The Mantorok rune isn’t necessary to beat the game but getting it can make things a bit easier. I don’t want to ruin anything but getting it allows you to make a few almost entirely new spells.
Also even if you beat the game you can start a new game using your old save file and play against a different ancient which changes gameplay and cutscenes slightly. Plus if you defeat the game three times you open a host of secrets. Well worth the effort IMO. And on preview I should clarify that you don’t need to get the Mantorok rune even once to open up these secrets.
Also have you gotten all three statues? Not necessary to beat the game, but having all three lets you get a way cool object.
[spoiler]I loved how Ganondorf actually had personality. I guess he was humbled by the Link in OoT and wasn’t so overly confident like most villains. It’s kinda cool how he wanted to restore Hyrule to its former glory, just with him as the ruler of it all.
And what a satisfying way to finish him. Stab in the face!!![/spoiler]
Anyone who hasn’t used a warp jar couldn’t have started the Wind Temple yet. This dungeon is taking me three times longer than any of the other dungeons.
Actually, it’s more annoying that it is difficult. I’m not a big fan of it so far. My least favorite so far, except the first run through the Forsaken Fortress, which was terrible. That, thank goodness, was short.
I was a bigger fan of the girl you took into the Earth dungeon with you. She could fly further and could even glide with you when you carried her.
Very useful and fun.
I’m currently collecting the 8 pieces of the Triforce. I have 3 out of 8 so far. I know how to get most of the remaining 5, but not all. The wind temple was the hardest so far by a long way. I actually used my elixer soup! First time I had to use a healing agent.
God I’m so tempted to read all the spoilers here but I promised myself I wouldn’t ruin this game with spoilers or a guide. It isn’t to dificult, you just have to think. Although I really wish I could find the warp spell already, cruising on the water does tend to get tedious. Overall though I think this is one of the better games I’ve played since GTA III.