Nintendo has revealed a new feature for the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: a dedicated jump button. The announcement was made during a 40th-anniversary stream for the franchise, which also showcased footage of the remake set for a November release on the Switch. This iteration appears to be a faithful 1:1 remake, featuring a visual upgrade and several new additions, akin to the recent Star Fox remake.
In the original Nintendo 64 version, Link automatically leaped over ledges and gaps when players directed him to run towards an edge. This mechanic, while requiring player adaptation, was seen as fitting for an adventure game that emphasizes scale and exploration rather than precise platforming challenges. The absence of a direct jump command allowed for less intrusive item management and prevented accidental falls due to mistimed button presses.
The addition of a jump button in the remake is attributed to the Nintendo Switch controller's expanded capabilities and decades of design evolution in 3D gaming. Series producer Eiji Aonuma explained that the new mechanic allows for more deliberate jumping, a change that "might seem obvious for those of you who have played recent games in the series." Previously, Link would automatically jump when nearing an edge, a system Aonuma noted was a significant departure from the N64 original.
This new control scheme is expected to resolve some of the original game's minor frustrations, such as Link unintentionally leaping into hazards or dropping from ledges, disrupting gameplay flow. However, critics suggest that the game's environments were not designed with a dedicated jump button in mind, and its inclusion may not significantly enhance the experience, especially when compared to other enhancements like the touchscreen inventory system or a dedicated ocarina button introduced in previous remakes.
While developers often polish classic titles to improve user experience, the introduction of a jump button is questioned for its necessity. The presentation also highlighted other improvements, such as voiced cutscenes and a more refined camera system. Nevertheless, the addition of a player-controlled jump in a game world originally designed without one raises questions about whether it constitutes a necessary fix or an unnecessary change to a beloved mechanic.