On Thursday, the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released. The game reimagines the 1998 version, originally released for the Nintendo 64 system that was later updated as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for the Nintendo 3DS.
This latest version features stunning realistic graphics, details and gameplay that has completely reimagined the world of Hyrule, while keeping the classic story players know and love.
The game begins by introducing Link, a young child who lives amongst the Kokiri, forest children who each have their own fairy companion. However, Link does not have a fairy, until the Great Deku Tree — the guardian of the forest — sends a fairy named Navi to guide him on unimaginable adventures throughout Hyrule.
From navigating the Lost Woods, to the fiery Death Mountain, the serenity of Zora Domain as well as many other places to explore and the temples within them, the game presents the opportunity for players to uncover an epic adventure while becoming the fabled Hero of Time.
After navigating through the first portion of the game, Link travels to the Temple of Time where he attempts to take the legendary Master Sword. However, due to his young age, he is not yet able to become the Hero of Time, and is tricked by the game’s main villain Ganondorf, who follows Link to the Sacred Realm, claims the powerful Triforce and begins his reign over Hyrule. Meanwhile, Link spends many years growing into an adult before awakening in the Chamber of Sages and is tasked with awakening various sages throughout Hyrule to help him put an end to Ganondorf’s rule.
As the game’s title suggests, one of the unique aspects of the game is the ability to play various songs on an ocarina to create various effects, actions or abilities. If Link plays Epona’s song, he will have the ability to summon his horse, Epona. Playing Zelda’s Lullaby offers various effects throughout the game such as allowing Link to prove his connection with Zelda and the royal family, allowing him to access areas he normally wouldn’t be allowed into. Each song has its unique abilities and comes into play throughout the story.
The new version of the game presents numerous additions and quality of life improvements that have allowed for truly immersive and breathtaking gameplay. The graphics in the game are truly stunning. From incredibly detailed textures on Link’s tunic to surreal and beautiful environments to roam through, the remake truly shines in its aesthetic quality.
Several modifications to the game’s controls have also been implemented to better suit the Nintendo Switch 2. The remake offers players the ability to pan the camera around fully to capture many angles and incredible views as compared to the original’s limited camera mobility.
The ability to jump by pressing a button as compared to only being able to automatically jump at a gap has also been added, following a similar style of gameplay to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The new remake also features the addition of voice acting in many of the game’s cutscenes, which offers further immersion into the story and brings to life many of the game’s iconic and lovable characters.
Playing through the game felt like I was being sent back in time to my childhood as I watched the classic opening title screen and heard the title theme playing in the background.
The remake perfectly captures the classic nostalgia of the legendary story while immersing players into a truly beautiful world full of exciting adventures and places to explore.
Rating: 5/5 Hearts