Some video games had a significant impact when they were launched, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most famous names in the industry's history. Not only did it show the public that cartridges were not yet dead and that 3D was just starting to show its potential, but it also introduced new concepts that are now common, especially in RPGs. These include extras like a mount, a fishing minigame, and a new way of looking at dungeon progression that integrated both puzzles and hack-and-slash action.
In a world of emulators, remasters, and remakes, there are plenty of ways that gamers can relive the magic of Ocarina of Time and play the game again. On the other hand, there's a lot to choose from for players that are feeling some nostalgia for the old Zelda title while looking for something different. These include games from the same era as Ocarina, but there are also plenty of modern games that were inspired by the timeless classic.
7 Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time
A reboot of the original Prince of Persia games, which were side-scrolling platform games in the age before 3D, this 2003 version of the game brought the franchise into three dimensions and added to the adventure and character development side. The result was one of the most popular and highly rated games of all time, and like Ocarina it made an instant and positive impression on fans and critics.
The story in Prince of Persia includes a princess, a castle, a daring rescue, and an equal amount of fighting prowess and puzzle-solving abilities. The title isn't just an expression; the setting is third-century Persia, and the coveted object the hero must acquire is the Dagger of Time, which is filled with magical sand.
6 Okami
Released in 2006, Okami is a modern game that uses a third-person view and relies on a combination of combat, puzzles, and skill progression that will remind gamers of their favorite Zelda title. The unique artwork and design is what makes Okami stand out from other games, and recalls the look of other beloved Zelda titles like Windwalker and Spirit Tracks.
The player controls the main character, Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, on her adventure to defeat the demon Orochi. The demon was sealed in a magical prison but is freed by a cynical and foolish local man named Susano, and the goddess is roused from her long slumber to find and defeat Orochi to save Kamiki Village.
5 Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Any of the Elder Scrolls games can fill the void left by Ocarina of Time to some extent since it's an RPG game with a 3D look from the same era. The setting, characters, quests, and general aesthetic of the third chapter might be the best match, with the next chapters in the book of the Elder Scrolls getting darker and colder.
There is a variety of side quests the player can experience along with a main storyline, a structure that's also similar to Ocarina, although some tasks can be time sensitive depending on the exact quest. A lot of the action and lore takes place in the village of Seyda Neen and involves a mysterious and powerful group of leaders called the Tribunal.
4 Final Fantasy 7
There was a lot of activity in the vice game world in the late 1990s, and although Ocarina sat at the top of the heap, it didn't rule alone. There was one other game that could compete, and that was Final Fantasy 7.
Its success was PlayStation's bold answer to Ocarina, confirmation the upstart console wasn't going anywhere. The remake that was released in 2021 under the title Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade was met with equal enthusiasm.
3 World Of Warcraft
This can apply to either the Classic or retail versions of the game since they both use the third person and 3D design and a fantasy-based story and setting. The modern game involves the individual player more in the main storyline, however, a feature that players will recognize from Ocarina.
Nevertheless, for those players that want to have some fun with WoW's Classic version, there's the Linken questline, which is no longer available in retail. This is one of the longest quest chains in the old game and it's a reference to The Legend of Zelda. Players that finish this can enjoy unique rewards like a sword with a design like the one from the old game and a photo of Linken with a mysterious friend.
2 Quest For Glory: Shadows Of Darkness
In the early days they were known as Hero's Quest, and they were part of a series of games from Sierra that also included Police Quest and King's Quest. All were point-and-click games with combined role-playing, puzzle-solving, and customized storylines, but only Quest For Glory was about an adventurer trying to save the world from an all-powerful, malevolent force.
All of the games in this franchise use the fantasy aesthetic and an isometric layout as opposed to true 3D, but the lovely artwork does a fine job of compensating for that in an era when every game was about to have a 3D version. Shadows Of Darkness has graphics and combat that are early but familiar versions of those in Ocarina, plus the storyline and setting can be equally cheerful and dark.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Fantasy is great, but sometimes it's nice to have a change, and for those that like the horseriding portion of Ocarina a possible alternative might be Red Dead Redemption 2. It's also a third-person action-adventure title and has plenty of space to roam, and the selection of mounts depends on what a cowpoke can buy, tame, or steal.
Like the land of Hyrule, the fictional version of the southwestern United States has its history, maps, and inhabitants. Players can take part in a variety of activities, like gathering resources, or take on a multitude of tasks to improve their gear and skills.