We thought we’d seen everything about the amateur remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but CryZENx has just pushed the limits again with a breathtaking update. The recently released free demo propels players into an iconic area from the original adventure, with breathtaking visuals.
“This time, you will enter the belly of Jabu-Jabu”, this cult sequence in which Link recovers the third Spirit Stone. The whole thing was completely recreated in Unreal Engine 5 with lighting, texture and water effects that border on photorealism. The demo can be downloaded for free from CryZENx’s Patreon, who continues to share his project with impressive regularity.
A visual tribute that stirs players’ nostalgia
Zelda: Ocarina of Time is undoubtedly one of the most beloved games in video game history, and this unofficial remake has awakened an intact fervor. “The Unreal Engine 5 version that CryZENx is working on is magnificent,” writes the author of the original article, praising the artisanal work of an enthusiast.
This remake isn’t the only one to make fans shiver. To access other mythical areas such as Dodongo Cave or Lake Hylia, this time you will need to subscribe to Patreon. A risky strategy, because Nintendo is known for fiercely protecting its licenses. “So I’m surprised the company let this amateur project continue for this long.”
Could Nintendo intervene with this amateur project?
The very existence of the remake raises questions. The recent precedent of a Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod, deleted by CD Projekt Red because it was reserved for subscribers, casts a shadow over the sustainability of the project. Even if the price of Patreon remains modest, it could arouse legal vigilance from Nintendo.
The paradox is that many are hoping for an official remake. And yet, “I don’t want Nintendo to remake Ocarina of Time,” confides the author. For him, the 3DS version is enough, the original is still just as powerful. But fans’ passion pushes the limits, and “if that day comes, we already know it will be breathtaking.”
The remake is part of an anniversary year for the Zelda saga
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. An anniversary that Nintendo could celebrate with long-awaited remasters like Twilight Princess or Wind Waker on Switch. At the same time, a live action film is expected for 2027, and could be entitled to a first trailer before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the CryZENx remake continues to ignite the networks. Although it remains uncertain whether it will ever come to fruition, each free update is a visual ode to one of Nintendo’s greatest adventures.