The ‘Ocarina of Time’ Remake Sparks Debate Over Link's New Look

Culture
The brief

The highly anticipated remake of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" has finally arrived, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and a fresh take on the beloved classic. This updated version is not just a simple remaster; it features significant aesthetic upgrades that have sparked conversations among fans and critics alike. Notably, the character of Link has undergone a striking transformation, characterized by what some are calling a "yassified" appearance, complete with curled eyelashes and a glossy lip finish that highlights the advancements in gaming technology and design expectations.

Nintendo's efforts to modernize this iconic game reflect a broader trend in the gaming industry where players now seek more than just gameplay; they desire intricate narratives and interconnected level designs. The aesthetic changes to Link are emblematic of a shift in how characters are portrayed in video games, aiming to appeal to contemporary sensibilities while also retaining the essence of the original character. This has led to a polarized reception, with some praising the new look for its boldness, while others lament the departure from the classic design that many grew up with.S1S2

As fans dive into the revamped world of Hyrule, discussions around character design and the expectations of modern gaming continue to evolve. The remake not only revitalizes a classic but also raises questions about the balance between nostalgia and innovation in video game design. The ongoing dialogue reflects a community grappling with its identity as it embraces both the past and the future of gaming.S1S2

Timeline · newest first
55m Wol

The ‘Ocarina of Time’ Remake Is Finally Here, but Why Does Link Look so Yassified?

Beyond better technology, though, people have different expectations of video games from major publishers. Interconnecting level designs, intricate storylines, and

1h Wired

The ‘Ocarina of Time’ Remake Is Finally Here, but Why Does Link Look so Yassified?

Nintendo has prepped its classic game for a rerelease with a slew of aesthetic upgrades—none more extreme than the protagonist’s curled-eyelash, glossed-lip glow-up.

The ‘Ocarina of Time’ Remake Sparks Debate Over Link's New Look

2 outlets 2 reports
The brief

The highly anticipated remake of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" has finally arrived, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and a fresh take on the beloved classic. This updated version is not just a simple remaster; it features significant aesthetic upgrades that have sparked conversations among fans and critics alike. Notably, the character of Link has undergone a striking transformation, characterized by what some are calling a "yassified" appearance, complete with curled eyelashes and a glossy lip finish that highlights the advancements in gaming technology and design expectations.

Nintendo's efforts to modernize this iconic game reflect a broader trend in the gaming industry where players now seek more than just gameplay; they desire intricate narratives and interconnected level designs. The aesthetic changes to Link are emblematic of a shift in how characters are portrayed in video games, aiming to appeal to contemporary sensibilities while also retaining the essence of the original character. This has led to a polarized reception, with some praising the new look for its boldness, while others lament the departure from the classic design that many grew up with.S1S2

As fans dive into the revamped world of Hyrule, discussions around character design and the expectations of modern gaming continue to evolve. The remake not only revitalizes a classic but also raises questions about the balance between nostalgia and innovation in video game design. The ongoing dialogue reflects a community grappling with its identity as it embraces both the past and the future of gaming.S1S2

Timeline · newest first

Sources · 2 citations

S1 Wol 1 report · EN
S2 WiredLead 1 report · EN