Remakes Of These Zelda Games Would Probably Remove Their Signature Feature, But There’s A Good Reason

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Remakes Of These Zelda Games Would Probably Remove Their Signature Feature, But There’s A Good Reason


There have been remakes of many classic titles from The Legend of Zelda, but two of the franchise’s games would likely lose a signature feature in any modernized versions. As a result, such a remake project would fundamentally change the experience of playing these games when compared to their original versions. However, although this removal would be a significant break from the classic experience, there is still an understandable reason for making such a change.




Notable past remakes of Zelda games include Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, which have introduced some of the franchise’s most iconic games to new generations. Of course, there are still Zelda games that deserve remakes of their own, allowing them to remain accessible long after their original releases. Fortunately, there are indications that at least one Zelda remake is planned for the Switch 2 already, indicating the franchise will continue to update its older titles alongside releasing brand-new games. Although with that being said, these same updates could have a dramatic effect on the gameplay of any title.


Remakes Of The Oracle Games Would Not Need Linking

Modern Technology Would Make Connecting The Games’ Data Much Simpler

The Secret input screen in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages as seen via Nintendo Switch Online.


The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are unique entries in the franchise. The Oracle games are intended to be played in sequence in what is called a Linked Game. This feature is facilitated through the use of a password generated at the end of the first Oracle game played. While both titles are fully enjoyable on their own, only linking them together to form a continuous narrative unlocks their combined true ending, in which Koume and Kotake kidnap Princess Zelda in an attempt to resurrect Ganon. Modern remakes, however, would arguably not need this feature.

There was originally intended to be a third
Oracle
game, reflecting the three aspects of the Triforce. However, linking three titles proved too complex to execute in development and so the third game was canceled.


Selling remakes of the Oracle games as separate titles could easily work against Nintendo, as the cost could put many people from buying both. Considering the significance of Linked Games, many would therefore be dissuaded from buying either title, as they would be acutely aware of the fact that they would be only able to experience half of the full story at most. As such, it would make much more sense if Oracle remakes were sold bundled together, but this in turn means that linking the games together in the manner of the originals would not be needed.

Modern Oracle remakes sold in a bundle would be able to offer people the choice of which title to begin with, and then automatically begin the Linked Game version of the other title once the first has been completed. This would be far more convenient for the average player, as it would remove the need for the twenty-character Secret to Labrynna or Secret To Holodrum, the passwords that begin a Linked Game in their respective titles. Furthermore, the two games’ other Secrets would be similarly rendered redundant.


Modern Games No Longer Use Password Systems

The Oracle Games’ Secret System Would Not Appeal To Modern Players

Link being given the King Zora Secret by a Zora in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons.

Aside from the Labrynna and Holodrum Secrets, there are many other similar passwords found throughout the two titles during the course of a Linked Game. These can be used to unlock items in their counterpart title’s completed game file, which in turn provides Secrets to unlock the same item in the Linked Game. One of the most notable rewards for doing this is Link getting the Master Sword. Regular gameplay in either game allows Link to upgrade his sword once, but only this Secret allows the second-level upgrade to the iconic blade.

Ultimately, the password mechanic of the
Oracle
games would be redundant for bundled remakes.


In comparison to modern games, however, the Secret feature may be frustrating if implemented faithfully in any future remakes. Although passwords like these were once used to transfer information and even maintain save data, technological advances mean that they are no longer necessary. Instead, remakes would be more than capable of tracking these factors internally, without any player input. Ultimately, the password mechanic of the Oracle games would be redundant for bundled remakes.

Artwork of Link from Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons in front of a screenshot from the games' opening cutscene, showing someone on horseback riding along a beach at sunset.

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Naturally, a change like this may be disappointing for those who feel nostalgia for the original games. Although it may be outdated, entering passwords to activate Secrets is still arguably a core part of experiencing the Oracle games in their original form, and it would be sad to lose that in the process of modernization. But at the same time, removing the feature would also be understandable from a modern standpoint; although there are some concepts the Zelda franchise should revisit, not every mechanic would be as well received today as it was 23 years ago.

Oracle Game Remakes Could Introduce New Content

An Extended Story Could Give The Oracle Of Secrets New Significance

Of course, it is also worth noting that remakes of the Oracle games offer a perfect opportunity to expand upon the originals in many ways. Most notably, remakes could revive the original concept of there being three Oracle games and introduce an entire new adventure for Link to embark on. It would be far from unfeasible for the Linked Game ending’s scenario, the kidnapping of Princess Zelda, to be extended into something much larger than what is seen in the original games.


Link in Zelda Ocarina Of Time

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This would also allow Farore, Oracle of Secrets, to take on a larger role than she has in the original titles. Farore is the NPC responsible for managing the player’s known secrets with her book, Farore’s Memory, in the Hall of Secrets. However, this function would be redundant if Secrets are themselves removed. Becoming a key figure in Link’s journey to rescue Zelda would be a perfect change in response to this, although if the Linked Game scenario is not extended she could also take on smaller roles such as managing a new minigame.


The password-based Secrets of the often underrated Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages are the games’ signature feature, but also a product of their time. While the games undoubtedly deserve remakes, the process would have very good cause to remove these passwords entirely. Naturally, this would change the experience of playing these games considerably, which may disappoint some people. However, the benefits of The Legend of Zelda streamlining this part of the gameplay (especially combined with other potential changes) may outweigh the costs of doing so for a modern audience.



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