The Remake of Zelda: Nintendo's Half-Measure Problem
When Nintendo showed off its Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time earlier in September, I had the same first thought as a lot of folks: Nintendo sure did hire that man . In the weeks since, though, I’ve warmed on the remake’s new art style. Yes, the glassy-eyed characters give off an uncanny first impression, and the realistic lighting and detailed clothing can call to mind Unreal Engine 5 asset flips. But these aren't purposeless decisions—the cherubic character designs seem inspired by puppet theater and porcelain dolls, and the environments are aiming for a capital-r-Romantic style , not simply photorealism. Meanwhile, combat looks snappy and satisfying, and there appear to be more changes under the hood than just the addition of a jump button. Yet there’s still something that feels off about the whole project, and it's not Link's appearance when sopping wet . Criticisms focusing on the graphics alone are missing the Kokiri Forest for...