The whispers of an Ocarina of Time remake for the Switch 2 have ignited a fervent nostalgia in many of us, myself included. Booting up the original again, even on a modern platform, feels like stepping back into a cherished memory. While the game's epic scope and darker undertones often dominate recollections, what consistently surprises me is just how genuinely funny it is. It’s easy to get lost in the grand narrative, but Ocarina of Time is peppered with moments that elicit a hearty chuckle, a knowing grin, and sometimes, outright disbelief.
This brings me to a fascinating question: how will these now-iconic, often quirky, moments translate to a remake with vastly improved visuals? Will the charm remain, or will hyper-realism strip away the inherent silliness? It's a thought experiment I've been indulging in, and it’s led me to ponder seven particularly hilarious scenes that I’m incredibly intrigued to see reimagined.
Darunia's Uninhibited Groove
When you first meet Darunia, the stoic leader of the Gorons, he’s a picture of dejection. Yet, the game brilliantly reveals that music is his ultimate release. The moment you play Saria’s Song and Darunia breaks into that wild, uninhibited dance is pure gold. His flailing arms, side-to-side head bobs, and exclamations of "C'mon!" and "WHOOOOAH!" are so wonderfully over-the-top. Personally, I think this scene perfectly encapsulates the game's ability to blend serious storytelling with moments of pure, unadulterated joy. I can only imagine how a modern engine might capture the sheer abandon of his dance.
The Goron Group Hug of Doom
Following the defeat of King Dodongo, Darunia’s gratitude manifests in a rather… forceful way. He thwacks Link on the head, which is amusing enough. But the real comedic gem arrives when two other Gorons drop from above, intent on a Goron group hug. The sheer absurdity of these boulder-like beings descending with such intent is hilarious. What makes it even funnier, from my perspective, is Link's panicked reaction. His scream of sheer terror as he scrambles away from the impending crush is the perfect punchline. It’s a moment that highlights the game’s quirky character design and its knack for physical comedy.
Kaepora Gaebora's Impatient Player Punishment
This next one is less about slapstick and more about a brilliant bit of game design trolling. Kaepora Gaebora, the wise owl, has a lot to say. What I find particularly ingenious is how Nintendo mixed up the confirmation options when cycling through his lengthy monologues. For those of us who tend to mash the 'A' button to speed through dialogue, this is a masterclass in subtle punishment. You think you're advancing, but you're actually just being forced to listen to the whole spiel again. It’s a devious, yet undeniably funny, way to encourage players to actually pay attention. It speaks volumes about the developers' understanding of player psychology.
Koume and Kotake's Bickering Demise
The Spirit Temple’s conclusion brings us to the twin sorceresses, Koume and Kotake. Their demise isn't a quiet fade-out; instead, they engage in a petty squabble about their age and their premature end. This bickering escalates to a point of such comical futility that they simply give up and float away, vowing to haunt Link. What makes this so brilliant, in my opinion, is how it showcases Ocarina of Time's sharp writing, even in its minor characters. It’s a darkly humorous send-off that’s both memorable and a little bit sad. I can’t help but chuckle at their petty squabble, even as they meet their end.
Ingo's Humiliating Loss
Ingo is, to put it mildly, a detestable character. His betrayal of Talon and his greedy acquisition of Lon Lon Ranch make him an easy villain to dislike. This is precisely why his downfall is so immensely satisfying, and yes, hilarious. When Link defeats him in the horse races to claim Epona, Ingo’s meltdown is spectacular. Watching him clutch his head and moan about his defeat is pure comedic catharsis. I personally wish there were even more opportunities to put this insufferable character in his place; his reactions are just that entertaining.
Princess Ruto's Amorous Advance
Encountering Princess Ruto within Jabu-Jabu's belly paints her as a rather spoiled royal. She’s demanding, using her status to get Link to fetch the Zora's Sapphire. However, the real comedic gold comes after their escape. Ruto, suddenly smitten, decides Link is the one. Her immediate, uncomfortably close approach to Link is met with his classic, horrified recoil and a spectacularly over-the-top scream as he tumbles into the water. This moment is a perfect illustration of the game’s charmingly awkward character interactions and Link's perpetually bewildered reactions to the world around him.
King Zora's Unending Shuffle
And then there's King Zora. The first time you witness him shuffling out of the way after presenting Princess Ruto's letter is an experience in itself. You think it's over, but he just... keeps going. And going. And going. It's utterly, gloriously ridiculous. From my perspective, this is arguably the funniest moment in the entire game. My only fear for the remake is that Nintendo might streamline this sequence, thinking players want brevity. But honestly, if anything, they should lean into its absurdity and make it even longer. It’s a testament to the game's enduring humor that such a simple animation can be so profoundly memorable and comical.
These moments, while seemingly minor, contribute significantly to Ocarina of Time's lasting appeal. They prove that even in a grand adventure, there's ample room for genuine, laugh-out-loud humor. I'm eagerly anticipating how the remake will breathe new life into these scenes, and whether they'll retain their comedic impact. What other hilarious moments do you think deserve a spot on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
