The upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch is poised to be a significant release, building upon the beloved Nintendo 64 original with substantial changes. While a previous 3DS remake maintained much of the original's aesthetic and core systems, this new version appears to be a more ambitious reimagining, though it strives to retain the game's fundamental spirit.
A Visual Overhaul
The visual upgrade in the Ocarina of Time remake has been a point of discussion since its reveal, but in motion, the new art style proves compelling. Character designs, from Link and his Kokiri Forest companions to residents of Hyrule Castle Town, retain their exaggerated, angular, doll-like appearance. Detailed patterns and textures on clothing, particularly Link's tunic and hat, enhance his connection to the forest ecosystem. Environments have also received a dramatic makeover. Kokiri Forest is rendered with an overgrown, lush appearance, while dungeons like the Great Deku Tree and the Forest Dungeon appear more foreboding and decayed, better conveying their role as unexplored spaces. Real-time lighting effects, such as those from Navi, further enhance this sense of atmospheric exploration.
Enhanced Audio and New Mechanics
This iteration introduces full voice acting, a significant addition that aims to meet the high expectations players may have developed over nearly three decades. While individual experiences may vary, the voice performances are generally well-executed. The Great Deku Tree, for instance, sounds ancient and weary, while Saria's farewell to Link carries emotional weight. Navi's voice, though, may be a point of adjustment for some. Though she had rudimentary vocalizations in the original, her new portrayal sounds more like a teenager or young woman than the childlike sprite many remembered, a change that is expected to become more familiar with time.
A dedicated jump button marks a substantial improvement. The original Ocarina of Time's automatic jumping simplified platforming challenges, tying them to jump initiation rather than timing or precision. The remake's jump button grants players more control, making missed jumps feel like player errors to be corrected rather than frustrating bouts of bad luck. This change also streamlines exploration, allowing for immediate vine climbing after jumping onto a wall.
A Lively Hyrule
While Hyrule Field remains a central hub connecting various areas like Zora's Domain and Death Mountain, it retains its largely empty nature, a characteristic that was groundbreaking at the time of the original release but feels sparse by modern standards. The field has received some visual refinement, but its core design remains unchanged.
In contrast, Hyrule Castle Town has been transformed into a more vibrant and active setting. This version, while not rivaling the scale of modern open-world cities, feels significantly more alive. NPCs exhibit improved animations and more playful interactions, and the buildings and shops are more detailed, reinforcing the town's status as a bustling center of activity.
Refined Combat and Interface
Combat in the early dungeons felt faithful to the original, with Link's swordplay and Z-targeting dodges recapturing the familiar feel, possibly with subtle enhancements. Convenience features inspired by recent Zelda titles, such as an item bar for quick equipment selection similar to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, have been implemented. The ZR button now serves as an intuitive trigger for aiming ranged weapons like the slingshot and bow, further refining the gameplay experience.