Zelda 64 displays a rich and detailed world that evokes emotion just from the look of it. Dark forests crawl with spider-like creatures and massive mountains loom in the distance. You can almost feel the slime on the walls of the dank dungeons. Link's movements are sharp and quick, as befitting a warrior. Enemy animations are also life-like and evocative. For example, the spider-like Ghoma gracefully approaches in the tree branches overhead, and then suddenly drops to the ground with a screen-shaking thud. Through this simple graphical technique, what looked like a small spider suddenly becomes a huge, menacing adversary.

Atmospheric lighting effects are also used to heighten the ambiance of the environments. Underground locations are dimly lit, while the lighting outdoors changes depending on the weather and time of day. Camera views also automatically switch to capture the action from the most dramatic angle possible. When the giant dinosaur-like Dodongo lumbers towards Link as he enters the creature's lair, the camera switches to the Dodongo's perspective. Soon you are looking down on a tiny, pitiful elf; fit only to be squashed under the Dodongo's scaled foot. Of course, once the action begins, the view again switches to Link's perspective, and this time you'll be in awe of how huge the Dodongo is as you look up into his fire-breathing maw. He makes Bowser from Super Mario 64 look like a pet turtle!

In typical Zelda series fashion, Link will collect many items and weapons during his travels, upgrading his sword, shield, clothes and footwear. Zelda 64 has a easy-to-use menu system for swapping out items. Using different weapons and items is a snap, too. The yellow C Buttons can be assigned to items or weapons. In addition to using the C Buttons to control some of the weapons, you can use the A Button in conjunction with Link's sword to perform feats of outstanding swordsmanship. Even with all these weapons and items, the game wouldn't be much fun if it was too difficult to hit your intended target. When Link encounters an enemy, you can press and hold the Z Button to "lock on" to the enemy. While holding the Z Button, Link will always face the enemy, making it easy to circle the creature as you search for its weak point, and to move in for the kill once you've found it. You'll also be able to easily track the enemy with a missile weapon as it moves about.

In addition to the weapon targeting system, Link will automatically perform certain actions depending on his surroundings. For example, when approaching a gap in a walkway, he will automatically jump. When approaching a ladder, Link will automatically grasp the rungs and climb. Unlike some 3-D adventure games, where getting the character to do anything you want her to do is a challenge, in Zelda 64, the action is meant to be smooth and seamless, which enables players to concentrate more on the drama and story. There will still be plenty of challenge in solving the game's puzzles, exploring everywhere, and in combat.

Link gets to ride a large warhorse. Although in the current version the horse could only be ridden around in fairly open plain, it's easy to extrapolate on how it might be used to complicate game play. By whipping the horse, Link can make it gallop fasterand faster. At top speed, it will easily vault over obstacles thatmight be impassible for Link on foot.

In addition to the sound, the game's magic system was also not implemented yet in the Space World game sample. Based on the impressive graphics in other areas of the game, we can expect to see some gorgeous and dramatic magic effects!