Link is getting far more than a visual glow-up in the new Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The original game is one of the best video games ever made. It redefined a beloved franchise when it made the jump from 2D to 3D following A Link to the Past, and it sits alone at the top of Metacritic's all-time rankings, a full point higher than legendary titles like Soulcalibur, GTA IV and Super Mario Galaxy 2. After playing a preview of the new version, it's clear the remake plays even better than it looks.
The visual overhaul is impressive. Kokiri Forest is lush and overgrown, while the main square in Hyrule Castle Town is bustling with people and pets. Taller buildings and new alleys add depth the original never had. Smaller details shine too. The wise old owl, Kaepora Gaebora, now appears wonderfully fluffy yet distinguished, and the Deku Shield finally looks like real bark instead of a cardboard disc with a swirl on it. Link's nose also has a more natural shape. Inside the Forest Temple, low-lying fog swirls around as you search for items, and the new particle effects on sword strikes and the updated Spin Attack add even more punch to combat.
Water is the one visual misstep. After a swim, Link looks like he's covered in high-fructose corn syrup, and rivers resemble light blue jello. Still, that is a problem many modern games struggle with, and it is easy to overlook next to the rest of the game's visuals.
Gameplay stays faithful to the original's formula. Z-targeting still plays a central role, though it feels quaint today. A new jump button makes navigating platforms far more natural, and a sprint button speeds up travel. Players who want to recreate 1998 can still roll everywhere. Fully voiced cutscenes, including the first meeting with the Great Deku Tree, add gravitas, and Navi's "Hey, Listen!" remains intact.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing