Top Nintendo Games That Deserve the Ocarina of Time Remake Treatment

Fans were uncertain when Nintendo announced the Ocarina of Time remake, as they didn’t know whether the developer would stay faithful to the original or take substantial liberties. The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct was the first time the Ocarina of Time remake’s gameplay was seen, but it received mixed reception. Some fans were happy that Nintendo modernized the game while sticking close to the source. Others were unhappy with certain changes, such as the character models. Regardless of the feedback, there are more Nintendo titles that deserve a similar treatment to the Ocarina of Time remake, and here are the five best games for it. 

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask is the direct sequel to Ocarina of Time and is set in a darker and more complicated world, which Link must save Termina from a mask-donning Skull Kid. The game’s most unique element is the three-day cycle, which forces Link to plan around it and return to day 1 when day 3 finishes. This reset causes Link to repeat certain things to start progressing again. Masks are an important element in the game, and some even allow Link to transform into other creatures, such as Deku, Goron, or Zora. These respective masks can then be used to solve puzzles or complete their corresponding dungeons. Majora’s Mask focuses heavily on a social element, as you must keep an eye on NPC schedules and which day you must complete certain tasks.

The biggest reason why Majora’s Mask is one of the best games for a similar remake treatment is that Nintendo initially used Ocarina of Time models and assets to make it. This gives developers a ready base to use because the Ocarina of Time remake has already been built from the ground up. Majora’s Mask remake could become a sequel to Ocarina of Time and allow another generation to enjoy two of Nintendo’s most beloved titles. The three-day cycle can also be revamped with modern technology to offer players even more detailed gameplay.

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Kid Icarus: Uprising has you fighting Medusa and the Underworld Army, with the gameplay revolving around either flying or battles on the ground. There are both melee and ranged weapons players can use in combat, with each offering a different gameplay style. There is also a mechanic, Fiend’s Cauldron, which can increase a chapter’s difficulty. This is a good way to get better rewards, but the enemies are also more dangerous. A unique element of the game is that it uses the 3DS controls significantly, with the Circle Pad and stylus both being part of gameplay.

The game’s modern remake would change things significantly, as the 3DS controls won’t work on modern consoles. This means that a remake would rebuild the gameplay around modern dual-stick controls, with one working for movement and the other for aiming. A modern recreation could also make the aerial and ground combat more detailed and offer a more immersive element. The game has a strong foundation that Nintendo could modernize for a new generation. 

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Twilight Princess is set in a version of Hyrule that has been corrupted by Twilight. Link must travel between the two realms while teaming up with Midna, and the protagonist also gains a transformation ability that allows him to become a wolf. This changes the gameplay substantially, allowing for a different take on puzzles and combat. The core objective is to save Hyrule from Twilight with the help of Midna, and the protagonist’s transforming ability is a crux of the gameplay.

This is another Zelda title that Nintendo has visited and even remade in an HD version, which indicates that the developer knows it’s a unique and beloved game. However, a ground-up remake would change the game completely, making it more modern and possibly offering a darker view of the corrupted Hyrule. Wolf Link could also gain modern movement and combat, while human Link’s sections can be refreshed while keeping the essence of a Zelda title. 

Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 is the Ocarina of Time of the Mario universe, as both were the first 3D games of their franchises. The game introduces the element of using paintings to enter different worlds. This was a unique element at the time and quickly became a beloved feature of the game. The game’s main objective is to collect Power Stars, complete more worlds, and eventually find Princess Peach.

Nintendo has revisited this game as well, as Super Mario 64 was released on the DS. However, that wasn’t a remake, and Nintendo could change several elements of the game if the developer builds Super Mario 64 from the ground up. The biggest potential change would likely be the camera and movement, as both felt awkward in the original game. Modern visuals could also change the worlds while keeping the nostalgic feel. 

Golden Sun

This game was released on the Game Boy Advance and focuses on the power of Alchemy. Isaac and his companions use an elemental magic called Psynergy, which isn’t just for combat and can come in handy to solve puzzles as well. The game also has elemental creatures known as Djinn, which can be assigned to characters to change their class, attributes, and Psynergy. Djinn can also be used in battle to unleash havoc. 

The game revolves around interacting with environmental elements, and a modern remake could make the characters’ abilities more visually pleasing and realistic. The GBA game leaves substantial room for improvement, with everything from character models to animations and everything in between. Psynergy could be used to create more intricate environmental interactions, and modern visuals could bring the unique Djinn to life.