Ocarina of Time turned Zelda's top-down formula into a 3D adventure with Z-targeting combat, puzzle-packed dungeons and a Hyrule that changes as Link travels through time. For these picks we looked for games with the same loop of exploring, collecting new tools and using them to crack open dungeons and bosses.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask · $154.97
Built on the same engine as Ocarina, it reuses Link's moves and targeting but adds a three-day cycle and transformation masks, making it darker and more focused on side stories.
2. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker · $143.00
Its combat, item-gated dungeons and Z-targeting descend directly from Ocarina, while sailing a flooded Hyrule replaces Epona for open-world exploration.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GameCube)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess · $219.97
The closest follow-up in tone, with a realistic Hyrule Field, horseback travel and big multi-floor dungeons that feel like Ocarina's temples scaled up.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword · $29.97
An origin story for the Master Sword with motion-controlled swordplay and dense, puzzle-heavy areas that reward the same careful observation Ocarina did.
5. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super Nintendo)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past · $79.97
The 2D blueprint for Ocarina: a world split into two versions, the Master Sword quest, and dungeons each built around a new item.
6. Okami (PlayStation 2)
Okami · $39.97
Capcom's ink-painted adventure follows Zelda's structure closely, with a large overworld, tool-based dungeons and Celestial Brush techniques that work like new items.
7. Beyond Good & Evil (PlayStation 2)
Beyond Good and Evil · $27.97
Jade explores a hub world, upgrades her hovercraft and tackles dungeon-like infiltration levels, mixing Zelda-style puzzles and combat with stealth and photography.
8. Star Fox Adventures (GameCube)
Star Fox Adventures · $52.97
Rare's GameCube adventure plays much like a 3D Zelda, with lock-on combat, a staff that gains new powers, and temples that unlock as you progress.
9. Darksiders (Xbox 360)
A darker take on the Zelda formula: dungeons built around new gear such as a crossblade and grappling chain, boss fights that test that gear, and a semi-open world.
10. Shadow of the Colossus (PlayStation 2)
Shadow of the Colossus · $24.97
Riding across an empty land on horseback and scaling giant colossi to find their weak points captures the lonely, puzzle-like boss fights of Ocarina's best moments.
Frequently asked questions
When did Ocarina of Time come out?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launched on the Nintendo 64 in November 1998. A remake, Ocarina of Time 3D, followed on the Nintendo 3DS in 2011.
What is the closest game to Ocarina of Time?
Majora's Mask is the closest, since it was built on the same engine and shares its controls and many assets. Twilight Princess is the closest in overall structure and tone.
What did Ocarina of Time introduce to 3D games?
It popularized Z-targeting, a lock-on system that keeps the camera focused on an enemy, along with context-sensitive actions on a single button. Many later 3D action games adopted similar systems.