The 2026 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a meticulously crafted recreation that enhances the original's visuals and sound while preserving its timeless design, according to Game Informer.
"Ocarina of Time is gorgeous," the review states, highlighting that the game's manageable file size is an "engineering marvel." While the character models for child Link and Zelda are noted as somewhat unusual, all other characters, environments, and enemies are described as incredible, with particular praise for the updated designs of familiar creatures like the ReDeads and Stalchildren. The visual spectacle extends to the environment, with the rising and setting sun over Hyrule recapturing its past magic.
The soundtrack also receives commendation, with new orchestrations and the visual of Link playing the ocarina in 4K described as mesmerizing. Although Nintendo's voice acting remains stiff, the majority of dialogue in the remake is not spoken. The game features a handful of small but impactful expansions to character and story details that, while not groundbreaking, manage to be "simultaneously nostalgic and improved."
Despite the visual and auditory upgrades, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. The publication notes that while the overall design, including the time travel mechanic, puzzles, and combat, holds up remarkably well, these elements have been "adjusted, but not overhauled." Tweaks to dungeons, such as reducing the number of keys in the Water Temple, and new swordplay effects aim to remove annoyances and enhance the feel of combat. However, these are described as "small changes that don’t cast Ocarina in a new light or consider its history," resulting in a "straightforward recreation."
Key improvements include full camera control and active jumping. The ability to freely swing the camera allows for a deeper appreciation of the upgraded environments, evoking a unique emotional response from exploring familiar locations in a new way. Active jumping, while seemingly minor, makes the player a more active participant in exploration and can diminish the threat of some environmental hazards. The review, which awarded the game a score of 9.25 out of 10, concludes that the remake doesn't analyze the legacy of the original but is an "incredibly impressive recreation of one of the best games ever made." The experience of playing through the final hour brought the reviewer to tears, highlighting the emotional resonance of revisiting a game that was impactful during a time when "magic still felt real."