‘The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake’ review: still a gaming masterpiece

It’s not exactly a hot take to call The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time one of the greatest video games ever made. Originally released for the Nintendo 64 back in 1998, the revolutionary title was the first 3D entry in the already-popular fantasy franchise. It laid the foundation for every Zelda game that’s followed, and its influence can be felt in almost every action-adventure gem that’s been released since, including Elden Ring, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

A modern remake to celebrate The Legend Of Zelda’s 40th anniversary is perhaps the most predictable move Nintendo has ever made, but that doesn’t detract from the magic. From the moment you wake up in the lush Kokiri Forest, you’re transported to a majestic, vibrant land of heroes, villains and distinctive music.

There’s more to the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Ocarina Of Time than pure nostalgia, though. The graphics have been given a complete revamp, but the charm that made the blocky original so captivating remains present and correct. From the grand Deku Tree to the bustling streets of Hyrule and the watery paradise of Zora’s Domain, every region has its own distinct personality, with a deliciously odd cast of local residents to match.

The order of the quests has been rejigged slightly and plenty more side-missions have been added to make the game feel even more lived-in than before. Cutscenes are now voice-acted (though Link remains mute for some unknown reason) and Koji Kondo’s absolutely gorgeous soundtrack has been given some extra polish. Who knew you could improve on perfection?

Of course, because this game is so incredibly influential, its first act does now stray into cliché territory. Even if you’ve never experienced Ocarina Of Time before, plucky Navi youngster Link’s mission to find the three powerful stones that’ll save the land from the greedy Ganondorf will seem very familiar.

And yet it’s still massively entertaining, as our pointy-eared protagonist bolsters his arsenal of tools to include catapults and boomerangs before using them to solve puzzles or defeat grumpy bosses. Despite moments of peril, it’s a whimsical adventure. Well, at least until it’s revealed that instead of saving the day, you were playing right into Ganondorf’s hands. Link spends the next seven years in a purgatory-like isolation as a result of his well-intentioned c***-up.

When you return to Hyrule as Adult Link, Ocarina Of Time is a completely different game. The 3D Super Mario-inspired cartoonish playground has been replaced with a darker, far moodier fantasy. It’s here that the modernised graphics come into their own via our hero’s nightmarish new reality. It’s bleak but never joyless, as you gallop across the wasteland on trusty stead Epona, work out devious puzzles, face down horrific bosses and bring back the music.

Throughout Ocarina Of Time, you can use the classic flute to summon friends, unlock dungeons and prove to suspicious NPCs that you’re one of the good guys. Tapping buttons to input the melodies from your ever-expanding songbook is heaps of fun but, this time around, you can also use the in-built microphone to hum like an actual instrument. It’s a great addition if you’re musically gifted, but tunelessly moaning into your Switch 2 may get you some strange looks on the train. You’ve been warned.

If you grew up with Ocarina Of Time, this faithful reimagining will bring back all the delight and wonder from your childhood. And if this is your first time, you’ll see why the game is beloved without sitting through a console-based history lesson.

‘The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’ is out November 5 for Nintendo Switch 2

The post ‘The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake’ review: still a gaming masterpiece appeared first on NME.