The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game captured my imagination in 1998 like few games ever have, delivering an unforgettable adventure that still feels just as magical nearly three decades later. I still remember eagerly pre-ordering the gold-cartridge Nintendo 64 edition and reading my Nintendo Power magazines that previewed the game cover to cover, dozens of times, while counting down to launch.
It lived up to my lofty expectations and became one of my favourite games of all time, making my return to Hyrule on the Nintendo Switch 2 system all the more exciting. After crossing familiar fields, wandering through bustling villages, and tackling iconic dungeons, I’m thrilled to say this homecoming is extraordinary. Nintendo hasn’t simply recreated every polygon one-for-one. It has preserved the soul of an unforgettable adventure while making it feel wonderfully new and, in many aspects, downright magical. Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer, this is a legendary journey worth taking. Let’s explore everything this adventure has to offer in my full review.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-adventure
Available game modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
A timeless legend reborn
The adventure begins with young Link in Kokiri Forest, where the Great Deku Tree sends him and his fairy companion Navi on a quest that soon draws in Princess Zelda, the power-hungry Ganondorf, and the mysterious Triforce. What starts as a childhood adventure becomes a battle for Hyrule across two different periods of Link’s life. I won’t spoil the story’s greatest surprises, but revisiting its unforgettable turning points made me appreciate just how beautifully it balances wonder, loss, and courage.
I absolutely loved the expanded dialogue and more cinematic scenes. They give familiar characters additional personality without rewriting the story. Link remains silent, yet a glance, a nervous movement, or a subtle change in his expression often communicates more than a speech could. Some moments that once required my imagination to fill in the emotional gaps now genuinely hit harder. It’s incredible how the story at its core is the same, but with many smart refinements, it’s evolved and offers an even bigger emotional impact.
A modern Link to a classic adventure
The biggest surprise is how naturally this 1998 adventure plays with modern controls. If you’ve spent hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the gameplay here will feel welcoming. Free camera, sprinting, and a dedicated jump button really modernize the experience. Platforming is far more precise without relying on automatic leaps off ledges, making gameplay even more engaging.
Combat is faster and more dynamic
In terms of combat, the classic lock-on swordplay remains satisfying, especially with punchier impacts, smoother animations, and responsive dodges. The game now offers “infinite spirit,” allowing you to move around the map and dungeons faster. This makes key gameplay moments and story beats literally come at you faster than the original. Together, the improved gameplay and more cinematic storytelling create a tighter, more cohesive experience that makes it hard to put down.
Classic dungeon design, refined
I also loved rediscovering classic dungeons, where each new item discovery changes how you solve environmental puzzles. Thankfully, the boss battles still reward observation over frantic button-mashing. The new streamlined item-selection menu and quick access to equipment such as the Iron Boots, for example, made the experience feel much smoother. These changes even made certain levels, like the infamous Water Temple, less of a chore and more enjoyable.
There are a few trade-offs to the faster, refined gameplay: I did find that with Link moving so fluidly, some enemies couldn’t put up much of a fight. Combat can feel a little too easy, especially if you are experienced with the series. I think modernizing and speeding up certain enemy movements might have helped balance things out overall. Outside of that, I had a blast with the updated adventure and its gameplay.
New additions, things to discover and collect
Nintendo has also sprinkled in thoughtful extras instead of cluttering Hyrule with unnecessary busywork. One of my favourites is “Threads of Time,” which helps you remember where your journey left off, through a creative menu system that recaps things. Collectible fairy thoughts have also been added, offering little pieces of world-building to discover in unexpected spots.
There is also the new Business Scrub Seed, which summons a shopkeeper whenever you need supplies. It’s a clever idea, but I rarely found myself short on health or equipment. If you explore your surroundings carefully, you’ll often find more than enough supplies to keep you well stocked.
A virtual museum in Hall of Fallen Foes
My favourite addition is the Hall of Fallen Foes, which displays beautifully detailed models of enemies you’ve defeated and lets you revisit boss battles. It absolutely scratches my collector’s itch. I wanted to track down every creature just to admire its design and add it to my collection. I do wish Nintendo had included Master Quest for a tougher second playthrough, and I was surprised it wasn’t included, especially since other modern the Legend of Zelda franchise releases have featured it. The game also allows for only one manual save slot, which is restrictive.
Picture-perfect Hyrule
I also feel a game that looks this incredible deserves a photo mode, which the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game unfortunately lacks. I often found myself stopping whenever I entered a new area to capture dozens of screenshots, wishing I had more tools to showcase the visual magic Nintendo has created. Still, that’s a testament to just how breathtaking this version of Hyrule is. Even after all these years, Nintendo has managed to make a world I know so well feel exciting, beautiful, and full of discoveries all over again.
A visual showcase on Nintendo Switch 2
Visually, Ocarina of Time is nothing short of stunning. Nintendo has replaced the angular scenery of the past with richly layered forests, beautifully detailed ruins, expressive character animations, and lighting that gives familiar spaces incredible atmosphere. Kokiri Forest feels more alive than ever, bursting with lush vegetation and dancing fireflies. Beyond the forest, Hyrule Field is breathtaking, with swaying grass, colourful wildflowers, and distant landmarks that beg to be explored.
In terms of environmental flourishes, the fog effects add a new layer of beauty and mystique. Fog collects in certain areas, dynamically parting as you run through it or rapidly clearing as you swipe your sword. It’s incredible to see it in motion, adding a dreamlike yet highly realistic layer to the visuals.
Hyrule Castle Town and nearby villages are now busy with characters who add flavour to the world and occasionally point you toward a new discovery. I kept stopping to talk to people I would have hurried past in 1998. The dungeons are just as lovingly rebuilt, from the eerie interior of the Great Deku Tree to the reflective waters of the Water Temple. Better still, this never feels like a completely different art style pretending to be Zelda. Performance is impressively steady at 60 frames per second, although distant scenery can shimmer and handheld mode looks slightly softer than playing on a television.
An iconic soundtrack made even better
Complementing the iconic sights is the unforgettable sound of the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game, which instantly brought a flood of memories back. Koji Kondo’s iconic melodies receive beautiful orchestral arrangements that make everything feel grander.
I found that sword clashes and environmental effects have more presence, too. I also really liked the added voice acting. Zelda, Ganondorf, Navi, and the supporting cast bring warmth and more depth to scenes I’ve known for decades, and the performances really hit the mark. One aspect that I didn’t like is how a scene can begin with fully voiced cinematic dialogue, then suddenly return to the original-style murmurs when control shifts back to text conversations. It’s a little too jarring and feels like someone turned off the microphones; I wish those exchanges stayed voiced throughout.
Final thoughts on the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time game on Nintendo Switch 2 recaptures the magic of the original while elevating it with breathtaking visuals, richer storytelling, intuitive controls, and magnificent music. Easier combat and the absence of Master Quest hold it back slightly, but I found myself rediscovering Hyrule with the same excitement I felt decades ago. For me, it’s the best Zelda adventure yet and an essential experience for newcomers and longtime fans alike. Twenty-eight years later, the gold standard set in 1998 has not only been met but exceeded.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning visual overhaul that preserves the original’s charm. | Combat can feel too easy for experienced players. |
| Modernized controls and thoughtful improvements make exploring Hyrule better than ever. | Voice acting inconsistently switches to traditional dialogue murmurs. |
| Incredible orchestral soundtrack, richer storytelling, and rewarding collectibles. | Missing Master Quest and limited manual save options hurt replayability. |
Overall Assessment of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Gameplay: 4.75/5
Graphics: 5/5
Sound: 5/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.75/5
Overall Rating 4.9/5 (98%)
Ready to return to Hyrule and experience one of gaming’s greatest adventures? You can pick up The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 at bestbuy.ca. If you’re new to Nintendo’s latest console, check out the Nintendo Switch 2 and enhance your adventure with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Zelda fans, be sure to check out the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2 Console – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition and matching Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition, while supplies last.
