'The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild' Trailer Remade In 'Ocarina Of Time' Is Retro Awesome

“The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild” trailer from E3 set expectations high for the upcoming game, and many have compared the 2017 installment’s vast innovations to 1998’s “Ocarina Of Time.” As fate would have it, one fan remade the new clip with retro N64 tech.

The remake arrives from YouTube’s Sauraen and can be watched in its entirety below. Using a slightly modified ROM of “Ocarina,” as well as the older game’s audio samples, the similarity between both titles can be fully realized.

What truly makes that sense of consistency shine is inherent in how Nintendo models its modern version of Hyrule. Certain iconic locations, like Lake Hylia and Death Mountain, remain in their previously established locations in both titles. Those particular shots make for a stunning direct parallel. Especially when watched alongside the E3 2016 version, it’s fun to see just how far the visuals of the franchise have come. In some ways, the polished vibrancy of the Wii U build is made all the more impressive.

That’s not to say, however, that Sauraen’s work doesn’t carry its own unique level of intrigue. Not only were the perfect moments from the older game recaptured as cutscenes to convey the new trailer’s meaning, but mods were used artfully when necessary. For example, Link’s “Breath Of The Wild” blue tunic doesn’t exist in “Ocarina Of Time,” but hacks were still made to include it. Possibly most charming of all is the remake’s use of sound. The theme from E3 was recreated entirely from audio samples of a cartridge that’s more than a decade old. Those fan-service touches don’t just happen overnight.

“I decided to make this video because I love ‘Ocarina Of Time,’ and I’m really excited to play ‘Breath Of The Wild’ next year,” the trailer’s creator said in the clip’s description. “I believe this game will be as pivotal a moment for the ‘Zelda’ series, and the gaming world in general, as ‘Ocarina of Time’ was when it came out 18 years ago.”

Funnily enough, Nintendo franchise director, Eiji Aonuma, echoed similar thoughts earlier this year. In March, he told Famistu that “the base of our secret sauce has always been ‘Ocarina of Time.’ But this time, the change in flavor will be like going from Japanese food to Western style food.” In other words, one might say that the homage showcased in this remake actually fleshes out an intentional design choice. However, between crafting and open-air travel, “Breath Of The Wild” expands the established formula in a number of ways.

“The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild” comes to Wii U and NX in 2017.