dungeon Series -    • Boss Keys  

00:00 - Intro
2:09 - Development of Zelda64
7:44 - How Zelda II Gave Us Z-Targeting
11:45 - How Link's Awakening Gave Us 3D Dungeons
17:21 - How All Zelda's Gave Us the Overworld

#OcarinaOfTime #ZeldaRetrospective #GameDevelopment