8 Key Observations from the Ocarina of Time Remake Trailer

I know the original game is nearly 30 years old, but I’m genuinely impressed by how much of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake was showcased in the first full trailer for the Switch 2 game during the series’ 40th anniversary Direct. This robust three-minute trailer offered glimpses from throughout the game, from its opening scenes to some intense final boss battles. If you’re new to the game, I suggest avoiding the trailer to experience its various foes and challenges with fresh eyes. However, if you’re among the millions who have played the Nintendo 64 original, the GameCube re-release, or the 3DS remake, let’s dive into what we saw.

The trailer kicks off with stunning environmental shots of Hyrule, highlighting areas that Link will explore in the remake. We see iconic locations like Lon Lon Ranch, Death Mountain, and Kakariko Village, along with our first look at adult Link riding Epona across Hyrule Field. The footage also features Link in both his younger and older forms as he traverses places like Kokiri Forest, the bustling market of Hyrule Castle Town, and Gerudo Fortress.

Next, we witness Link battling a variety of monsters and creepy crawlies from Ocarina of Time. The trailer showcases the wolf-like Wolfos near the Forest Temple, spinning Leevers in Gerudo Valley, and the laser-firing Beamos in Dodongo’s Cavern.

Throughout Ocarina of Time, players will navigate between the past and future by interacting with the Master Sword at the Pedestal of Time. Link ages when he transitions to the future, so even in environments that remain largely unchanged, you can tell the timeline based on whether Link is a child or an adult.

Many of the tougher enemies appear during the adult segments, which is advantageous since adult Link has a wider array of tools at his disposal. He can wield his iconic sword and shield more effectively when they’re not the size of his body. The trailer features battles against sword-wielding Stalfos skeletons and the Iron Knuckle mini-boss, who wields a massive axe and dons heavy armor.

While most of Link’s tools can be used in combat, they’re often employed to solve puzzles and navigate the environment. The Hero of Time will have access to returning tools like bombs for breaking walls, torches for burning webs, a hook shot for crossing chasms, the Megaton Hammer for clearing obstacles, a boomerang for ranged attacks, and Iron Boots for walking underwater while wearing his blue tunic that allows him to breathe while submerged.

Not every moment in Ocarina of Time is filled with peril. The trailer also shows Link gliding while holding a Cucco, fishing, diving, flying with the talking owl Kaepora Gaebora, and even getting swallowed by Lord Jabu-Jabu. Sure, that last one seems a bit risky, but he’ll probably be okay.

As Link travels through time, he meets various allies who grow alongside him, and the trailer highlights several of them. Notable characters include Malon, the rancher’s daughter, the Great Fairy, the mysterious Sheik, his childhood friend Saria, Goron leader Darunia, young Zora princess Ruto, and, of course, Princess Zelda as a child.

And it wouldn’t be Ocarina of Time without Ganondorf. The Gerudo king, a persistent adversary for Link and Zelda, made his debut as the charming yet menacing villain in the original Ocarina, and he remains just as intimidating in the remake. We see Ganondorf intimidating a young Link while riding a fearsome horse, followed by glimpses of several bosses from Ocarina of Time, including the parasitic Gohma, the Spirit Temple witch Kotake, the fiery dragon Volvagia from the Fire Temple, the dinosaur-like King Dodongo in his lair, and the Phantom Ganon projection that Link confronts in the Forest Temple.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is set to launch on Switch 2 on November 5.