The water temple was interesting, and honestly quite simple with only 3 parts being obvious roadblocks (the block raises with the water creating a hole, the mid water column wall near where you meet princess ruto, and the boss key location). The same thing occurs in the fire temple, and the water temple. The first three temples are very quick with Dodongos Cavern being an obvious longer trip that's more classic temple.įirst temple is a classic example of metroidvania where you have to probe in multiple directions before hitting road blocks and knowing you have to backtrack. Maybe this is how it's always felt for everyone, but the game seems so focused on exploration vs puzzle solving. Very few puzzles really exist, the only temple that really feels like a modern Zelda temple is the spirit temple to me. So much of the game isn't what I picture in my head as Zelda, it's so much closer to a 3d Metroid but made more linear.

I first played it when I was 6 but the last time I went through the n64 version I think I was a senior in high school over a decade ago. Sorry for the bump bit this thread inspired me to replay OOT. Even when there are deficiencies in the design of a specific dungeon, it’s redeemed by other factors (atmosphere, puzzles, enemy encounters, etc.) that keep the experience interesting and stimulating. But even so, I always love going through it due to the setting and general atmosphere. Some dungeons are certainly not as strong as others, such as the Shadow Temple with its linear path. The Water Temple is the one I’ve grown to appreciate the most over the years, but they’re all just so damn cool. It’s so hard to pick a favorite dungeon, specifically among the temples. But all of the other times were pretty expected. What also surprised me was the Spirit Temple taking almost as long as the Water Temple, but I think it just feels more brief since it’s split into two segments (young and adult).

I guess the critical path is short when you know how to progress.

Was surprised to see that Jabu Jabu’s Belly was quite a bit quicker than Dodongo’s Cavern it always felt longer to me.

Ocarina of time temple order