PixlBit

Well as you already see I not only have the New 3DS but almost every Majora's Mask attachments I could get that isn't the Majora's Mask Edition of the New 3DSxl (), I'll start with the Platform in question.

 

New 3DSxl - Impressions

Full disclosure, I haven't had a lot of time with the original 3DSxl so I can't give you that comparison, I was planing on buying the Zelda 3DSxl until I heard the MM re-release is coming. So I'll just tell you of the new and improved features.

The right Analogue: I was a little uneasy about this as I couldn't imagine it would feel right let alone be really good but infact it's "Okay". Maybe it's due to my little hands and fat thumbs, getting the right technique using it is a moderate process.

That being said the rubber used is easy on your thumb and there's a groove in the top hinge of the N3DSXL to accomedate some movement, It seems pointless because of just how high up the LA is in the first place to be of any use but it does give way to some movement, so the thought is appreciated.

The casing and finish: it's glossy on the top and underneath with the hinge and shoulder buttons being textured as well as the opened  area of the device.

Buttons: The analogue is slightly smoother, the volume button is opposite the 3D function with is actually good symmetry. The added Z buttons are great, you can easily (me anyway) press either without them being too close and it means in Smash Bros easier grabs (again, just me). The home button is the only one under the center screen, with the start and select are to the right, I like it this way, less space to travel to press the start and it looks less cluttered as well as having just the symbol for home, with I approve. The power button is located under the power light at the bottom of the device, I think it's okay, the way I do it is move the whole device to reach the button instead of moving my thumb on the 3DS originally, so it's a little easier.

The Stylus: it's back to being one whole piece of plastic (technically 2, but...), a think piece too. I always thought the "extendo stylus" of metal and plastic felt too heavy and flimsy. But this one feels better to me. Located under the N3DSXL next to the power button, I think the positioning of it being under is more awkward than it being on the side or on top but it's no big deal.

The 3D: It is improved, side to side is far better the only real problem is distance, it's hard to gauge but even though it's better, too close or too far is a problem until you adjust the 3D depth. You don't have to do it every time however it depends on how your used to holding it up, there's less of a problem.

 

Majora's Mask - Impressions

Well this has been on the tip of my fingers for a while, so far i've either beaten the first temple or are about to but I've explored the game enough to get a good feel. so lets do this.

Graphics: I'll get this out of the way, taken from the Ocarina of Time models however I think the buildings and textures are better (could be due to the bigger screen though), I could be just me but the moon looks... goofy. The best as I can attribute that is this, it's eyes. The eyes of the old moon wasn't as intense because and it took me a while to notice, it looked more like a head than a moon. And I have to say. A moon having a face is... freaky but it at least is shaped enough like a moon, this? The people of Termina not thinking that a moon that is literally a evil head goes beyond denial and is pure delusion. I'd laugh if it wasn't so jarring. It looks more angry than deranged.

The overall scale of Clock Town and other areas have been increased making the place look less small. A few things have been moved, However the only one that comes to mind is The banker, he is right behind the Clock now opposite a Owl statue, a change that gits in with the larger scale of the town making it more convenient for the player, I like this .

Deku Link has spike at the tip of his hat now when he spin attacks, I approve. I always found it odd how a little spin could harm anyone so this added detail helps

Save Points: Instead of striking the Owl and showing it who's boss (of time) you just need to press a prompt and there are also extra save points that are booked shaped, The owls act as location travels and saves like before but books are saves only. I'm a little mixed on this. I like convenience but it seems to make the game too easy.

Clock: Almost forgot about this one. Oops. Anyway, the clock, how it's displayed has changed, they've made it look more digital intead of the classic one that looks similar the the Town Clock and spins round. That I attribute to the 3DS's size but I don't like it all the same, it loses something, immersion maybe? And it could be just me but time seems to move faster even when slowed down in comparison to the original

Link/Deku Link: Transformations feel... Less intense but maybe it's due to the smaller screen, I'll wait till the other masks before I make a verdict. Anyway, movement and combat is relatively the same, like Link's more nimble jumps and similar touch screen functions of the previous game.

Aiming is with both the analogue and the camera. I think depending on the situation either is good but I may stick to the analogue stick.

Camera: It took time to get used to it but I have the hang of It, using the analogue stick, I might have to increase the sensitivity if possible. I played a little on the normal 3DS and the automatic camera is slightly (slightly) more forgiving when turning or behind an object.

Sound: Sharp as ever.

The Deku Saleman: Yes, you can skip the cutscenes. I did It by accident before I knew I could do it right away (at least that's what I remember, it's all a blur). A thumbs up by me then.

Day Transitions: I don't like it. It's not the same at all. This is the one change I can't get behind. In the old game when a new day would come the screen would get smaller when the bell tolled and a black screen would appear telling you what day it was and what time it is (like Flava Flave) but now they've eliminated all tension, that is also helped by the added save points that tension of time running out, that stress, that worry, that nervousness is all but gone. This game separated the men from the boys by making the game have a little psychological pressure to finish in time. 

Amendment: Phew!  I was wrong about the day transitions, I hadn't spent enough time out of the temple, the screen DOES get smaller when a new day arrives, only it's gone once in the dungeon. Yay

 

So in conclusion, The New 3DSxl  is nice, well designed and appropriately priced, already owning a 3DS I didn't need a charger but because of the package, I got 1 extra for free (I'll have to get the dock though...)

As for Majora's Mask I like the improvements made but certain style changes have rubbed me the wrong way. The game is still great but I'll have to play more of the game before I cast a definite verdict (obviously).

Both are worthy of a purchase one more than the other but I'll let you decide.

 

This is V saying "It's a new dawn, it's a new day..."