The Legend has been immaculately reborn
During today’s special Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct Nintendo revealed the first details for its June-announced Ocarina of Time remake. The series’ Director Eiji Aonuma revealed that it was important to remain faithful to the original game while still adding in modern touches, as well as using the new tools and tech available at their disposal.
The first, and most obvious, are the remade visuals. From small details like fraying threads in Link’s tunic to the enhanced lighting and the shadows, the experience is made to look completely new. By keeping the character proportions nearly the same and enhancing the visuals, we have a Hyrule that almost looks like a toy set — perfect for the intent of the series.
Other enhancements and changes to the game include Link now being able to jump, swim with faster speeds and diving, aiming the slingshot with motion controls, and rotating the camera to better put us in positions that we want.
Threads of time is a new feature that shows the next mission we have, and where we are now in the story. We can also fill in a tapestry as a sort of visual story achievement system — which Nintendo is definitely gonna sell us and we’ll definitely buy it.
The devs have filled in the backdrops within the world, too, like in the Castle Hyrule Town, with full alleys and minigames. It’ll serve as a place to “take a break” and check out the sights, chat with townsfolk and even hear gossip. Time no longer stops in Castle Town, so we’ll have to be more careful with how we use it. Spooky ghost time at night!
The game is about an ocarina, so of course we’re treated to information about it. Now, using the Switch’s microphone, we can hum the tuns on the console to make the scores, or use a new ocarina instrument controller. It’s a fun addition and, yes, another thing we get to/have to buy.
The game will also be fully voiced in cut scenes, except for Link, so that’ll make a lot of fans excited to hear the characters in the game speak for the first time.
The remake also has Zelda Notes integration. We can see daily stats, gossip quests, and can earn points to exchange for music for new Ocarina tunes. We can play a version of the Ocarina in the app integrating into the game. Heck, we can make own music scores and share with friends via QR code.
The biggest point, though is the release date:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (remake) arrives on November 5, 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
LET’S GO TO HYRULE.
