(Image via g2a)
Staff Editor: Aidan Danforth
Email: adanforth@umassd.edu
Zelda fans around the world can finally rejoice! Nintendo recently released a Direct focused entirely on Zelda that showcased the upcoming Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake set to release on November 5.
This roughly 35 minute Direct featured a new trailer as well as gameplay footage. It has been far too long since Nintendo has added to the ever popular Zelda franchise. Although many are hoping for a new installment, it’s tough not to be excited about another remake.
Ocarina of Time is highly regarded as not just one of the best Zelda’s, but also one of the greatest games ever made. Many fans, including myself, are excited to replay this classic adventure with improved graphics, controls, and possible new features.
The Gameplay
After a Zelda symphony, more information on the Zelda movie, a Zelda music concert, and new amiibos and merchandise, came a segment focused on the gameplay led by Eiji Aonuma.
The Zelda creator started by showing the viewer the menu with all the new textures and the added detail added onto Link and his items. We then got our first look at Kokiri Forest in 4k and watched Link talk to some NPCs who all have brand new dialogue to add more life to them.
Another new feature shown is the ability to jump. In the original version, jumping was automatic and could only be done over ledges. This remake decided to take a page out of Breath of the Wild as jumping appears to stay as a game staple.
Even with the improved quality of life features, the game still features loading zones between major areas. Aonuma claimed they intentionally kept it to preserve the original game, a feature many fans will likely appreciate despite the high praise Zelda has received for going full open world.
The final notable feature shown was the ability to track the players progress in the story by showing what quests they’ve completed and what they have to do next. Other features include the ability to hum songs and to use an actual ocarina to play the in-game songs.
This remake will also receive support from the Zelda Notes app used for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, its own Switch 2 model, and its own lineup of amiibos that will release in 2027.
The Trailor
Nintendo decided to end this Direct with one final trailer to present more of the footage for the Ocarina of Time remake. The trailer began with the iconic Zelda’s lullaby while shots of various locations, such as Hyrule Field, Lon Lon Ranch, and Lake Hylia are seen in beautiful 4k.
This is followed by the shot of Adult Link riding Epona that likely sent chills down the spines of veteran fans.
It then cuts to some shots of Young Adult and Adult Link running throughout the land and fighting various monsters in fields and dungeons all accompanied by a remix of the Hyrule Field theme.
There were also shots of some memorable dungeons and boss fights along with the use of the game’s wide variety of items. Then the trailer showed something brand new. Voice acting.
Not just Zelda and Ganondorf. Saria, Ruto, Darunia, and other fan favorites will also be talking in this remake.
Without warning the trailer goes into full action with Link fighting main bosses as we also get to hear Ganondorf’s voice for the first time. The final shot shown is of Young Link pulling the Master Sword as those of us who played the game know what happens next.
It then cuts to a logo followed by a release date of November 5th and a first look at the box art.
What’s amazing about this trailer is that it’s not only a love letter to those long-time Zelda fans who can point to every little detail, it is a great introduction to those who have never played.
The trailer represents exactly what Ocarina of Time is. An incredible game with amazing locations, characters, combat, dungeons, and bosses all combined with one of the greatest stories told in all of gaming.