The Unseen Humor of a Gaming Classic: Why Ocarina of Time’s Comedy Deserves a Modern Spotlight
There’s something almost surreal about revisiting The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 2023. With the Switch 2 remake on the horizon, I’ve found myself diving back into the N64 classic, controller in hand, and what strikes me most isn’t its groundbreaking gameplay or its epic scope—it’s the humor. Yes, humor. Ocarina of Time is a game that, amidst its dark undertones and Ganondorf’s looming tyranny, manages to weave in moments of pure, unadulterated comedy. And as someone who’s played this game countless times, I’m fascinated by how these moments might translate into a modern, visually enhanced remake.
The Comedy of Character: When Pixels Told Jokes
One thing that immediately stands out is how Ocarina of Time uses its characters to deliver laughs. Take Darunia, the Goron leader, for instance. When you first meet him, he’s sullen, almost defeated. But play Saria’s Song, and he transforms into a whirlwind of joy, dancing with abandon, shouting “C’mon!” and “WHOOOOAH!” like a rock concert attendee. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it subverts expectations. Gorons are these massive, boulder-like creatures, yet here’s Darunia, moving with a childlike exuberance. It’s a moment that’s both hilarious and oddly heartwarming.
But it’s not just Darunia. The Goron group hug, where two of these massive creatures drop from above to embrace Link, is a masterclass in physical comedy. Link’s terrified scream as he bolts away is the perfect punchline. Personally, I think this scene captures something essential about Ocarina of Time’s humor: it’s absurd, it’s unexpected, and it’s deeply rooted in the personalities of its characters.
The Devilish Details: Nintendo’s Subtle Wit
What many people don’t realize is how much of Ocarina of Time’s humor lies in its smaller moments. Take Kaepora Gaebora, the wise owl who insists on giving you lengthy, unskippable advice. Nintendo designed the text options to punish impatient players—mash the ‘A’ button, and you’re forced to listen to the whole thing again. It’s a clever, almost passive-aggressive joke, and I can’t help but admire its deviousness.
Then there’s Koume and Kotake, the twin witches of the Spirit Temple. Their final moments, where they bicker about their age before floating into oblivion, are both tragic and hilarious. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting because it showcases the game’s writing prowess. For its time, Ocarina of Time’s dialogue was sharp, character-driven, and surprisingly funny.
The Villains and the Absurd: When Defeat Becomes Comedy
Ingo, the manager of Lon Lon Ranch, is a character I love to hate. His betrayal of the ranch’s owners to side with Ganondorf is despicable, but his meltdown after losing to Link in the horse races is nothing short of glorious. The way he clutches his head, moaning in defeat, is a perfect blend of schadenfreude and slapstick. If you take a step back and think about it, this moment isn’t just funny—it’s satisfying. It’s the game rewarding you for outsmarting a character who embodies greed and betrayal.
Similarly, Princess Ruto’s sudden infatuation with Link is a comedic goldmine. Her aggressive affection, coupled with Link’s horrified reaction, is a classic example of physical comedy. What this really suggests is that Ocarina of Time isn’t afraid to make its hero the butt of the joke, and that’s a rare quality in a game of its era.
The Legacy of Laughter: What the Remake Could Mean
King Zora’s shuffle is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of Ocarina of Time’s comedy. The way he scoots to the side, seemingly endlessly, is utterly ridiculous—and utterly unforgettable. But here’s where the remake becomes intriguing. Will a hyper-realistic King Zora shuffling across the screen still be funny, or will it veer into the uncanny valley? This raises a deeper question: can the humor of a 90s game survive the transition to modern graphics?
Personally, I think the key lies in preserving the absurdity. If anything, Nintendo should lean into these moments, not shy away from them. The Goron dance, the group hug, King Zora’s shuffle—these aren’t just funny scenes; they’re part of what makes Ocarina of Time timeless.
Final Thoughts: Why Humor Matters in Gaming
As I reflect on Ocarina of Time’s comedic moments, I’m reminded of how rare it is for a game to balance epic storytelling with genuine humor. What makes this game so special isn’t just its groundbreaking mechanics or its expansive world—it’s the way it makes you laugh, often when you least expect it.
The remake has a chance to reintroduce this humor to a new generation, but it also has a responsibility to honor the original’s spirit. In my opinion, the true test of the remake won’t be its graphics or its gameplay—it’ll be whether it can make us laugh just as hard as the original did. And if it can? Well, that’s a remake worth playing.
So, as we await the Switch 2 version, I’ll be here, replaying the N64 classic, chuckling at Darunia’s dance and cringing at Princess Ruto’s advances. Because, at the end of the day, Ocarina of Time isn’t just a game—it’s a comedy masterpiece in disguise. And that, my friends, is what makes it truly legendary.
