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There's no arguing that Ocarina of Time

Due to the technical limitations of the N64, Ocarina's once super sharp graphics are now starting to show their age. Lucky for us, Nintendo's newest handheld, and a long-overdue remake, are set to bring Ocarina into the new millennium in style. But exactly how different is this new version going to be? Does the old stack up against the new? And will Ocarina of Time 3DS do justice to the beloved original? If these are the questions that keep you up at night, look no further-- IGN's got your answers.In this first set of images (Ocarina 3DS is on top, the original is on bottom), Link faces off against Ingo at Lon Lon ranch in a race for Epona's safety. Comparing these two screenshots, it becomes apparent that Ocarina 3DS is keeping incredibly true to the look and feel of the original.Although nearly every aspect has been updated in some way (from the grass and fence to the character models), it looks like this new version will still retain the simple, polygonal look of the original, just with even more detail. Other notable improvements include the color scheme, which is notably more vibrant (especially the bright, yellow-green grass) and the added detail that's been added to the character models and textures.Here we see two different views of Link floating underwater in the infamous Water Temple. In both images, Link has just removed his iron boots, and is thusly rising to the surface of the water. In the 3DS version on top, the underwater scene is noticeably less murky, and yet, at the same time, does a better job of communicating distortion with enhanced water and lighting effects. You can also see a greater level of detail in the dungeon walls.Link's fair, elflike facial features, blue eyes, and attire have also seen a major overhaul. If you look closely at the top image, you'll see that Link is finally sporting all of those wonderful details that have graced Ocarina's artwork for years (most noticeably on his boots, buckles, tunic, and the leather, across-the-chest strap that holds his sword's sheath to his back).This set of screenshots really shows off the extra level of detail the 3DS version of Ocarina will provide. What was once a boring, forgettable room is now as interesting as the shop owner who supplies it.Here we can see that Castle Town's bazaar is far more cluttered than it was in the original. Various objects such as bombs, boxes, and cans are strewn about unevenly, lending to the atmosphere of a trader's import shop and really making it feel like an actual shop that real people visit. The lighting is also much warmer and more inviting this time around.In this scene, which is an important one in the game, Link returns to the Lost Woods as an adult where he finds the mysterious Sheik in the Sacred Forest Meadow. In this new version, those ugly "tree walls" are no longer covering the sky, replaced with lush, leafy treetops and a sunny, golden sky. The textures on the walls and forest floor are also much more detailed. Whereas, in the original, pretty much everything in this area was an indiscernible mess of green and brown, it is now much easier to tell the green, grassy floor from the grey and brown, moss-covered rock wall. Mushrooms and foliage have also been added to further flesh out this location.In these two incredibly similar images, the most important elements to note are (again) the lighting and color scheme. Certain areas like this one that were once dark, dull, and drab are now vibrant and expressive, while still remaining true to the original design. Even with this added shot of color, however, the chilling atmosphere of this haunting and frenzied boss fight is still intact.These two screens are a great place to look at Ocarina 3D's upgraded textures. Note the bricks and wooden patterns on the walls. In the new version, the bricks pop off more, replacing that old, flat look completely. If you look at the wall, you'll also notice that the lighting now shifts from dark to light, accounting for the shadows in the room. Little changes like this really lend a feeling of depth and atmosphere to the room that wasn't there before. When coupled with the 3D effect, details like this should make for a really attractive, more visually engaging look for Ocarina.In this last set of images, which show Link running across a bridge in Kokiri Forest, the most notable changes are in the HUD. Thanks to the 3DS' lower screen, the majority of the HUD has been moved down and out of the way of the action, leaving the top screen considerably less cluttered.Link's heart meter (and eventually magic meter, which has yet to be unlocked at this point in the game), rupee total, and equipped items have all been shifted downward, leaving only the map and action icon on the top screen. A second, zoomed-out map (which was originally located in the pause menu) has also been moved to the bottom screen. Unlike the map up top, which shows your location in whatever room you're in, the map on the lower screen tells you which area you're in and where that area is in comparison to the other regions of the world map. In addition to the decluttering of the HUD, other notable changes include the removal of this area's "tree walls" (which, again, have been replaced with actual trees and sky), the vastly improved rock textures, and the extremely brightened sky and water.

These are all of the little differences we've noticed so far between the original Ocarina and its forthcoming 3D remake. What do you think? Did we miss any? Is it true enough to the original for you? Do you wish it had changed more? Let us know in the comments section below!