In order to replicate the feeling of a classic overhead 2D game using 3-dimensional graphics, every character/model is displayed at an angle which allows the player to see all of the details. The creative team did this after realizing that players would only be able to see the tops of characters' heads if they remained unchanged.
The game is a distant sequel to Zeruda no densetsu: Kamigami no toraifôsu (1991), a fact that is directly referenced in the paintings inside Hyrule Castle that depict Link to the Past's story. The Japanese version makes it even more obvious, with Link to the Past being titled "Triforce of the Gods" there, and Link Between Worlds "Triforce of the Gods 2". The game also re-uses the overworld map from Link to the Past with only a few small modifications and much of the same types of enemies.
The game was originally planned as a sequel to Zeruda no densetsu: Mugen no sunadokei (2007) and Zeruda no densetsu: Daichi no kiseki (2009), and was to be animated in the same cell-shaded cartoon style. When many members of the development team were called away to work on other titles, series creator Shigeru Miyamoto suggested to place the game in the Downfall Timeline, and make it a sequel to Zeruda no densetsu: Kamigami no toraifôsu (1991).
The alternate world, "Lorule", is a clear pun on the name of its counterpart, Hyrule (low versus high).
Majora's Mask can be found in Link's house, though it serves no purpose in the game.