Nintendo has released a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, built from the ground up using a proprietary engine. While the game lacks a “Remake” tag to encourage new players, the title features ultra-realistic visuals and significant graphical updates for the Nintendo Switch 2.
How much has the gameplay changed?
The core experience of the adventure remains largely consistent with the original. According to Glitched, the story has mostly remained untouched, and the difficulty, puzzles, and encounters stay similar to the original. Boss fights and dungeons follow the same mechanics, with progression often revolving around newly obtained tools or equipment.
Certain modernizations have been implemented to improve usability. The remake includes a manual camera to assist with world exploration, though the rotation speed on its highest setting was noted as being a little too slow. While the game is more accessible than titles like Tears of the Kingdom, it still features familiar side quests and hidden objectives, such as the fetch quest for Biggoron’s Sword.
What are the new visual and audio features?
The remake focuses heavily on a visual overhaul. Using Nintendo’s proprietary engine, the game delivers highly detailed indoor locations with volumetric lighting and carefully crafted assets to prevent repetition. Glitched reported that the world features unique visual styles for different areas, such as the shimmering waters of Lake Hylia and the mist in Kokiri Forest. The game is also supported by an orchestral soundtrack.
Is the original content still present?
Players can still engage in many of the same activities found in the original title. This includes handing out masks to characters and fighting Ganon twice—once as part of the story and again after finishing the game. The remake aims to provide a sense of nostalgia while utilizing the new engine to bring the world to life.
When can players access the game?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches on 5 November. The game is priced starting at R1399.
