Ocarina of Time Remake Hands-On: Why Newcomers Shouldn't Miss It

Ever wondered what it's like to play a legendary game for the first time, decades after everyone else? That's exactly where I found myself with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. I never owned an N64, and my only brush with the game was a brief session with the 3DS port years ago. So when I got the chance to play two hours of the upcoming Switch 2 remake, I jumped at it. And let me tell you—even without nostalgia, this game hits different.

My time with the 2026 version took me through Kokiri Forest, Castle Town, and the Forest Temple. From the moment I started, I could see why this game is considered a masterpiece. It's like digital archaeology—you're unearthing a cultural artifact that shaped so much of what came after. I spotted echoes of my favorite games everywhere, from Dark Souls' interconnected level design to Batman Arkham's rhythmic combat. It's wild to think this all started here.

The Forest Temple was the highlight. It's a spooky mansion filled with puzzles and secrets, and every room feels like a challenge. You're moving stone cubes, battling skeletons, and figuring out how to light four colored flames. The combat isn't overly hard, but it's engaging—enemies react to your moves, and you have to counter with well-timed dodges. It's simple but brilliant, and you can see how it inspired so many other games.

What really struck me was how the temple trusts you to figure things out. There's no hand-holding. You might see a frozen target near a fire and realize you need to shoot an arrow through the flames. Or you might get stuck trying to knock guardian sprites out of paintings. Those 'aha' moments are pure joy, and they remind you why Nintendo is so revered. The rotating hallway mechanic, in particular, feels like a precursor to games like Dishonored 2 and Fez—and it's used here for less than an hour.

As someone who missed out on Ocarina of Time, I can safely say: if you're like me, you're in for a treat. The remake launches in November, and there's little excuse to leave it unplayed. It's not just a history lesson—it's a ridiculously fun time. The game has aged like fine wine, and the updates make it accessible without losing its soul. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, this is one adventure you won't want to miss.

So, what do you think? Are you planning to pick up the remake, or have you already played the original? Let us know in the comments!