Nintendo’s remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time brings the influential 1998 adventure to Switch 2 with redesigned graphics and changes to its quests, music and presentation. The result, according to NME’s review, retains the charm of the Nintendo 64 original while giving players new reasons to explore Hyrule.
The adventure begins in Kokiri Forest, then ranges across distinctive locations including the Deku Tree, Hyrule’s streets and Zora’s Domain. The remake adds side missions and slightly reshapes the quest order, while its cutscenes now feature voice acting. Link, however, remains silent. Koji Kondo’s soundtrack has also been polished.
The review notes that the opening story — in which Link sets out to find three powerful stones and stop Ganondorf — can feel familiar, given how much the game has influenced the genre. But its puzzles, tools and boss encounters remain entertaining, and the story’s turn leaves Link facing a darker Hyrule as an adult. Updated visuals help distinguish this later section from the adventure’s brighter opening.
Players can still use Link’s ocarina to summon allies, unlock dungeons and win over suspicious characters by playing melodies. The remake also lets players hum into the Switch 2’s built-in microphone to perform songs, an option the review describes as fun for those who can carry a tune.
NME calls the remake a faithful reimagining rather than a simple anniversary cash-in, praising Hyrule’s appearance and sound, the enduring story and the opportunity for a new generation to discover the game. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is due out for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5.
Sources: NME.