In just over two weeks, the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will land on Switch 2 – with a release date of November 5, 2026, according to Nintendo. The first hands-on impressions are here, and IGN offers an unusual perspective: the author never truly played the original.
What Did IGN Play in the Remake?
Approximately two hours of demo: Kokiri Forest, Hyrule Castle Town, and the complete Forest Temple. The conclusion is very positive. The reviewer sees the game as far more than nostalgia – rather, a piece of gaming history where the roots of many later titles can be recognized. The Forest Temple reminds him of Dark Souls (intricate corridors with shortcuts), and the combat of the rhythm-based principle from the Batman: Arkham series.
What's New Compared to the Original?
The most striking new feature, according to IGN: Link now has a dedicated jump button. In the original, he only jumped automatically over predetermined gaps – a conscious decision to differentiate the series from Super Mario 64, as Nintendo veteran Yoshiaki Koizumi once explained. This makes the remake control more similarly to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The lock-on system, however, remains familiar. The core puzzles remain intact: in the Forest Temple, you'll rotate corridors, shoot fire arrows through flames, and banish ghosts from paintings. Even Boss Phantom Ganon is less a test of strength and more a puzzle – you have to identify the real rider and parry.
Who Is the Remake For?
From our perspective, this is a good sign. Remakes succeed or fail based on whether they appeal to newcomers, not just veterans. If someone who never finished the original is left wanting more after two hours, that speaks volumes for the pacing and puzzle design. Of course, it's too early to judge the entire game – only a small portion was played, and the reviewer himself emphasizes that he doesn't yet know if the whole game will captivate him. However, Zelda fans can look forward to a modernized classic without the core recipe being altered. Official information can be found at zelda.com.
Source: IGN
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