More than two decades after its original release, Ocarina of Time seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. Last Tuesday Zelda fans revealed to the world new footage of the classic game’s beta form never seen before by the public eye. It’s from a rare VHS tape that fan preservationist @tanks404 has captured and compiled together with @MrTalida.
The footage is part of a promotional trailer for a string of Nintendo 64 games that were part of the projected 1997 Spring release lineup. Ocarina of Time, of course, was delayed until much later in November 1998. Looking back at the footage today makes it easy to understand why. Much of the footage showcases rough drafts of Link and the Hyrulean environments in earlier stages that still carried over a bit of flavor from its spiritual predecessor Link to the Past. The footage clips show possible early stages of Dodongo’s Cavern, Hyrule Castle Town, and a brick tunnel that never made it in the final cut. Even a Triforce piece makes an appearance!
It’s important to note here that Link in his Child form was not originally planned during the beta development of Ocarina of Time. Beta Link’s model is more akin to his Adult form, though it’s influenced by Link to the Past’s depiction of him as a younger teenager in the official artwork.
Check out more of these sweet beauty shots from the VHS tape below:
