For a game rated E for everyone, Majoras Mask is a hell of a lot more mature than most M-rated games out there. Few games before it, if any, were as thematically complex or emotionally resonant. Links surreal adventure through the strange land of Termina was packed with melancholy and heartbreak. The villain wasn't some megalomaniac seeking world domination; he was a lonely, deformed child, corrupted by evil when he felt abandoned. The menacing moon descending on Clock Town provided a constant sense of doom, reminding players of their own mortality, and that no matter how hard you try, not everyone can be saved. If I were to base my rankings solely on storytelling sophistication, Majoras Mask would most definitely come out on top. However, it is still a video game, and as a game, it can be very frustrating. Majoras Mask features two gimmicks: 1) Magical masks that can alter your powers and appearance, and 2) a Groundhog Day-style time travel mechanic that makes you relive the same three day cycle, and it's the latter that can be rage-inducing. While its interesting and provides some powerful moments in the narrative, the problem is that if you screw up or take too long complete a task, you have to relive the whole cycle. I enjoy a good challenge as much as the next guy, but in my opinion, the threat of losing hours of your life for nothing isnt challenging, its wasteful. With that said, the mask gimmick actually improves the gameplay experience infinitely. The masks all have unique abilities, ranging from transforming Link into an all-powerful warrior God, to blowing up Links face. Each one alters the way the game plays, providing enough variety to ensure the player never gets easily bored. Without a doubt, Majoras Mask is the definitive flawed masterpiece of the Zelda series, a true cult classic. It may not have the most replay value, but honestly, one play-through is all you need for it to stay with you forever. Dont meet with a terrible fate and miss out on this amazing game.