Thanks to this graphical overhaul, Link looks better than ever...
Developer CryZENx has just released a playable demo of his jaw-dropping fan remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5.5.4, featuring drastically enhanced visuals, a brand-new art style, and playable content that’s sure to take fans’ breath (...of the wild) away.
A Classic in a New Tunic
Since its debut in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time has been regarded as a milestone in video game history.
Nintendo has since re-released the classic several times: as an emulator version on the Virtual Console, a 3D rework on the Nintendo 3DS, and most recently as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Yet despite technical upgrades, the game’s visuals have always remained firmly rooted in the late '90s – nostalgic, yes, but undeniably dated.
That’s where CryZENx steps in. His project isn’t just a graphical filter — it’s a complete remake from the ground up, using modern technology while respectfully expanding on the original’s atmosphere.
The development process is transparently chronicled via YouTube and Patreon. His latest update, published on May 17, 2025, unveils impressive progress and tantalizing new content.
Meet the Creator Behind The Magic
CryZENx is no amateur tinkerer. With over a decade of experience in game development, his body of work spans tech demos, Unreal Engine mods, and beloved fan remakes of iconic franchises like Pokémon, Mario, and Sonic.
While maintaining a full-time job, CryZENx continues to pour heart and soul into his projects – supported by a dedicated Patreon community.
For years, he has consistently shared videos on YouTube, documenting his progress, showcasing assets, and offering technical insights into shaders, animations, and plugins.
What Sets This Remake Apart?
The new version built in Unreal Engine 5.5.4 stands out thanks to numerous technical and stylistic innovations – including detailed lighting and shadow effects, dynamic water with physical interaction via the Prismatic Plugin, more realistic surface textures, interactive vegetation, and more.
One of the most remarkable aspects of CryZENx’s project is the evolved visual style.
Initially striving for photorealism, CryZENx has since pivoted to a more stylized, fairy-tale aesthetic inspired, as he puts it, by “Disney-like” charm. The result? A world that captures the wonder of Zelda without slipping into the uncanny valley – a pitfall that has tripped up many other fan remakes.
Explore A Piece Of Hyrule – Today
The game is available in a free version on CryZENx’s Patreon page – including 30 FPS builds. Patrons, however, can unlock a premium 60 FPS version and gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Already playable are the following fan-favorite locations:
- Kokiri Forest
- Deku Tree
- Sacred Forest & Saria’s Song
- Kakariko Village
- Death Mountain, Goron City & Great Fairy
- Dodongo’s Cavern
- Zora River & Zora’s Domain
Could This Become A Full Game? Legal Storm Clouds Ahead...
When asked if the project might one day become a fully playable, seamless experience, CryZENx responded with careful optimism:
„Soon, yes.“
Despite big plans and high hopes, it remains unclear whether the remake will ever see full release – it treads on legally thin ice.
But even with momentum and community support on his side, the path forward is far from clear. Nintendo’s legal team is notoriously strict when it comes to fan projects, especially the ones that go viral. Over the years, countless ambitious fan games have been shut down by cease-and-desist orders.
The community is therefore hoping Nintendo will tolerate this one – or better yet, recognize the talent behind it.
So far, CryZENx walks a legal tightrope. On Patreon, he emphasizes:
“These games are not finished and will not be finished without Nintendo’s permission. All rights belong to Nintendo.”
Despite the uncertainty, his passion remains unshaken. His dream? To assemble a small team to accelerate development – with the ultimate goal of delivering a cohesive, polished remake, should Nintendo ever offer its blessing.
The community remains hopeful, not just for the game’s survival, but for CryZENx’s talent to be officially recognized. His work with complex tools like the Prismatic Plugin showcases a level of technical prowess that’s hard to ignore.
Final Thoughts: A Gift For Fans – And A Wake-Up Call For Nintendo
Whether you're a veteran who played the original back in 1998 or a newcomer drawn to the series through Tears of the Kingdom – this project is a must-see. It’s a shining example of how the love for a game can inspire passion and creativity across decades.
If Nintendo opens the door, this could be the start of something truly extraordinary. Until then, CryZENx’s remake stands as a breathtaking love letter to Zelda, and a vivid reminder of how deeply games can resonate across generations.