“Dawg it’s unreal engine Zelda” – Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake’s new looks receives a mixed reception online following reveal

With the gameplay reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake happening earlier today, thousands of people from around of the world have taken their first look at the latest entry in the beloved Nintendo series. The most immediate reaction from the masses? A combination of confusion and delight at the new look.

The game has been created with a modern new aesthetic, one that appears to be striking the balance between the iconic original and modern tools at Nintendo’s disposal. The result is a game that looks familiar but different, with highly details landscapes and faces. Link, especially, has an interesting look to him.

It’s worth noting up front that there’s a lot of positively surrounding the reveal. Multiple fans of the original have taken to social media to express their delight.

Nintendo’s remakes look like what the original artists wanted to make, but couldn’t because of the limitations of the era.

Personally, I like it. It feels like playing with the promo art from strategy guides and magazine spreads. But it also means these new remakes look anachronistic in 2026.

– Chris Plante (@plante.bsky.social) September 8, 2026 at 4:02 PM

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The textures in this game are really giving kind of like a lovely hand-made model look without being something like claymation. It’s almost like glazed ceramics figurines.

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– Matt Kim (@lawoftd.bsky.social) September 8, 2026 at 3:45 PM

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However, these positive sentiments are matched by many detractors, some of whom making a connection between this new reveal and the Unreal Engine Nintendo joke mock-ups from the past.

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Some have even compared this new Ocarina of Time remake to a popular running gag – Focus M – a comedic ‘what if’ on Mario if developed with modern triple-A game design norms.

Many of the criticisms of the visuals are levied at Link himself. Other characters, like Zelda or NPCs found out in the world, are actually leaning more positive!

What do you think of this new look for Ocarina of Time? How does it stand against the original in your eyes, and if you haven’t played the original, how do you think it looks? Let us know!