5 Games That Prove Video Games Are Art

While Majora's Mask is a surreal experience open to interpretation, Ocarina of Time is a coming-of-age story, and the developers were able to tell this tale through fantastic level design.

For the first portion of Ocarina, Link is a child, and the tone of the game reflects childhood. The game opens in Kokiri Forest, a land inhabited by happy children that never grow up. The music and characters are fun and upbeat, and the first dungeon is not very difficult. Link's adventure feels very light-hearted and childlike, and this was done intentionally by the developers. But this light tone vanishes after the first three dungeons are completed.

Ganondorf takes over Hyrule, and Link is sealed in the Temple of Time for seven years. When he awakens he is no longer a child, and Hyrule no longer feels like a place for a youngster. The land is darker, the enemies are harder, and the dungeons are more difficult. Ganondorf has seemingly won, and both Link and the player have to mature fast in order to succeed.

Which brings us the first adult-Link dungeon, the Forest Temple. The Forest Temple is one of the most impressive levels in all of gaming. It is a rewarding challenge and an enchanting and moody set piece full of rich symbolism. It's no coincidence that this temple is located in Kokiri Forest, the area the game opens.

What was once a joyous environment full of happy children has now been abandoned, now only occupied by enemies. The world of Hyrule has changed, and Link and the player must change with it if they are to survive.

Upon entering the Forest Temple we are immediately greeted by its eerie and atmospheric music; the temple's corridors are twisted, it is haunted by witches, and terrifying hands can come down from the ceiling and grab you. Each of these aspects are intimidating and unsettling, but must be overcome in order to advance in the dungeon. These tasks are new to the player and they are difficult, but that only makes completing them all the more rewarding.

The final boss of the Forest Temple is Phantom Ganon, and defeating him leaves the player with three distinct feelings:

The first is accomplishment. "I beat him! I beat this dungeon! Hooray!" The second is confidence. "This actually isn't that hard." The third is dread. With his dyeing breath Phantom Ganon reminds you that he is only a phantom, and the real Ganondorf won't be so easy. Both Link and the player know that the road to Ganon will be difficult, but after completing the Forest Temple they know its possible.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a coming of age story, and the Forest Temple is able to convey this theme via its brilliant level design. The temple is beautiful, atmospheric, challenging, symbolic, and an undeniable work of art.