In a shocking move that's got gamers talking, Nintendo has taken a scythe to the beloved Mario characters hidden within The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. Originally, the 1998 version of the game had a wall of portraits featuring artwork from Super Mario 64, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Yoshi. However, in the newly launched Switch 2 version, all references to the Mushroom Kingdom have been erased. Nintendo legend Eiji Aonuma addressed this decision, stating that their "more carefree" approach to Easter eggs has been reconsidered. "We don't want that moment to interrupt their experience of the world in that way," Aonuma explained. Interestingly, some Zelda: Twilight Princess artwork has also been cut from the remake, a leftover from when Ocarina of Time was re-released on 3DS. While fans may mourn the loss of Nintendo's more playful attitude towards Easter eggs, it's worth noting that Mario 64 Easter eggs (or Skyward Sword ones) would seem out of place today. Aonuma also revealed that designers on the 3DS version were keen to include such Easter Eggs, but chose not to disrupt the player's experience with unrelated content. One enduring nod to Mario remains in the form of Talon, a character sporting a bushy mustache, red and blue overalls, and a Bowser charm around his neck.
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Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the reason for this decision, but it seems that they want to maintain a consistent and immersive experience within their games. This isn't the first time Nintendo has made waves by altering its classic titles – in 2019, they removed the ability to play as a female character in Super Mario Odyssey. Despite this, Ocarina of Time Remake continues to break records, selling over 5.2 million copies and becoming the fastest-selling game on Switch 2 so far. Players have been having a blast revisiting the game, with some even performing Linkin Park and Titanic themes on ocarinas in-game.
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While some may be disappointed by the absence of Mario characters, it's clear that Nintendo is committed to providing an uninterrupted gaming experience for its players. With the success of Ocarina of Time Remake, gamers can look forward to more immersive and polished remakes in the future. Keep an eye on IGN for comprehensive guides on the game, including walkthroughs, item locations, and more.