Hands On: Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D

Nintendo remakes a classic with 3D visuals, gyro-based camera controls and more!

Zelda was the chief attraction at the Nintendo World 2011 3DS demo event in Japan, which opened its doors for three days of early 3DS demo play on Saturday. The game drew lines of up to 110 minutes even as most other games made players wait just 20 to 30 minutes.

We braved the long lines and came back impressed with some of the improvements the 3DS hardware brings to the N64 classic. The demo had three save files: a free romp through Kokiri Forest, dungeon play in Deku Tree, and a boss fight with Gohma.

The fundamentals in terms of moving Link around and locking on to enemies for combat are pretty much what we remember from the original. We were able to pick up and play without any controller-related adjustments.

The 3DS does make some clear improvements to the gameplay, though. Of particular note is the presence of the touch screen, which allows you to easily switch between inventory, equipment and map, and tap to use items. You can also respond to Navi's calls by tapping an icon on the bottom screen (if you're unfamiliar, Navi is the fairy that accompanies Link and acts as a navigator). The screen also shows the weapon assignment for buttons, lessening the clutter on the top screen.

Also on the bottom screen, you'll find an eye icon. This is for switching into a viewing mode, which allows you to get a glimpse around Link's surroundings. New for the 3DS is the ability to control the camera in viewing mode, and when aiming with your slingshot, through gyro controls. Basically, you move the 3DS around like a digital camera, so if you want to look up you'll aim the 3DS up and if you want to look behind you, you'll turn around. The camera control felt very intuitive in our play session, although you can also opt for more traditional analogue controls if you like.

With the touch screen and camera options, it's pretty clear that Nintendo plans on delivering more than just a direct port of the N64 classic. The game also looks far better than its N64 counterpart, although not as visually impressive as some of the other 3DS titles on display.

We didn't end up paying much attention to the game's 3D component. It just made the game feel like it was extending a bit into the screen, with a solid-looking Link figure running about. We imagine an original Zelda game would do some neat gameplay tricks with 3D, but this is presumably out for Ocarina of time -- unless Nintendo adds new content, that is.

Nintendo actually hasn't said much about Ocarina of Time in terms of what's changed from the N64 version. The game will not be launching with the Japanese 3DS on February 26, so they may very well be taking their time to make it a port/remake that's worthy of its namesake.

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