The unique Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time occupies an analogous area in my coronary heart as The Black Cauldron, The Final Unicorn, The Neverending Story, The Darkish Crystal, and all the different fantastical experiences of the ’80s and ’90s in that, whereas elementary to creating who I’m right this moment, they had been additionally extraordinarily darkish. Although Majora’s Masks is (understandably) known as the darkest Legend of Zelda sport, it is essential to do not forget that Ocarina of Time had its justifiable share of creepy content material, too. A part of that is because of the sport’s themes and refined give attention to mortality, nevertheless it’s additionally value noting that a few of this was merely because of there being some characters and enemies in that sport had been horrifying.
That mentioned, not all of Ocarina of Time’s characters completely scarred me. Quite the opposite, a few of them maybe even awoken one thing in me, however that is between me and the lady working on the Bombchu bowling alley. Regardless, the latest announcement of an Ocarina of Time remake has left me reminiscing about these characters, and I’ve grown more and more desirous to see how they could be reimagined in 2026. Listed below are those I’m most excited to see, in addition to those which can be positive to re-haunt me as soon as the sport launches later this yr.
Keep away: The Lake Scientist
In case you forgot, one of many first issues this man says to you is, “Chances are you’ll not have seen, however I have been watching you,” which is one hell of strategy to start a dialog. Whereas that is already sufficient to place an individual on edge, The Lake Scientist’s distinctly skeletal look actually does not assist issues. Together with his Skulltula-shaped face, almost indifferent jaw (which accommodates 4 equally unfold aside enamel), and a distinctly haunted expression that appears to look previous Hyperlink and into the very soul of the particular person enjoying the sport, this man was an unreasonably horrifying determine.
Excited for: Richard
I can not wait to be reunited with Mamamu’s valuable (and precocious!) pup Richard. In keeping with Mamamu, Richard is a particular dog–one with the flexibility to outrun all of Hyrule Citadel City’s different “mutts” and a “very particular coat.” A part of this, in fact, appears more likely to replicate Mamamu’s personal bias in direction of her beloved fur son, however you must admit, the canine’s obtained fashion. One in every of Ocarina of Time’s most heartbreaking moments is once you see Mamamu sooner or later and she or he informs you that Richard handed away. “He was such a well-known pet,” she proclaims, as she reminisces concerning the small, spunky terrier. He was, Mamamu. He actually was.
Keep away: Mido
Hear, I do know there are all these fan theories that declare Mido is definitely an important character and so forth and so forth, however to me, he’ll at all times be the belittling jerk who forces you to endure the sport’s starting tutorial. If I hadn’t performed by means of Ocarina of Time so many instances, perhaps I would be much less aggravated by his presence–maybe I might admire that he merely needs me to be ready for what lies forward and has just a few, regular insecurities he must work by means of. However repeated publicity has worn me down. To me, Mido feels a bit just like the co-worker you desperately wish to keep away from since you simply know he has one thing pointless to say to you and thrives on stopping you from truly getting your work executed. Clearly I am not alone in feeling this manner, too–the Mido Skip Glitch is among the many most exploited in Ocarina of Time by each pace runners and aggravated gamers like me.
Excited for: The Nice Fairies
Get your thoughts out of the gutter, ya little freaks. I haven’t got the Nice Fairies on right here for that purpose, although in fact I will admit they’re all absolute baddies. No, their inclusion on this record is extra so as a result of I’m obsessive about how legendary, unusual, female, and unapologetic these divas are. From their daring make-up and skintight apparel, to their dazzling, unashamed laughter, these girls ooze charisma. In the identical manner that I’m at all times desirous to see what outfit Chappell Roan takes to the stage subsequent, I’m excited to see how the fairies love of glitz, glamour, and extra might be translated within the Ocarina of Time remake.
Keep away: ReDead
Even again in 1998, when their finer particulars had been distorted by now-dated tech, Ocarina of Time’s ReDeads scared absolutely the hell out of me. The shriek? The best way time would freeze as they inched nearer, able to wrap their fleshy, disfigured limbs throughout your physique and feed? 5-year-old me was totally horrified, and various instances, I straight up turned off my Nintendo 64 as a result of I didn’t really feel like coping with the quantity of hysteria they inflicted upon me. I will admit, they are a good enemy and completely must be within the remake; that is apparent. However that does not imply I am joyful about seeing how they give the impression of being in 2026 and enduring their cries as soon as extra.
Excited for: Saria
In some ways, Saria serves as Ocarina of Time’s beating heart–as a limitless supply of consolation and hope, even within the darkest of instances. From day one, she is unwavering in her loyalty to Hyperlink and her want for a kinder world, treating even these like Mido with grace. By her music, she acts as a voice of steerage and reassurance for our younger hero, and a bringing of pleasure for the Kokiri individuals. If I have never made it abundantly clear but, I like Saria and the understated but important function she performs on this sport. I can not wait to see how the Ocarina of Time remake will each reimagine her and have a good time her legacy.
Keep away: The Grasp Craftsman’s Son
On high of being disagreeable to have a look at this, this man can be such a downer. He is impolite for no purpose and repeatedly talks about how disgusting society is. “Individuals are disgusting,” he remarks. “My very own father and mom are disgusting. You have to be disgusting, too.” Positive, he is a bit nicer to you if you happen to tame his rooster, however even then, his reward is instantly adopted by a request that you simply do one thing for him. I do not know, man. He simply brings me down.
Excited for: The Bombchu Bowling Alley Operator
Lengthy earlier than Ramona Flowers–whose hair colours had been truly impressed by the Zelda collection, come to consider it–there was the Bombchu bowling alley operator. Along with her child bangs and crop high, I can solely assume she is the Hylian equal of the extraordinarily cute and funky lady who works at a espresso store and at all times is aware of of an important band it is best to try. Briefly, the Bombchu bowling alley operator is the indie girlfriend blueprint, and alongside Princess Jasmine, she was certainly one of my first feminine crushes. I’m excited to see how her look as advanced over time, but additionally hope her different fashion is not switched up an excessive amount of. In any case, she’s an icon for a purpose.
Keep away: Useless Palms
As if all of Hyrule’s spiders–sorry, Skulltulas– and ReDeads weren’t sufficient, Nintendo had so as to add these guys into the combination too? Their shade palette? Upsetting. The indifferent fingers that pin you down to allow them to crane their neck and almost xenomorph chunk you to dying? Extraordinarily usetting. There’s a purpose that, regardless of having performed a number of horror video games all through my grownup life, Useless Palms stick out to me as among the most grotesque and horrifying creatures I’ve confronted off in opposition to. Once more, upsetting!
Excited for: Darkish Hyperlink
Darkish Hyperlink is a singular entry on this record in that he’s an enemy who I’m excited to see once more, however what can I say? He is simply that cool. After an 11-year hiatus, the shadowy determine returned to the Zelda collection as a mini-boss in Ocarina of Time, and even again then, you may inform Nintendo wished it to really feel like a spectacle. In some methods, this struggle looks like my first brush with getting into a soulslike area. Not within the fashion of gameplay or fight, clearly, however as a result of it evoked that very same feeling as passing by means of a fog gate and going through off in opposition to this extremely succesful and threateningly conscious warrior–like Woman Maria in Bloodborne, for instance. Not solely am I excited to see how Darkish Hyperlink is rendered in 2026, I am excited to see how this complete battle performs out. It has the chance to be one of many sport’s greatest set items, and I hope they make the most of it.
