A true oddity of a video game where you see characters from a nintendo game grapple with mortality, meaning, the fleeting nature of existence, and accepting the finality of life. Did I mention this is a nintendo game? Every aspect of this game emanates how does this game exist energy and I mean that in the best way possible. It's otherworldly bizarre tone, the 3 day time loop mechanic, and the sheer intimacy of the themes explored through its cast. I love how this game works as a sequel to oot and how it asks the fascinating question of what now? Link has beat ganondorf and saved hyrule but what is he left with and where does he go from here? Although the game never really answers those questions in any definitive way this contemplative sense of introspection is something that pervades every fiber of this games being. Why do we live? Why is it worth living despite the inevitable end? What makes life worth living? Its here where majora's mask strikes gold with how personal the subject matter gets for each of its characters. Their fears and desires are all brought to the forefront but they mean nothing in the face of the ever impending apocalypse. Yet its what the characters choose to do with that time that speaks louder than the ringing of clocktown's bells of disaster. It all combines to create a super thick sense of tone and atmosphere with some of the coolest gameplay story integration in the medium. Gameplay wise its arguably the best collection of dungeons and side quests in the series with a ton of quality poured into each of the activities.

I've felt completely mixed on this game ever since playing it a few years ago. On one hand its the souls formula that I really love and on the other its a mess of game that feels like it can never combine its elements into a meaningful whole. Replaying this game on sl1 made me realize just how much I don't care for this game. I've heard countless times that this version is miles better than sotfs so I went in hoping to see the light, and while it is better with the obvious things like enemy placements. The core of what's here just doesn't appeal to me. Every other game in the series gets even better on a low level but in ds2 it only serves to exacerbate the issues present. I don't really care about drangleic or its inhabitants so on the story front its a complete wash for me, though i do I like vendrick and aldia even if its all really frontloaded. Also the run backs in this game need to be studied as a potential torture method.