Five Fresh Features in the Ocarina of Time Remake

Nintendo has given fans an exciting glimpse into the gameplay of the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake during the recent Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct. While the new graphical style has sparked plenty of discussion, the reveal also highlighted several noteworthy features. Here are five key enhancements coming to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake.

First up, Link now has the freedom to jump at will. This may seem minor, but it marks a significant shift from the original game, where Link only jumped automatically when approaching an edge. Now, jumping is mapped to the X button, aligning the classic title more closely with modern gaming standards. Additionally, Link can dash by holding the A button, replacing the original rolling mechanic for quicker movement.

Taking inspiration from Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the remake introduces a one-button item swap feature. In the original, players had to pause the game to equip items not assigned to buttons. Now, Link can easily cycle through his inventory with a single button press, streamlining gameplay and reducing time spent navigating menus.

The game menu will also feature Threads of Time, a hub that tracks all missions, ensuring players stay on course. Each main and side mission will have an official title and description, providing guidance without completely hand-holding players or cluttering the map with markers. This approach preserves the original’s sense of exploration, and completing missions will contribute to a tapestry that reflects Link’s journey.

In the remake, time will continuously progress, even when Link enters towns, dungeons, or other interiors. This change means that the day/night cycle will be more dynamic, making the Sun’s Song even more crucial for players, as it can shift time from night to day.

On the Nintendo Switch 2, players will interact with the iconic ocarina in a fresh way. The console’s microphone will allow players to hum the songs Link learns, prompting him to play them without needing to input the traditional button combinations. The game will also respond to musical instruments, leading to some entertaining moments as players experiment with the various tunes.

This first look at Ocarina of Time remake gameplay showcases some exciting updates that promise to enhance the classic experience.