Leaked Zelda: Ocarina of Time review calls Switch 2 game safe with pacing issues

The Zelda: Ocarina of Time review embargo will likely expire on November 4th. However, two days before its release date, NPR published and then deleted its opinion on the Switch 2 game. While the leak describes it as a faithful interpretation, not all the changes positively impact gameplay.

According to NPR, the enhanced visuals lead to a convincing modernization of the original N64 Zelda game. Still, the new art style can produce some goofy character depictions, like with Nabooru. Unfortunately, the writer doesn’t confirm performance details such as resolution and frame rate.

The new control scheme and camera

Two of the remake's most obvious perks are updated controls and an over-the-shoulder perspective. The jump button is a major addition, giving players slightly more authority over Link’s movements. On the other hand, the Zelda: Ocarina of Time review notes how fans may miss the calibrated fixed camera views.

Combat is smoother, and the ability to easily switch between weapons and items is welcome. Even so, the in-house Nintendo studio could have overlooked an opportunity to simplify target toggling. The journalist doesn’t comment on whether boss attacks are less predictable.

Another noticeable change is the arrival of fully voiced cutscenes. The story stays true to the 1998 narrative, but the Switch 2 game takes liberties with how it portrays characters. One drawback is that the new cinematics can slow players who are anxious to explore Hyrule and its memorable dungeons.

Predicting the Metacritic score

Despite lukewarm observations, the Ocarina of Time remake review leak suggests Zelda loyalists will approve of the project. Nevertheless, while calling it “superb and streamlined,” the conservative approach could justify criticism. The 2011 3DS version already revamped the title, and some followers wanted Nintendo to expand on the experience rather than recreate it.

NPR did not issue a rating for the Switch 2 game, which has become a focus as the Ocarina of Time release date approaches. Based on this evaluation, it may struggle to replicate the N64 classic's record-setting 99 Metacritic score.