The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time returns in a Nintendo Switch 2 remake that stays close to the acclaimed 1998 original while refreshing its technology and controls. The review describes it as a faithful update that keeps the adventure’s appeal intact rather than changing its core design.
Originally released for Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time was the first 3D entry in the Zelda series. Its story follows Link as he travels across Hyrule to help Princess Zelda stop Ganondorf, with time playing an important role in both the narrative and gameplay. The remake retains the story, the hub-based structure of Hyrule and dungeons that remain largely unchanged.
The most noticeable updates are to how the game looks and feels to play. The remake improves the graphics, lighting, animations and camera, while refining movement, aiming and access to items through a quicker menu. Link can jump on command, and players can also use motion controls for aiming. These changes make navigation and combat more comfortable, though they can also make some sections feel easier than they did in the original.
The review highlights the Water Temple as an example: still a demanding area that calls for careful exploration, but more manageable thanks to the visual and control improvements. The remake does not add artificial obstacles or extend the game, instead preserving its original structure and challenge while adapting it to modern controls.
Its updated presentation also gives Hyrule a more detailed look, with lighting helping distinguish its regions and the differences between Link’s childhood and teenage years. The soundtrack remains a central part of the experience, while voice acting in key cutscenes adds new dramatic weight. The review notes that Brazilian Portuguese voice, interface and text options are available.
The remake is not presented as a reinvention on the scale of the original’s move to 3D. Instead, it offers a modern way to revisit a classic, preserving the exploration, puzzles and story while making the experience more approachable to play today.
Sources: Eurogamer Portugal.