Remakes have been a staple in the video game industry that predates even the console market. The first remakes tended to be reprogrammed arcade games that would be given upgraded visuals and mechanics when being ported over to stronger cabinets. The remakes of today follow the similar song and dance of reimagining older titles on newer hardware. But are remakes starting to become controversial? In an era of recycled products and sequels getting prequels, remakes have gained a reputation unlike the decades before.
It’s probably fair to say that people have grown tired of the entertainment industry with its recent trend of reviving or bringing back projects through remakes or sequels. Just like every other aspect of our daily lives, entertainment has grown expensive, and the video game industry understands that if we are to now drop $70 for a game, it would need to be something people already recognize or are fans of. Companies like CAPCOM understand this and have publicly stated that it has plans to revive its older franchises for this exact reason.
The upcoming Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake has been great news for many, but is an unfortunate reminder to me that remakes feel more unnecessary now then ever. A byproduct of companies looking to maximize profit without having to splurge on new creative leads or risking brand new projects takes the magic out of remakes for me. Another factor is with the popularity of generative AI content in our entertainment, my crave for originality has never been worse. Remaking Ocarina of Time specifically is really just a nail in coffin given how it’s now the most ported over and remade title compared to other Zelda games.
If Nintendo announced this remake in a climate where remakes were still respected instead of a business tactic to boost Switch 2 sales, I would be excited. It’s the fact that I’m not that I’m writing this article. What went wrong in the industry for Ocarina of Time to leave an empty hole in my heart? In today’s age I want nothing more than an original title to really sell me on Nintendo’s new phase with the Switch 2, but that potential game has yet to exist. To go back to a world where remakes are respected means we shouldn’t continue to prove to companies that they’re more than just “get rich quick” schemes. Remakes should be a necessity for preservation not a necessity to justify purchasing a $500 console. Maybe I’m being too harsh, but in this industry, I’d rather be harsh than complacent.
Featured Image: Nintendo
Nintendo Pow Block – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
Nintendo Pow Block is a weekly Nintendo podcast hosted by Edward Varnell, Corey Dirrig, and their friends from around the internet. Each week, they dive into the latest Nintendo news and rumors for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, new and upcoming releases, updates to Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Music app, and discuss what they’ve been playing in the Playing with Power segment.
Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now your Podcasting with Power!
Zelda Director Revealed, Future Remakes, & Switch 2 2027 Lineup – Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now Your Podcasting with Power!
- Zelda Director Revealed, Future Remakes, & Switch 2 2027 Lineup
- Nintendo Indie World, Switch 2 Jailbreak & The Duskbloods Delay
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Expansion Pass, Zelda: Ocarina of Time Updates, & More
- Nintendo's Physical Future, Final Fantasy VII Cast Tearful Farewell
- Bayonetta’s Future, & Monster Hunter Wilds, & Capcom's AI Dev Tools
Listen to Nintendo Pow Block on Podcast Services
Apple Podcasts + Spotify + Goodpods + Amazon + More Links
Follow and Connect with Nintendo Pow Block: A Nintendo Podcast
X/Twitter + Bluesky + Instagram + Threads + YouTube
Thank you for watching or listening to Nintendo Pow Block, the Nintendo podcast from Boss Rush Network! If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe to the channel, give the video a Like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app, please leave us a 5-star rating and a review—it really helps! For more great content, visit our website at BossRush.net. Thanks for your continued support of Nintendo Pow Block and our independent endeavor with the Boss Rush Network!
Leave a Reply