The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a fan favorite game, and it received an update when it was re-released for the Nintendo 3DS as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Considering the age of Ocarina of Time, it's no surprise that the game received plenty of changes when being brought to the 3DS so that it would be more than just a port. Additionally, these changes went beyond graphics and even improved gameplay elements while removing elements that could be exploited to skip sections.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D isn't the first time that this classic game has been brought to another Nintendo system. However, the past versions that were available on Nintendo GameCube and Wii are emulations of the original Ocarina of Time. Because of this, Ocarina of Time 3D features changes that might stick out for players who the 1998 version, but some changes could be a welcomed difference.

10 Remastered Graphics

The Ocarina of Time manga has details of Link's design not explored in the game.

Since Ocarina of Time 3D isn't an emulation that ports the 1998 game to another system, it has noticeable improvements to graphics and an increased frame rate of 30 FPS from the original 20 FPS. The result is textures with more detail and improved in-game character models that make use of more polygons. Because Ocarina of Time 3D was designed to make use of the hardware contained in the Nintendo 3DS, the game provides an overall smoother experience for players.

9 Boss Challenge

Boss Challenge mode from Ocarina of Time 3D

Boss Challenge is a new feature added in Ocarina of Time 3D that becomes available after players complete the Forest Temple. This mode lets players challenge every Ocarina of Time boss that they've beat so far, timing the battle and keeping track of their records. Players can unlock the Boss Gauntlet through the Boss Challenge mode.

After beating the Forest Temple, players can enter the Boss Challenge by returning to Link's home in Kokiri Forest. Link's bed gives players the option to sleep, which will restore their health, and then they'll also receive the option to challenge the bosses they've beat up to their current point in Ocarina of Time. Players who defeat every boss a second time will then unlock the Boss Gauntlet, where they fight the bosses one after another, limiting them to restoring health using only what they have in their inventory. However, Link receives a power-up at the end of each fight, making it a little easier to complete the gauntlet.

8 Pre-Rendered Backgrounds Removed

Child Link stands in front of the Deku Tree in Ocarina of Time 3D

With Ocarina of Time 3D being a remake of the Nintendo 64 game, it's able to replace and improve parts of the original's designs that were affected by the limitations of hardware used in the N64. By remaking the game instead of porting it, Ocarina of Time 3D was able to remove the use of pre-rendered backgrounds from the game and replace them with backgrounds that are rendered in 3D to match the rest of the areas. This also allows the camera to follow behind Link when players go down the alley in the Market instead of being set at the end of the alley, limiting visibility.

7 Inventory Improvements

Updated inventory for Ocarina of Time 3D

Ocarina of Time 3D made significant changes to the inventory, including removing items from being put in it and giving them a sub-menu for ease of access. As a result, items like arrows have a sub-menu where players can pick which arrows to use, letting them swap between normal and magic versions easier. Players can also move items in their inventory to organize it in a way that's convenient for them, a feature that wasn't available in the original game.

6 Water Temple Changes

Link s wimming in the Water Temple level in Zelda Ocarina Of Time

The Ocarina of Time Water Temple doesn't receive much love from players, but changes made for the 3DS version give additional help to complete this temple that has a reputation of being frustrating. Colored borders have been added to the Water Temple that guide players to the locations used to change the level of water in the dungeon. Additionally, some camera angles in the temple have been adjusted so that it's easier for players to find the solutions to puzzles.

5 Deku Stick Damage

Zelda's Deku Sticks Were Strong As The Master Sword

In the original Ocarina of Time, performing a jump attack with a Deku Stick did the same amount of damage that an attack with the Biggaron Sword did. It seems that this wasn't an intentional feature of the Deku Stick, as the damage has been lessened in the 3DS version. While this might be a disappointment for players who used the Deku Stick to make combat easy, especially before acquiring the Master Sword, it's likely the intended damage for Deku Stick attacks.

4 Sheikah Stone Changes

Visions screen from Sheikah Stones in Ocarina of Time 3D

Sheikah Stones are better versions of Gossip Stones, objects in the original Ocarina of Time that aren't the most useful, especially since players can't read them until they've gotten the Mask of Truth, which is an optional item. Ocarina of Time 3D has two Sheikah Stones - one in the Temple of Time and one outside Link's house - that Link can crawl into and access the Visions screen. The Visions will give players hints about how to solve puzzles or bosses relevant to which point they're at in the game.

3 Interface Updates

Ocarina of Time 3D with its new interface that's split across two screens

Being remade for a handheld console means that it was necessary to make changes to controls and the HUD since the 3DS has two screens, one being a touchscreen. As a result, controls are generally out of the way of graphics since the HUD is almost entirely on the bottom screen. This also allows players to swap items easily with quick access to their inventory, and the Ocarina is permanently bound to a button, removing the need to dig for it in the inventory. The new HUD makes it more convenient to go between inventory, map, and equipment, which results in an overall smoother experience.

2 Redone Animations

Impa with her updated pose in Ocarina of Time 3D where her arms are no longer crossed

The graphics weren't the only visual updates, as character animations also received remakes in Ocarina of Time 3D. The redone animations tend to be more pronounced than the originals, but it might help convey NPC feelings since dialogue alone can't always set the tone for a situation. Impa's default pose, for instance, was changed from her arms being crossed, so some adjustments to animations were more on the subtle side as well.

1 Added Guidance

Navi gives Link a tip in Ocarina of Time.

Ocarina of Time 3D has many small adjustments that result in more guidance overall to help players with direction and solving puzzles beyond the use of Sheikah Stones. Part of the extra guidance comes in the form of graphics updates, such as the aforementioned Water Temple colored borders, since being able to see areas and the details in them with more clarity make it easier to spot what needs to be done before players can progress. Players can see how to play songs while using the Ocarina due to the new HUD set-up, which eliminates the need to memorize the button orders.

While Ocarina of Time 3D has features that make it easier than the original, players who want the improved graphics coupled with a challenging experience can play Master Quest after beating the regular game, where many features that offer guidance are removed and puzzles are more difficult. Link's adventures continue in new games, but the popularity of Ocarina of Time endures even decades after its release in 1998. Maybe a remake for the Switch should be in the future for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.