It was a Direct mostly focused on one game, but it still felt a magical one. Mostly for how it opened. This Direct is what is starting the celebrations of The Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary. So while it didn’t announce everything, it focused on the most important. Though there was way less of the movie than I would have liked. The movie is simply called The Legend of Zelda, Miyamoto said, because it is an original story. One that takes from the 40-year history of the franchise to create its own story.
The Direct started with an orchestral medley, celebrating the franchise by also showing clips from across its history as it played. And as it turns out, that orchestral medley was part of a 40th anniversary concert that will be touring across the world starting in Japan at the beginning of next year. It will also come to North America, Europe, and Australia. While only the opening date for those countries is known for now, the UK will be starting the Europe tour off at the start of April in London.
There’s plenty of other things being released to celebrate the anniversary, which were quickly shown off. There’s amiibo, including Mineru’s Construct from Tears of the Kingdom. An ocarina themed after the one in Ocarina of Time. A LEGO set of Link and Epona. Various figures, cards, and themed stationary. And, as revealed at the end of the Direct, the Zelda themed Switch 2, along with Joy-Con and Pro Controller. Most of the designs look too busy, but I love the green Joy-Con.
Most of the Direct was focused on the Ocarina of Time remake. Showing early areas of the game and the differences between this remake and the original. In terms of mechanics, that means having a dedicated jump button instead of it being automatic. Being able to swim and dive. And full camera control. It very much feels like a remake that brings the classic into the modern age. Though it seems all areas are still accurate to their layout in the original game. Mostly.
In terms of visuals, there is a lot of detail packed into this new style. Just in Kokori Forest, the houses made within trees look very wooden and leafy. Light can be seen streaming down through the treetops. And later, when Castle Town is shown, there is so much life seen in it. Hyrule Field looks very lush, with mists rolling over the green plains. While there’s a big element of realism to the visuals, there’s still that cartoonish pop making things feel bright.
The characters feel most cartoony, even with the great detail they now appear with. They almost appear like porcelain figures come to life, wrapped in varied material to represent clothes. Child Link feels a bit too textured compared to everyone else. Which makes him feel a bit off. I suppose it’s only right for the main character to be more detailed. Though adult Link, seen in the trailer that wrapped the Direct up, didn’t feel off at all.
There’s plenty of other details the Direct revealed on the Ocarina of Time remake. The UI has been taken from Breath of the Wild, complete with the item quick select menu. There’s something similar to the quest tracker, letting people know where they need to go. And even the Zelda Notes app will work with the game, offering up various features such as a quiz and a photo orienteering challenge.
This Direct has sold me on the Ocarina of Time remake. It truly feels like it fits as a modern era game while still retaining its classic charm. The important cutscenes now being fully voiced should also provide a greater cinematic flair to them. I was considering whether to buy it, before this Direct. But from what I’ve seen, I’m sold. And will absolutely be taking a visit to this classic Hyrule when The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time releases on the Switch 2 5/November.
Images Taken From:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Nintendo Switch 2… | Nintendo UK
