The unique Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time occupies an identical area in my coronary heart as The Black Cauldron, The Final Unicorn, The Neverending Story, The Darkish Crystal, and the entire 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 recreation, it is essential to do not forget that Ocarina of Time had its fair proportion of creepy content material, too. A part of that is as a result of recreation’s themes and delicate deal with mortality, nevertheless it’s additionally price noting that a few of this was merely attributable to there being some characters and enemies in that recreation 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 girl working on the Bombchu bowling alley. Regardless, the current announcement of an Ocarina of Time remake has left me reminiscing about these characters, and I’ve grown more and more wanting to see how they is perhaps reimagined in 2026. Listed here are those I’m most excited to see, in addition to those which might be positive to re-haunt me as soon as the sport launches later this 12 months.
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 technique to start a dialog. Whereas that is already sufficient to place an individual on edge, The Lake Scientist’s distinctly skeletal look definitely does not assist issues. Along with his Skulltula-shaped face, practically indifferent jaw (which incorporates 4 equally unfold aside enamel), and a distinctly haunted expression that appears to look previous Hyperlink and into the very soul of the individual taking part in 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. Based on Mamamu, Richard is a particular dog–one with the power 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 the direction of her beloved fur son, however it’s a must to admit, the canine’s received model. Certainly one of Ocarina of Time’s most heartbreaking moments is once you see Mamamu sooner or later and he or she 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 excellent 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 via Ocarina of Time so many occasions, perhaps I would be much less aggravated by his presence–maybe I may recognize that he merely desires me to be ready for what lies forward and has a number of, regular insecurities he must work via. However repeated publicity has worn me down. To me, Mido feels a bit just like the co-worker you desperately need 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 performed. Clearly I am not alone in feeling this fashion, 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 cause, 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 approach that I’m at all times wanting 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 way in which 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 quite a lot of occasions, 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 seem to be a good enemy and completely should be within the remake; that is apparent. However that does not imply I am comfortable about seeing how they appear 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 occasions. From day one, she is unwavering in her loyalty to Hyperlink and her need for a kinder world, treating even these like Mido with grace. By her track, 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 not made it abundantly clear but, I adore Saria and the understated but very important position she performs on this recreation. I can not wait to see how the Ocarina of Time remake will each reimagine her and rejoice her legacy.
Keep away: The Grasp Craftsman’s Son
On prime of being disagreeable to have a look at this, this man can also be such a downer. He is impolite for no cause 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.” Certain, he is a bit nicer to you when you tame his hen, however even then, his reward is instantly adopted by a request that you just 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 sequence, come to consider it–there was the Bombchu bowling alley operator. Together with her child bangs and crop prime, 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 excellent band you must take a look at. 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 in addition hope her various model is not switched up an excessive amount of. In any case, she’s an icon for a cause.
Keep away: Lifeless 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 coloration palette? Upsetting. The indifferent palms that pin you down to allow them to crane their neck and practically xenomorph chew you to loss of life? Extraordinarily usetting. There’s a cause that, regardless of having performed a number of horror video games all through my grownup life, Lifeless 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 sequence as a mini-boss in Ocarina of Time, and even again then, you might inform Nintendo needed it to really feel like a spectacle. In some methods, this battle appears like my first brush with getting into a soulslike area. Not within the model of gameplay or fight, clearly, however as a result of it evoked that very same feeling as passing via a fog gate and dealing with 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 whole battle performs out. It has the chance to be one of many recreation’s largest set items, and I hope they make the most of it.
