Zelda: Majora’s Mask Fan Discovers Scrapped Feature

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Summary

  • Majora’s Mask was originally going to implement the Nintendo 64 microphone for voice commands, according to hidden game code.
  • Scrapped voice commands were for taking pictures, obtaining milk, and checking the time before the moon falls.
  • Only two games utilized the N64 microphone: Hey You, Pikachu and Japan’s Densha de Go! 2 Kōsoku-hen.

As a longtime enthusiast of video games and particularly The Legend of Zelda series, I must say that the recent revelation about Majora’s Mask’s scrapped features has left me utterly captivated. The game, already hailed as one of the best in the franchise for its dark narrative and experimental mechanics, now boasts an even deeper level of intrigue with its potential incorporation of the Nintendo 64 microphone.

Imagine, if you will, a world where Link could have commanded his horse to fill up her milk bottle simply by saying “Milk” or snapped a picture of that pesky Skull Kid with a simple “Say Cheese”. The experimental nature of Majora’s Mask is further solidified in this light, showcasing the vision and ambition of its developers.

It’s a bit disheartening, however, to learn that only two games utilized the N64 microphone – Hey You, Pikachu and Densha de Go! 2 Kōsoku-hen. I can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems were left on the cutting room floor due to lack of support for this unique controller.

In a lighter note, I suppose it’s fitting that Link would be the only hero who could command his horse with a simple vocal command – “Haiya”! After all, he does have quite the way with words when it comes to saving the day.

A follower of “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” unveiled a discarded aspect that utilized the Nintendo 64’s microphone. Known for its high acclaim within the series, “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” serves as a sequel to “Ocarina of Time.” Despite sharing many elements with its predecessor, it presents a more somber narrative where Link aims to prevent Skull Kid from causing the moon to crash onto Termina. The game is recognized for its unconventional vibe, offering a distinctive three-day mechanic that players must navigate by repeatedly altering time. However, it seems that this experimental quality extends beyond just the gameplay, as it was initially designed to work with one of the Nintendo 64’s distinct controllers as well.

The Nintendo 64 boasted several diverse add-ons throughout its lifespan, including a dance mat, a controller similar to the NES Power Glove, and the Japan exclusive N64 DD disc peripheral. Among these, the Nintendo 64 microphone and Voice Recognition Unit (VRU) stands out. This unique controller can be inserted into the console’s fourth slot for player controllers, enabling users to speak through the microphone and execute in-game commands. Notably, Majora’s Mask was initially intended to utilize this accessory.

In a video shared by Skawo, they explained that the code for Majora’s Mask includes a feature that could interact with the Nintendo 64’s voice recognition system, although this function has been deactivated and can be reactivated. The game, Majora’s Mask, associates five actions with five Japanese voice commands. For instance, saying “Hai Chiizu” (“Say Cheese”) will trigger a camera to take a picture. Approaching a cow and saying “Miruku” (“Milk”) would simulate using Epona’s song, filling up a milk bottle. Saying “Atonanjikan” (“How many hours remain?”) near a Gossip Stone would make it seem as if Link had struck it with his sword, informing the player about the remaining time before the moon falls.

Majora’s Mask Had Six Scrapped Voice Commands

  • “Hai Chiizu” (“Say Cheese”) – Takes a picture
  • “Miruku” (“Milk”) – Fills up an Empty Milk Bottle when next to a cow
  • “Atonanjikan” (“How many hours remain?”) – Gives how much time is left before the moon falls when next to a Gossip Stone
  • “Okirou” (“Wake up”) – Skips Sonata of Awakening and wakes scrubs up
  • “Haiya” – Uses one of Epona’s carrots while riding her
  • “Osuwari” (“Sit”) – Does nothing, but likely meant for the in-game dogs

Utilizing the phrases “Okirou” (Wake up) and “Haiya” while mounted on Epona in Majora’s Mask allows players to bypass the Sonata of Awakening to rouse the scrubs, and speed up respectively. The sixth command, “Osuwari” (Sit), is presumably intended for use with the game’s dogs, but it currently does not interact with anything in the game.

Just two games employed the Virtual Reality Unit (VRU): “Hey You, Pikachu” and the Japan-exclusive “Densha de Go! 2 Kōsoku-hen”. In “Hey You, Pikachu!”, players chat with Pikachu using the N64 microphone, since it’s a pet simulation game where you engage with Pikachu. Similarly, in “Densha de Go! 2”, the microphone is utilized to announce train stations to in-game passengers.

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2024-12-29 23:43