Nintendo recently unveiled the remake of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" during the "The Legend of Zelda" 40th-anniversary Nintendo Direct. Beyond gameplay and system changes, the fresh character and environment art style quickly became a hot topic among players. This remake doesn't directly adopt the cel-shaded look of "Breath of the Wild" or the more realistic, somber direction of "Twilight Princess." Instead, it aims to strike a balance between the modern graphical capabilities of the Switch 2 and the slightly exaggerated, angular character proportions of the original N64 version.
However, the new designs for Young Link and Young Zelda have sparked considerable debate. Some players bluntly stated that the characters appear "CoComelon-ized," suggesting they've been made rounder and more vibrant, reminiscent of the cartoonish, childlike visuals found in the 3D animated series "CoComelon." Others even quipped that "Kid Link looks like a goldfish," arguing that the new version features excessive detail, losing the simpler charm of the original.
Conversely, some players have taken a more positive stance, noting that "The Legend of Zelda" series frequently experiments with different art styles. They believe that a fresh direction is preferable to simply replicating the 3DS remake. One player admitted, "It definitely was a shock at first, but the more I look at it, the more I appreciate this new art direction."
In contrast, the redesigned Sheik and Ganondorf have received more widespread praise. Some fans even declared that "Sheik's redesign alone justifies the existence of this remake."
The "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" remake is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. It appears this distinctly different visual approach will remain one of the most talked-about aspects leading up to its release.
via： IGN