The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Download) (Switch 2)

I’ve spent the better part of my life hearing people repeat the claim that Ocarina of Time is the greatest game of all time. At some point, it starts to lose all meaning, like saying The Beatles are the best band of all time based solely on an accepted cultural consensus. But the Switch 2 remake reminds us why Ocarina of Time earned that accolade in the first place.

Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 is a stellar reimagining of the original, one that completely revamps the experience with stunning visuals, modernised gameplay, and vastly improved audio. Despite some minor blemishes, this is comfortably the most visually stunning work Nintendo has ever put out, and it’s unquestionably the best way to play one of the most seminal games of all time. That said, it is a very safe remake. Despite lots of minor changes throughout, it’s still essentially the same game you’ve likely already played, and so you might find it offers little challenge if you’re familiar with the N64 original or 3DS remake. This makes the lack of Master Quest — or really any kind of hard mode — particularly glaring, but I’m hopeful it’ll be added in the future.

Overall, this new Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is a visual tour-de-force, with a beautiful and intricate game world to explore with updated controls and camera. The character designs are off-putting, but the game is still something to be treasured, and after all these years, I may finally include it in my top five Zelda games.

Forget the jump button or the smooth framerate: Does The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time still feel like home? Yes, it does, even with a few changes that trigger a “back in my day” reaction. I’m no longer afraid of returning to Hyrule Field and watching the sun set again. I’ve only grown to appreciate the peace and quiet more with age.

For me, this new take on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is everything I expected it to be and more, thanks to subtle updates and a deft hand that preserved the feeling of the original. But for those who haven't played it previously, I still think it holds up incredibly well. Updated graphics make it more appealing to younger generations (my five-year-old is already a massive fan) and the story and gameplay feel as timeless as ever. In a way, I kind of envy anyone who hasn't experienced Link's first 3D adventure before. This Switch 2 version is a masterpiece reborn, and it's a treat for fresh eyes just as much as it is a tribute to the original.