Playing Nintendo’s remake of The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time for the first time in 2026 evokes a feeling akin to remembering a long-lost childhood adventure, according to Jen Glennon’s first-person account for Polygon. Despite being a relative newcomer to the Zelda series, Glennon found herself captivated by the game’s charming characters, straightforward combat, and compact open world.
Glennon, who had previously enjoyed Tears of the Kingdom and revisited earlier titles like A Link to the Past and Breath of the Wild, approached Ocarina of Time with a fresh perspective. The remake’s updated visuals complement its late 20th-century sensibilities, featuring endearing character designs such as the Kokiri Village children and the Great Deku Tree, which contribute to a sense of childlike wonder. The game’s depiction of a young Link, appearing to be around nine years old, further enhances this atmosphere of innocence and discovery.
The combat system, which pioneered lock-on targeting in 3D games, remains intuitive. The 2026 remake preserves the original’s accessible mechanics, focusing on Link’s shield, dodges, and flips rather than introducing complex modern features. This simplicity aligns well with the game’s narrative focus on a young protagonist.
Ocarina of Time presents a refreshingly focused open world. Glennon contrasts it with the sprawling landscapes of Breath of the Wild and the more constrained design of A Link to the Past, finding Ocarina’s world to be a delightful mix that encourages exploration. The bite-sized nature of the world, reminiscent of Super Mario 64's exploratory design, makes every corner feel discoverable. Glennon appreciates the lack of excessive collectibles and crafting demands, valuing the more focused gameplay loop.
Nintendo's strength in creating familiar yet approachable experiences is evident in Ocarina of Time. Its mythic storytelling, featuring consistent character archetypes and world elements, allows players to quickly orient themselves. While Glennon has not yet determined if it is the definitive best game, her initial hours suggest it is an exceptional title that resonates deeply, even for those experiencing it for the first time.
