The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains a compelling adventure in Nintendo’s new remake, according to a review of the Switch 2 version. Its story and major events remain largely unchanged, but updated graphics and control improvements make the classic easier to approach without losing its sense of discovery.
The remake keeps the familiar journey through Hyrule, including Link’s travels between different eras and the quest to defeat Ganon. The review notes that the world is still divided into sections that load as players move between them, and that guides written for the original Nintendo 64 release remain useful for its dungeons.
The most visible update is the presentation. Fixed camera angles have been replaced with modern movement and camera controls, giving places such as Hyrule Castle Town a more open feel. Some locations benefit particularly from the new look: the Water Temple is described as an Art Nouveau palace, while the Forest Temple retains its eerie character as a tree-filled mansion. The review also says that a few areas look less distinctively like Zelda, and that some visual details from the original have lost part of their character.
Changes to controls help the adventure move faster. Link has a dedicated jump button, while usable items can be swapped through a quick menu and equipment such as boots can be changed using the directional buttons. These adjustments are especially useful in the Water Temple, where players alter the water level and switch equipment frequently. Avoiding repeated trips into the main menu lets the dungeon’s puzzles unfold more smoothly.
The reviewer also noticed smaller quality-of-life changes, including a larger wallet from the start, and suspected that some backtracking and guidance had been adjusted. However, many of these changes were subtle and difficult to separate from imperfect memories of the original.
Returning to Ocarina of Time after nearly three decades also gives its themes of time and growing older added weight. The game’s central shift between child and adult Link, and the changes this brings to familiar places, resonates differently on a return visit. The reviewer connects locations and music with memories shared with friends and family, describing the remake as a way to revisit both the game and the people who experienced it.
The review concludes that the remake offers newcomers a vivid introduction to Ocarina of Time, while returning players can find the adventure feeling fresh again. Nintendo provided a copy of the game for the review.
Sources: Eurogamer.