An independent developer resurrects Nintendo’s greatest classic in a breathtaking unofficial remake, available for free now.
If you asked any gamer what the greatest video game of all time is, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Released in 1998 on Nintendo 64, it still remains the highest rated game of all time on Metacritic, with an unrivaled score of 99. However, despite this cult status, Nintendo has never offered a remake worthy of the name. It’s a fan who comes to fill this void.
A passion project, powered by Unreal Engine 5
For several years, the developer and content creator CryZENx set itself the mission of reimagining Ocarina of Time with the most modern tools. And he has just published a new free demo of his remake, developed under Unreal Engine 5. Result: a sumptuous visual, a re-enchanted atmosphere, and an aesthetic shock for all lovers of the series.
The free demo allows you to visit two emblematic areas of the original game: Lake Hylia And the Zora Fountain. There we find Link and the Great Fairy, whose models have been completely reworked. The effects of light and water, as well as the soundscape, benefit from rare care in non-commercial projects. Even the controls have been redesigned to provide better responsiveness.
The free version is locked at 30 frames per secondbut a 60 fps version is also available, via project support.
A sublimated nostalgia, but reserved for powerful machines
This fanmade version of Ocarina of Time is as beautiful as it is demanding. To run it correctly, a powerful PC is required. This is not a simple port: the environments have been rebuilt with such attention to detail that they rival AAA productions. The lucky ones will therefore be able to savor this impressive rereading; the others will have to be content to watch the videos online, which already have several million views.
This free remake is obviously not official, but it is part of a long tradition of homages that Nintendo has generally tolerated as long as they are not monetized. For fans who cannot enjoy the PC version, Ocarina of Time remains accessible via subscription Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Packor in its 3DS version released in 2011.
But let’s be honest: no matter how neat it is, Ocarina of Time 3D was never really a remake. What CryZENx offers is a modern and respectful vision of a masterpiece, living up to the expectations of a generation of gamers. And even if it’s not (yet?) Nintendo that offers it, the experience is worth it.