Originally released in 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has received a $60 remake exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering a complete visual and mechanical overhaul that redefines the classic adventure according to a review by CNET.
A Complete Visual and Mechanical Overhaul
Every element of Ocarina of Time has been rebuilt from scratch, resulting in redone graphics that surpass Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in visual splendor with gorgeous open vistas at every turn. While the scope, story, and challenges remain largely the same, the game’s visual style has been reshaped by Breath of the Wild to create a more contained and intimate scale. The updated version features a faster pace with directly told stories and clearly laid-out goals, acting as a fusion of modern sandbox open worlds and older puzzle-driven storylines as reported by CNET.
The title also introduces significant control improvements, including a dedicated jump button allowing players to jump anywhere and a second analog stick to control the viewing angle using a trigger button for Z-targeting. Dialogue changes and altered early-game sequences, such as finding the first sword in Kokiri Forest, contribute to an experience that entirely overwrites old memories of the 1998 original version.
Pacing, Dungeons, and Future Hopes
The narrative structure and mystery maintain a perfectly paced arc filled with side missions and wondrous time-travel mechanics that still evoke a strong sense of awe. CNET noted that the game’s intricate, puzzle-filled dungeons and goofy character humor highlight features that some players feel should return to the forefront of the franchise.
As the first Zelda game built exclusively for the Switch 2’s hardware, the lush visuals make it the best-looking game on the console yet, raising questions about whether it serves as a test run for future titles. The reconstruction of Hyrule leaves open the possibility for similar remakes of other N64 classics such as Majora’s Mask, Mario 64, or Pilotwings.
For newcomers possessing a Switch 2, the new version of Ocarina of Time provides an ideal starting point to experience one of the platform’s most luxurious and stylish titles.
