Ever wondered what it'd be like to step back into Hyrule after 28 years, only to find it more vibrant than you remembered? That's exactly what happened when I went hands-on with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, launching November 5. And let me tell you, it's a trip.
From the moment I saw Link's enormous blue eyes, I knew this wasn't just a nostalgia trip. Kokiri Forest has been rebuilt to feel more lived in, with natural boundaries that make you appreciate the protective nature of Link's childhood home. And yes, local boy learns to jump after 28 years – and I'm so happy about it.
Hyrule Field takes things to another level. Lon Lon Ranch sits naturally among rolling hills, and as you approach Castle Town, you'll notice a desolate structure by the moat that hints at a once-lively past. Inside, Castle Town is a riot of color, with familiar NPCs sporting their glow-ups proudly. You can enter more buildings, adding depth to the mix of old and new. As a veteran, I savored the foreshadowing when I saw an NPC slumped in a back alley, all while the Temple of Time watches over with stoic grace.
Then the session skipped ahead to the Forest Temple. Adult Link enters the creepy mansion, and the four poes are all unique in appearance, with different faces and shapes. The stonework adds a sense of history, while the pool tiles reminded me of Tomb Raider 3's Croft Manor. It's always given me a Resident Evil vibe, and here it's stronger than ever.
Modern elements are straight out of Breath of the Wild. Hyrule Field is introduced with the same sweeping camera, and the menus feel right out of the 2017 title. Holding R on the Switch 2 Pro Controller brings up the same style of equipment screen, and loading screens and quest text follow those principles too. To newcomers, these are useful design choices, but to long-time fans, it's a visual indicator to treat this remake differently.
Embrace the constant over-the-shoulder camera that replaces the original's fixed angles, making some secrets easier to find. Enjoy swapping items on the go, switching from Hookshot to Din's Fire in battle against two cartoonish-yet-intimidating Stalfos. But this doesn't mean rejecting tradition entirely. It's a friendly heads-up: go in expecting smoother, more user-friendly edges than the N64 adventure.
1998's Ocarina of Time is still available to play, and I'm thankful for that. But the Switch 2 remake brings a welcome update that adapts the classic for modern gaming. I've never been happier to see something I love get such treatment.
What do you think? Will you be picking up the remake on November 5?
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