Across the original N64 release, the 3DS remaster and the various emulated versions, I’ve probably played “Ocarina of Time” no fewer than 20 times since 1998. So when I say that the 2026 remake is kind of breaking my brain, that’s the context.

While there are numerous games that helped shape my taste in video games, I don’t think there is a single game more important to me than “Ocarina.” It set the standard for all 3D action-adventure games that followed, absolutely, but it was also formative for me specifically. I was exactly the right age for it to completely imprint on me.

I have enjoyed every other Zelda game to varying degrees, but I don’t think anything can ever really move that game from it’s top spot in my heart. I love it to death.

By and large, the 2026 remake is a faithful translation of the original game with some modern sensibilities, but it’s just different enough to really fuck with people like me. Obviously, the jump button is a problem. The default button layout for the ocarina kills my muscle memory. That stuff feels strange, but it’s nothing compared to actually moving things around in 3D space.

The maps are exceedingly similar, so diehard fans should be able to orient themselves just fine most of the time, but there are just 10 or 15 percent differences here and there that really bake my noodle. Even something as simple as moving the cucco pen in kakariko village made me lose my orientation for a few moments.

Listen, I play dozens of games a year. I can find my way around unfamiliar virtual places just fine, but something this familiar being shifted around really unsettled me.

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There’s also some subtle but noteworthy changes in enemy behavior that really screwed with me. Redeads are so fast now. Big skulltulas are harder to hit (and definitely make more sense now). Those damn exploding lizards show up unexpectedly in a boss fight.

They’re keeping me on my toes. I might fall over from time to time, but it’s certainly better than no surprises at all. I can only hope that there are many more weird changes yet to find as I work my way through 2026’s best game of 1998.

And while I shared the same shock as most of the internet when the art style was revealed, I mostly find myself enjoying the new look. It’s a bit too busy to effectively read the screen in some places, and Nintendo’s hated of anti-aliasing is still distracting, but I’m pleased with how ugly some of these models really are (complementary).

Expect many, many more thoughts as I make my way through “Ocarina of Time” for the first time.

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Image credit: “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time”