The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s first steps into Hyrule Field feel newly impressive in its Switch 2 remake, according to a review by Nintendo Life. The remake gives the N64 adventure a substantial visual and audio overhaul while retaining its original story and overall structure.
The upgraded presentation adds detail throughout the world and dungeons, from the Deku Tree’s bark-covered interiors to the Water Temple’s reflections and revised soundtrack. The review says the changes preserve the game’s identity, despite the more realistic visual style. Some issues are noticeable in handheld mode: distant scenery can appear overly smooth or shimmer during camera movement, and the resolution drops when the console is undocked.
Controls have also been modernised. Players can freely move the camera and make Link jump with a button press. Items are easier to select through a scrolling inventory, while key equipment such as the Iron Boots can be assigned to the D-pad. The remake also includes smaller quality-of-life changes, including resuming at the exact location of the last save and an Echo Gem that helps locate Gold Skulltulas.
Combat remains close to the original, though the reviewer says attacks feel more forceful. The Ocarina can be played using button inputs or the Switch 2’s microphone, which can recognise hummed tunes. The review also notes amiibo bonus items and a Hall of Fallen Foes, where players can view defeated enemies and replay boss battles.
The main omission is Master Quest, the more challenging version of the game available in earlier releases. The reviewer says experienced players may find the remake easy, and that the new progress-tracking feature does not make up for the missing challenge. The game also allows only one manual save, alongside autosaves.
Nintendo Life describes the remake as a remarkable way to revisit Ocarina of Time, while noting that its faithful approach may offer little difficulty for people familiar with previous versions. The review concludes that the Switch 2 edition is a strong remake, but falls short of being definitive without Master Quest or another hard mode.
Sources: Nintendo Life.