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Full sized versions of the images are available by clicking the re-sized images.

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As I mentioned in my Skyward Sword blog, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is being released around e3 (early-mid June). There have been somewhat mixed, though generally positive responses to this. To understand why there have been some negative reactions to this, you must first know that the original, Nintendo 64 version of the game has long been held as the greatest game created, to which I agree (although, I hold a few other games on par with it.) Because Ocarina of Time has such a reputation, some believe that messing with the game could ruin what caused it to be hailed as the greatest game in the first place. I however believe Nintendo will deliver an even greater game than the original. Here are some key enhancements that are known and those I believe Nintendo needs to include to achieve this:



Visuals:
From what we've seen, this remake has greatly improved visuals, which is always nice. Now that 3D graphics have improved greatly since the original's release, the previous vestiges of poor textures and blocky character models are a thing of the past. Everything shown has been pleasing to the eye. Hopefully the rest of the game follows suit.




Sound:
Like with Skyward Sword, I'm hoping for the music to be orchestrated, as they give the music much better quality. And because one of the game's main mechanics involve the playing of the titular Ocarina, orchestration would make it sound superb.


Gameplay: One of the few gameplay problems with the original had to do with the infamous Water Temple, as well as the Iron Boots. Basically, the Temple entailed much use of the Iron Boots, but in order to equip them, one had to pause the game, select them, then unpause the game, rather than simply having a button to change Link's boots. Nintendo has expressed that they wish to rectify this, and other gameplay ills with the remake.


Additions:
Overall, the best thing Nintendo can add to greatly improve this game would be additional things, such as quests, items, characters, etc. that weren't present in the original. One such addition that would be appreciated would be the Unicorn Spring. For those who don't know, the Unicorn Spring was supposed to be a Fairy Spring in the original, but it was taken out of the final game. Hopefully, this and many other extras will be added to the game. And considering Nintendo is aware of the original game's reputation, they've already discussed the possibility of their adding bonus content to this 3D remake.

If Nintendo can realize improvements such as these (and whatever else they can think of), they'll make a definite buyer out of me, and many others I'm sure.

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Taste the Rainbow

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