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I thought it was about time I got a new look. And here it is....
The character portrayed here is Sheik. A survivor of the Sheikahs.
For those that don't know, he plays an important role in Nintendo 64's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. After more than 90 hours, I finally managed to beat the game. Mostly because of my stubborness to not use any strategy guides. I will later though to see what I have missed, but I spent so much time being as thorough as possible.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this game, but I became very upset when it crashed right at the credits, so I don't know what TRULY happens (assuming there is a storyline there).
So, why did I choose Sheik out of all the charaters in the game? Simply because he's my favorite. As I mentioned in the previous chapter, I have a fondness for adages and other things, and Sheik pretty much talks in this tongue. I also have to admit I was very surprised by his true identity.
As for the picture, I drew that, it is also on display in my art section, I tried another format, so look there for the details. As for the harp, that is the instrument in which he plays, which helps your quest a great deal.
Without getting into the game itself too much, I thought it would be great to compare this game with another great RPG (Role Playing Game), Final Fantasy 7.
Storyline: Final Fantasy 7. The storyline was much deeper, as were the characters in the game. In FF7, all the characters had depth, even the supporting characters, namely Elmyra (Aeris' surrogate mother). In Z64, Ganondorf, the "big boss" was pure evil, nothing else. FF7's Sephiroth had much more character, and in the early stages of the game, one might even feel sorry for him.
Graphics: Final Fantasy 7. Much more money was spent on this game than Z64, as well as time. Not to mention the differences between a CD and cartridges. FF7 also offers MUCH more movies.
Audio: Final Fantasy 7. FF7 was originally supposed to be on the N64, but changed to the Playstation because they didn't want to be confined to a cartridge. Another major reason was the sound capabilities of the consoles. N64 does not offer as many sound bits as the Playstation. Think of it as the difference between a 32-bit soundcard versus my Creative AWE64. (To the reader, if you know I am directing to you, *snicker, snicker*)
Play Control: Zelda64. One thing that REALLY bothered me about the Playstation were the buttons. "Square" "Circle," etc. How confusing! I prefer the good ol' "A", and "B." It was also much easier to zoom into certain places, and certain making certain movements.
Battle Scenes: Zelda64. This is the way fighting REALLY would be. I do like the ATB (Active Time Battle) option in FF7, but Zelda64 takes much more in timing when it comes to fighting. About the extent in strategy in FF7 fighting is Materia combinations, and when to use them. Zelda64 also is based more on skill rather than a random cases of whether one hits/misses the target or not.
Other Scenes: Zelda64. I really liked the "C-up" button, in which one can look around as if Link's eyes were your own. Like a panoramic vision. The "Z-targeting" is a great way to keep things in check. Z64 offers a much better 3D view in field and town scenes.
Challenge: Zelda64 hands down. Much more puzzles to do, and just need to be much more observant. Navi the fairy often gives clues but are hard to catch. Having a good memory is key to be able to play this game. That or take a bunch of notes like I did. *grin* In FF7, everything was pretty much all mapped out. Also, in FF7, it is simple to just level up very high before facing anything, so it would become much easier, whereas in Z64, experience comes from your own control.
Replay Value: Final Fantasy 7. The most important factor is the "game within a game," especially at the Golden Saucer. Zelda64 also offers many of that, but just aren't as fun as the ones in any arcade (in this case, the Golden Saucer). There are also the chance to date with other characters in the game which one much play the first CD of the game over again to do.
Miscellaneous: One thing that I realized in Z64 is that there is absolutely no use for money (rupees)! NONE! Other than shields, and other small contests (which are no more than 30 rupees), there's no use for them. All the other items one has to either find or can find somewhere else. In FF7, there is a HUGE need for money.
There weren't nearly as many characters and places in Z64 as in FF7. Which works fine for me, since I have trouble remembering names (anyone that knows me personally can verify that with no problem).
