The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

When I think of a follow-up game, I can't think of a single game that would be harder to succeed from than The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.  However, not only did The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask took on that challenge, it became just as incredible as it's predecessor.  What makes it such a great game is the fact on how different it is from every game ever made, including its own franchise, and the chances they took in this game.  The three-day system is the most ingenious part of the game as it creates a lot of tension playing through the game along with creating a believable world with a lot of depth.  It thrives on having great, familiar gameplay mechanics while at the same time, expanding it to new levels with a variety of gamplay designs thanks to it's masks system.  The game focuses on side-quests and it's probably the best I've played in any game because each quest is unique along with the people you help in this game.  On top of all that, the game created an amazing atmosphere with it's dark and emotional undertone throughout most of the game.  The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is simply a one of a kind game that I probably will never play again and it's easily one of my favorite games.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

If I have to choose one game that I would consider to be the epitome of gaming, the answer has to be Nintendo's masterpiece, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.  Almost everything about this game is perfect.  The gameplay mechanics and design is simply one of the best, if not, the best, that any game has to offer.  It's very smooth, it's flowing, the battles between the enemies are well designed, and the land of Hyrule that you explore is completely memorable from top to bottom.  The game feels huge with it's massive and well-varied world, awe inspiring enemies and bosses, and a great sense of adventure with a good story-line with great lore, almost something right out of the Lord of the Rings.  The level design is extremely creative as the dungeons has some of the most ingenious puzzles ever put together.  And to top it all off, the game offers, quite easily, the most exciting and thrilling climax in gaming history.  The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a masterpiece from top to bottom that set the standard for every game after it.