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Episode 231

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (with Gooey & McKenna - Flashback 64)

September 23rd, 2026

2 hrs 59 mins 10 secs

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About this Episode

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One of these days it was bound to happen, the remake announcement solidified it- it's time to give The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998) the Tales from the Backlog treatment. This was Dave's favorite game for decades and is still by far one of the most influential games in his life, but this was the first time in a while that he had played all the way through it. Join Dave and special guests Gooey and McKenna of Flashback 64 for the deep dive. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!

Guest info: Gooey (they/he) and McKenna (she/her)

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Podcast Start
  • 0:16 Introductions
  • 7:48 Our Histories with Ocarina of Time
  • 12:10 Top-Level Thoughts
  • 18:50 Story Setup, Storytelling and Cinematography
  • 31:57 Navi and Handholding
  • 36:26 Combat
  • 42:16 The N64 Controller
  • 46:41 "The Zelda Formula" and Exploration
  • 57:50 Dungeons and Complexity
  • 1:12:56 Visual Flourishes and Art Design
  • 1:25:41 Our Hopes for the Remake
  • 1:35:33 Soundtrack
  • 1:45:50 Re-Evaluating Childhood Favorites and Who Should Play?
  • 1:57:48 Flashback 64
  • 2:05:29 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
  • 2:07:06 Spoilers- The Water Temple Is Good
  • 2:30:08 Spoilers- Favorite Temples and Ganon's Castle
  • 2:35:12 Spoilers- Sheik and More Temple Talk
  • 2:47:48 Spoilers- A Theory for the Remake

Music used in the episode is credited to Koji Kondo. Tracks used: Title Theme, Kokiri Forest, Saria's Song, Forest Temple, Kakariko Village, Hyrule Field, Gerudo Valley, Zora's Domain, Zelda's Theme

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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