Zelda Game Remake Changes (part 3)

Remake Changes Part 1

Remake Changes Part 2

The reason this gets its own section is because some of the changes made to the game were so egregious that fans have made a gamepatch to fix it back to how it was originally. Like usual, I'll put my list of Good and Neutral changes, but with the bad changes I will also mark which ones were corrected with a Purple [FIXED]. Finally, my thoughts on remakes overall will be put last. 

Majora's Mask 3D (MM3D)   

Good

• Much like Ocarina of Time 3D, the 3DS version of Majora's Mask is a remake of the original Nintendo 64 game, taking advantage of the more powerful hardware and fitting modern standards. It is the first major re-release of the game that is not an emulation, as the GameCube and Wii versions are. As such, most textures are significantly more detailed, and many models consist of more polygons than the original. Character designs have been updated to reflect their Ocarina of Time 3D counterparts. The frame rate has also been increased from the original game's 20 FPS to 30 FPS. Additionally, the touch screen interface and various other menus in the game now runs and maintains a constant 60 FPS, allowing smooth interaction with inventory management.
• Much like in Ocarina of Time 3D, the item system is revamped. Items can be assigned to the X and Y buttons, while two extra item slots were added to the two right corners of the touch screen. The Ocarina of Time is permanently assigned to bottom left corner of the touch screen, while the Pictograph Box is permanently assigned to the top left corner once obtained. Tatl is also now assigned to the right on the Control Pad.
• Motion controls can also be optionally used when in first person view. They allow Link to look around during movement when the L button is held without anything targeted. Unlike the original game, the viewpoint does not reset to a neutral position when the Circle Pad is released or motion control movement is ceased.
• When playing on a New Nintendo 3DS or with the Circle Pad Pro, the extra Circle Pad allows full third-person camera control.
• Most of the original HUD has been moved down to the touch screen, leaving the upper screen mostly clear of graphic overlays. Only the A and B button prompts and clock still appear in the top screen.
• The clock was redesigned as a bar that displays the full three day cycle, which now also shows the minutes. Each cell in the bar is color coded blue, yellow, and red to represent each day respectively. The clock display no longer fades when Link is actively moving around. During the final six hours, a small icon of the Moon is displayed on top of the countdown, which gradually turns red as time runs out.
• The bottom screen displays the item inventory and map. It also displays Link's Heart Containers, Magic Meter, and Rupees.
• The "Song of Double Time" now lets Link jump to a specific hour of the current day.
• When shooting a Bubble Blast, a sight appears when going into first person perspective. Also, the bubble does not burst if charged for too long. When flying after using a Deku Flower, the R Button can be pressed to show a mark where Deku Link will land.
• Zora Link's attacks are executed faster, his boomerangs can go through walls, and they can be recalled instantly by pressing the B button.
• The game now features three save files instead of two. Each file's Quest Status is displayed on the upper screen, including collected masks, Pieces of Heart, equipment, and any Rupees accumulated within the current cycle.
• Link can transform into the Fierce Deity Link inside the two Fishing Holes.
• Romani Ranch now features an arch that properly represents the ranch instead of a copy of the arch of Kakariko Village from Ocarina of Time.
• Zora Cape now has its proper name displayed on the screen upon entering the area.
• Some members of the Bombers have been relocated to different hiding spots, in order to fill all five areas of Clock Town. 
• Stray Fairies now have full 3D models as opposed to 2D sprites.
• Anju now only gives Link the Room Key if he is in Goron form.
• Dinolfos and Wizzrobe now have their names spelled correctly, instead of the misspelled "Dinofols" and "Wizrobe."
• The Stone Tower Temple no longer has the Triforce shape on the blocks when the Temple is inverted. Also, the Red Emblem that inverts the temple now hangs over the entrance, instead of behind a block. The blocks in front of the temple's entrance are now in a V-shaped formation rather than being aligned horizontally.
• The scrapped Ocarina transformation icons seen in early versions of Majora's Mask are now used.
• Songs learned can now be displayed in the touch screen while playing the Ocarina of Time, including the "Inverted Song of Time", "Song of Double Time", and "Scarecrow's Song".
• The camera follows Link after going through a loading zone.
• Most cutscenes are shortened after the first time they are watched.
• Pressing the B button while climbing a ladder now makes Link climb faster.
• The cutscene played after playing the "Song of Soaring" can now be skipped.
• Additional lore has been added after the Moon destruction sequence. The Happy Mask Salesman also greets Link with a text box after this sequence, rather than the original text on a black background.
• Zora Link can now play the Zora Guitar underwater.
• As in Ocarina of Time 3D, a new credits sequence for the 3DS version staff now plays at the end of the original credits. It features a new orchestral styled medley of various songs from the game.

Neutral

• While riding Epona, if the Circle Pad is pulled, Epona will neigh and do a 180° turn depending on the angle the Circle Pad is held at. Doing so will also give Epona a speed boost in that direction.
• A new type of statue known as Quill Statues were also added; these statues allow saving, but cannot be warped to with the "Song of Soaring." Quill Statues appear all across Termina, including inside dungeons.
• After the credits, the game prompts a save. If the game is saved, upon replaying the file, Link will return to the Dawn of the First Day with all collected masks (including the Fierce Deity's Mask) back.
• Two Fishing Holes were added: one on the Road to Southern Swamp and the other in the Zora Cape. Each includes 12 different types of Fish that can be caught, some of which require certain Masks to be worn.
• A new item called the Fishing Hole Pass was added, which lets Link fish for free. They replace the Purple Rupees and other rewards when completing mini-games or sidequests. They are often given to Link for completing sidequests or minigames that give a Mask or Piece of Heart, if Link has already obtained that prize.
• South Clock Town has been expanded with a larger plaza and symmetrical staircases leading up to the Clock Tower balcony.
• The Clock Town Bank is now located in South Clock Town, embedded into the back of the Clock Tower.
• The icon representing the Takkuri (bird thief) in Termina Field has been removed on the mini-map.
• The poisonous water in the Southern Swamp has different coloration.
• The labyrinth of fire inside the Deku Shrine now contains metal gates that shoot out of the floor. Unlike the flames, the gates do not damage Link on contact.
• The Gold Skulltula that was behind a coffin in the Oceanside Spider House was moved to a nearby wall.
• The Pirates' Fortress exterior now has platforms containing Hookshot targets along the rightmost wall, allowing for easier access inside and outside upon receiving the Hookshot.
• In the Pirates' Fortress, prior to shooting the beehive, the front door of the throne room is now locked.
• The aquariums inside the Pirates' Fortress that contained Shell Blades no longer have them.
• Link was given additional expression textures and animations.
• Tatl no longer knows the exact location of the Great Fairy on the first cycle, telling Link that she does not visit Clock Town often and to ask the Bombers for information.
• When viewing Skull Kid from the Astral Observatory, he no longer jumps away from the tower after taunting Link.
• Koume, when on the boat tour, now acknowledges killing the Octorok when the boat gets close to hitting it.
• The Deku guards patrolling the mazes inside the Deku Palace no longer show their vision range at nighttime.
• The Great Fairy of Power and Wisdom have switched places, along with their rewards.
• The frozen Goron Elder is now found near the first of the lake's Twin Islands. He will be encased in a snowball on the Final Day.
• Shiro is now found in the Pirates' Fortress, next to the fortress watch tower. Tatl will alert his presence when he is approached.
• Epona can no longer run over Deku Flowers. She also neighs more frequently than before when not mounted; additionally, shooting Arrows at her no longer causes her to neigh.
• Three Stray Fairy locations have changed, two in Woodfall Temple and one in Snowhead Temple.
• The entrance to the Snowhead Temple features a gate which bounces Goron Link inside the temple.
• The wooden crates behind the bombable wall in the western room of the Stone Tower Temple have been replaced by a single stone block, which must be pushed onto a switch.
• The Treasure Chest that contains a Small Key in one of the Stone Tower Temple's water-filled areas must now be summoned by navigating onto a small platform that contains a floor switch.
• Zora Link's dungeon Inside the Moon is redesigned, with new puzzles involving striking Crystal Switches to open gates, while retaining the water pipe maze.
• The unused Moon dungeon cutscenes are now used and a new cutscene was made for the Twinmold dungeon.
• The Goron Powder Keg Shop now sells Powder Kegs for 20 Rupees instead of 100 Rupees.
• The Keaton Mask and Priority Mail can now be obtained as soon as the Final Day starts during the Reuniting Kafei and Anju side quest.
• The Pictograph Box now takes full color Pictographs. It is now also set to its own permanent button on the touch screen, similarly to the Ocarina.
• Boss Remains no longer glow their respective colors on the menus.
• The Garo's Mask now resembles the Garo Master rather than a Garo Ninja.
• The Circus Leader's Mask is renamed the Troupe Leader's Mask.
• A seventh Bottle was added, obtainable from a new sidequest given by Gorman. After delivering him some Mystery Milk from the Gorman Brothers, he gives it to the player.
• The Fire, Ice, and Light Arrows are now their own items rather than being compressed into a small menu like in Ocarina of Time 3D, allowing more than one type of arrow to be equipped at once, and the unique sound effect that played when equipping them is no longer present.
• The Giant Wallet can now be obtained during any of the three days. (I would prefer Day 1 or 2, instead of the original only available on day 1)
• The Giant's Mask now appears after the blue Twinmold is defeated.
• The Mask of Truth can now find hidden Grotto.
• The exit bases in Secret Grottos are redesigned.
• Link can no longer go into first person while swimming as a human.
• Sun Blocks and Sun Switches feature an eye instead of a face.
• Two new dance animations were added to the ReDeads in the Ancient Castle of Ikana. These ReDeads can be found in the second staircase room of basement 2.
• Sound effects for item pick ups, menu transitions, and Link's yells will fully play through before playing again rather than resetting the sound over.
• Small waterfalls no longer show a graphic of water hitting Link's model when he is standing beneath them, unlike Ocarina of Time 3D.

Bad

• Link's Mask transformations have been altered. When performing Deku Link's Spin Attack, the tip of his hat transforms into a root. Deku Link also needs to be build up speed in order to start running. This affects hopping farther on water, now requiring walking around before performing a Spin Attack. (this breaks some of the physics that players of the original game developed) [FIXED]
• Goron Link's attacks are executed faster. Curling is now done by simply pressing the A Button once. To uncurl, the A button must be pressed again. His turn rate while rolling has been reduced. 
• Zora Link now swims at a slower speed, making navigation of tight underwater corridors easier. The original swimming mechanics are merged with the electric Barrier attack, which drains the Magic Meter when executed. (probably my biggest complaint; it completely nerfs the swimming abilities and forces the player to drain magic constantly) [FIXED]
• All bosses now feature a new weak point in the form of an eye. Some of them are fought in a different manner and include a second phase. TwinMold's second phase involves Link using the Giant's Mask to punch the Red part but its hitpoints are reset if it dives back into the sand. (the eye thing is just terrible overall, and the second phase of the Gyorg fight needs a little refinement to be considered a good addition; the TwinMold fight's second phase is particularly frustrating) [FIXED]
• Sheikah Stones make a return from Ocarina of Time 3D. They are large Gossip Stones that allow Link to see short gameplay clips called Visions. These Visions can be used to figure out puzzles or where to go next if stuck. In addition to visions, pictures of Piece of Heart and Stray Fairy locations were also added. (my reservations about this feature are the same that I hold for Skyward Sword and OoT3D - it makes it too easy; there should be an option to turn it off)
• Owl Statues are now activated by just checking them, rather than striking them with a sword. Owl Statues now permanently save the game, and the "Song of Time" no longer saves the game at all. Some Owl Statues were also relocated. (it kinda ruins some of the charm of the game when you start a file and are not greeted with the "Start of the First Day - 72 Hours Remain") [FIXED]
• Majora's Mask 3D is mostly based on the Japanese Nintendo 64 1.1 version of Majora's Mask, which was a more unpolished game than what was released internationally. This is evident in places such as the Pirates' Fortress where a shortcut to the Hookshot Treasure Chest can be found. (lessens challenge)
• The Secret Grotto with the Bean Seller was redesigned, now having an exit to the soil east of the Deku Palace. (lessens challenge)
• The moving platforms in the Deku Palace no longer move until Link is standing upon them. (lessens challenge) [FIXED]
• The Bombers no longer challenge Link a second time, as the Bombers' Notebook is now given by the Happy Mask Salesman instead. They also tell Link rumors that are added to the Bombers' Notebook. It also now includes more entries, a schedule, and a new events section, which includes ongoing, rumored, and completed events. Link can also set an alarm to an specific time so that Tatl reminds him of any given event. However, Jim and Shiro's character entries that were on the schedule have been removed. In addition, prior to the hide-and-seek game, Jim also forbids the use of Deku Nuts, saying the flash hurts their eyes. (I see that they were trying to lessen the "startup" time, which is something I complain about in other games, but I liked it better the first way because it showed the player that they get treated differently depending on which mask they use)
• The Bombers now actively seek out Link and are eager to give him hints in the form of "rumors" that go in the Notebook. (this is like a lesser version of the Sheikah Stone but it's less optional because they get in the way of the conversations you're trying to have with the other NPCs) [FIXED]
• The Swamp Tourist Center Guide now hints at visiting Kotake when Koume is not at the window.
• Captain Keeta now speaks to Link before their battle in the Ikana Graveyard. He also moves at a slower speed. (again - lessens challenge) [FIXED]
• Tatl's comments no longer asks Link if he always knows an enemy previously encountered in Ocarina of Time. (takes away some of her sass and personality)
• Kafei no longer has a hurt animation if Link uses explosives next to him. 
• Boss Remains are no longer required to activate the boss portals; the boss must simply have been fought at least once, beaten or not. (I feel like I'm on a loop here - lessens challenge)
• Odolwa can now be stunned by using Deku Nuts while flying from a Deku Flower. He can also be stunned with an Arrow or Sword attacks from the back or side while he is revving up a dash attack. If Odolwa is close enough to a yellow Deku Flower, it can also be stunned by launching from the flower as Deku Link. Additionally, its dancing animations have been altered, and will remain mostly passive for much of the battle. (while I appreciate trying to force players into using the Deku mask as part of the battle, the older version was better) [FIXED]
• The Trading Post now sells Magic Beans for 100 Rupees each instead of 50 Arrows. (takes some of the uniqueness of the seller - the Trading Post just becomes the Wal-Mart of Termina that carries everything)
• The "Song of Soaring" is learned at the Southern Swamp entrance rather than Woodfall's entrance. (lessens challenge [again] and doesn't make the player "earn" it as much)
• The "Inverted Song of Time" causes the time to move at 50% of its normal speed instead of the original's 30%. (this is mainly a programming oversight as the internal clock was tied to the frame rate; the result is that players are in even more of a rush than before; but from a challenge standpoint it does make the game a bit harder) [FIXED]
• The Bottle found Beneath the Graveyard and the Piece of Heart received from Koume's Target Shooting have swapped places. (I guess it depends on what you consider to be more important in the early game)
• The Ice Arrows can only freeze sparkling patches of water, as well as certain sparkling blue enemies, with the exception of boss areas, where the water can be frozen wherever an Ice Arrow is shot. (this is one of the worst; the ice arrows were essentially useless in OoT, but in MM they were finally given purpose only to have it taken away; it also insults the players' intelligence by putting a neon sign that says 'shoot ice arrow here, dummy' anyplace it's required) [FIXED]
• The Gibdos who asked for 10 Bombs, 5 Magic Beans, and 10 Deku Nuts now only ask for one of each. The Gibdo who asked for a Blue Potion now also accepts a Red Potion. The Gibdo who asked for Milk now also accepts half a Bottle of Milk, as well as Chateau Romani. Their clues have also changed. (it lessens some of the challenge and makes guessing the correct item too easy)

This remake has the largest "Bad" section of all of them. While I appreciate the effort to improve the game in ways besides graphics/sound, sometimes altering the formula upsets the delicate balance that gave the original game its charm and challenge. That said, the fine folks at https://restoration.zora.re/ have made a patch that fixes most of these changes and adds some new features like the D-pad being permanently assigned as transformation masks, similar to how the Wind Waker, bombs, and grappling hook were assigned to the D-Pad on WWHD. Having this patch now makes playing the 3D version just as enjoyable as the original was, where previously I had to mentally balance out the convenience of playing it handheld and the updated graphics with the massive downgrades in game mechanics and the increase in hand-holding. I would highly recommend installing this fan-made upgrade (assuming your 3DS is already fitted with CFW). 

My overall thoughts on remakes

If all remakes were more like the TPHD or LADX variety, where there are only 1 or 2 small things that detract from the original with many new Good/Neutral features that add to the game, then I would have no problems with remakes. But I would also prefer if every new major feature is given the option to play it the original way or the new way. Like on WWHD, if I could keep the 12-photo Pictobox, the QoL upgrades, and the Swift Sail but leave the Savage Labyrinth and Shard Quest how it was originally I could regard it as highly as TPHD and LADX. 

Most of the remakes are more heavily weighted in the Good than the Bad categories (with MM3D being the sole exception) so overall I enjoy them. But, honestly, if these games were just ports onto newer hardware I would only have good things to say about them. Remakes sometimes can seem like stopgap attempts at appeasing fans who are eager for a new game and show a lack of creativity. 

Having said that, I wouldn't mind seeing the Oracle games remade in the LAHD format (since the assets and engine is already there), and a remake of Skyward Sword with reworked JoyCon controls and a less intrusive UI would be nice. (actually, I got just what I wanted in this case in Skyward Sword HD)

Zelda Game Remake Changes (Part 2)

Remake Changes Part 1

The Wind Waker HD (WWHD)

Good

• Being a game for the Wii U, The Wind Waker HD runs at 1080p, compared to the original game's 480p. The remaster uses an enhanced version of the original game's cel-shading, the soft-shading. It utilizes a full-fledged lighting and shadowing system that allows for more realistic and fuller lighting than the original. The remaster also features bloom lighting to give a sense of "surreal realism". In low-light areas, the cel-shading gives way to a softer, more realistic shading system. The lighting from torches and other point light sources is now much softer and more realistic, and objects now subtly reflect the color of nearby light sources. Other shaders are used to increase the expressivity of characters. The textures used are the original high-resolution ones created during development of the original game, which used scaled-down versions of the textures to match the GameCube's hardware capabilities. 2D elements such as icons and the HUD are completely redrawn to match the style of the game's promotional artwork.
• Sailing has also been improved with an upgrade to the sail, called the Swift Sail. The Swift Sail enables the King of Red Lions to sail faster by pressing the A button. In addition, it automatically changes the direction of the wind to the boat's heading. This replaces the function of the A button in the original game, which was used to stop the boat from sailing. 
• Certain item usage cutscenes, such as the cutscenes that play upon using the Grappling Hook to swing and salvage, have been shortened.
• Some items, such as the Picto Box, have new and improved functions. The Picto Box can now store 12 pictographs as opposed to 3. Link is now able to take self-portraits while making any of nine facial expressions. Upon activating the Nintendo Gallery side quest, a mark appears in the upper left corner of pictographs that are eligible for figurine-making. In addition, Carlov can now sculpt up to 12 figurines per day, as opposed to only one. The gallery can thus be completed more rapidly and efficiently. All pictographs can be sent to other players in the Tingle Bottle. The receiving players can add the pictographs to their own Picto Boxes and use them to complete their Nintendo Gallery. 
• The Tingle Bottle, which allows players to randomly send messages to other players, replaces the Tingle Tuner in the original game. The Tingle Bottle is used to send messages in bottles, which will subsequently appear on the shores of other players' islands. (it was fun while it lasted, but the Miiverse has been shut down so it's essentially useless now)
• Link's actions have been altered slightly. He is now capable of changing direction while swinging on a rope, without having to stop first. He can also move while in first-person view while aiming the Grappling Hook, Boomerang, Hero's Bow, and Hookshot. However, the shield button is no longer the "grab" button for draggable objects, and instead both the "grab" and "climb" commands are part of the primary action button, making block controls act like older games.
• The game includes a higher-difficulty Hero Mode, but unlike other incarnations it has no unlocking requirements, and can be toggled on or off when starting a new game or when a save game is resumed. Recovery Hearts do not appear in Hero Mode, forcing Link to use potions to regain health. In addition, enemies deal double the amount of damage as in normal gameplay.
• After being learned the first time, the pre-animated version of Wind Waker melodies is only cued the first time the song is played since loading the game.
• While gliding, Deku Leaf shows a Tingle Tuner-like glowing symbol below Link's feet where he will land.
• While using the cannon, the projectile's trajectory is displayed on the screen, thereby making aiming the cannon much easier.
• Once obtained the first time, a Fishman's advice can be read from the Sea Chart.
• Items dropped by enemies defeated at sea are automatically drawn towards Link.
• The figurine of Knuckle is required to complete the Nintendo Gallery. (even though they took away the hints that point toward the 5 golden statues)
• Medli and Makar will follow Link through doors in the Earth and Wind Temples, instead of having to be carried through them.
• Certain character animations that were repeated in the original game are now only used once.
• Because The Wind Waker HD was developed for control with the Wii U GamePad, additional control methods have been added. The Inventory has been made accessible through the GamePad's touchscreen, with no need to pause the game. It is now possible to slide an item icon on the GamePad to one of the three slot icons at the top of the screen, allowing players to switch items quickly. The older style of item selection by pausing and using the d-pad and buttons must be used when playing the game with the Wii U Pro Controller, and may also still be used with the Wii U GamePad.
• Some items, such as the Wind Waker, are permanently mapped to certain buttons as opposed to being equipped to the three item slots. This allows players to quickly and conveniently access these items, as they are key to playing the game.
• First-person aiming of items is achieved through either the right analog stick or the GamePad's gyroscope, though there is an option to disable the gyroscope. Link can also move in first-person mode, though item usage is limited to ranged weapons such as the Hero's Bow.
• The intro cutscene, which plays upon the start of a new file, is skippable, but no other cutscenes are.

Neutral

• Heat wave effects in Dragon Roost Cavern now only appear when the fire fountains are spouting. When Link uses a Warp Jar, the transition effect is a shrinking/growing circle instead of the fade-out in the original game.
• The shallow water in the boss room for Puppet Ganon, which in the original game did not reflect Link and some other objects, now reflects everything within the room.
• Though all other graphical elements were updated for high-definition display, the 3D models and character animations of the original game were left untouched in the remaster.
• Music in The Wind Waker HD uses higher-quality instrument samples than the original game. The updated instruments are most noticeable in fanfares and some boss themes. Some music includes new instrumental tracks, creating a fuller sound. However, most sound effects are unchanged from the originals. (normally I would put this in the good category, but other than 1 music track, it was almost imperceptible)
• While the original game used Dolby (Surround) Pro Logic II, which encodes surround sound using analog stereo audio, the remaster uses true digital surround sound encoded for and sent through HDMI.
• The Tingle Statues, previously only accessible via the Tingle Tuner's Tingle Bombs, can now be obtained with regular Bombs. Knuckle now appears on Tingle Island after all five statues have been found (though it would have been nice to have some kind of indication about these statues)
• The game supports GamePad-only play, allowing for play without a television, as well as control with the Wii U Pro Controller, for those who prefer a traditional control scheme. During use of the Pro Controller, the GamePad can still be used as a map.
• Enemies have less invincibility after being damaged, making it possible for certain sword swings to hit twice.
• Conducting with the Wind Waker does not begin until a direction is input.
• The Fishmen no longer change their location after feeding them bait.
• Pots which previously contained 3 of an item now only contain 2.
• When a Big Octo's eye is destroyed, it glows blue instead of turning black.
• Lenzo's Legendary Pictographs cost 150 Rupees instead of 50.
• There is now a northwest wind in Hyrule, as opposed to no wind.
• The Boomerang no longer hits Kalle Demos through the bulb when it comes back to Link.
• Molgera's tongue no longer extends and his tongue cannot be latched onto while he is flying towards Link.
• The Octorok figurine no longer states that Octoroks are the "winners of the perfect attendance award", since they were absent from Twilight Princess.
• The Goddess Pearls symbols now are always visible regardless of which direction they are facing.
• A circle of light no longer appears around Link when he enters a dark area.
• All-Purpose Bait now costs 30 Rupees when purchased from Beedle, as opposed to 10 Rupees.
• Seagulls can no longer fly through the small tree saplings that are found throughout many different islands.
• After clearing the Forbidden Woods, the Octoroks near the entrance to the Forest Haven will disappear.
• Some cutscenes where Link makes a facial expression silently have voices added to match the expressions. The ending cutscene and staff credits, which were prerendered in the original game, are now fully real-time cutscenes in the remaster. However, the smooth transition effects from the original cutscenes (the first part of the ending cutscene transitions with a fade effect to the credits, which then fade to the second part of the cutscene) have been replaced by fade-to-white effects, presumably due to the difficulty of implementing the original cutscenes' transitions in real-time rendering.
• Link does not get knocked out of the King of Red Lions when he takes damage at sea (aside from some exceptions, such as explosive barrels).
• Jump Attacking on top of the chest in the Ghost Ship no longer freezes the game.

Bad

• The gameplay in The Wind Waker HD has been tuned up from the original to enhance the player experience. The Triforce Shard Quest has been shortened; five of the eight shards are now found directly without having to go through the process of decrypting a Triforce Chart. (I personally liked the Shard Quest, especially since it meant that all those rupees I had been collecting were actually valuable because it cost 4,000 to decrypt all of the charts)
• The Forest Firefly is no longer needed to get the Deluxe Picto Box from Lenzo. He gives Link a Joy Pendant for bringing him one. (while I understand the drive to remove one bit of tedium in the form of what is essentially a minor errand, I liked how it was originally and that it took a little more effort to make it a color pictograph)
• The starting Wallet holds 500 Rupees instead of 200. As a result, obtaining a wallet upgrade is no longer mandatory to pay Tingle's fees and thus complete the game. (see my comments above about the Shard Quest - this is directly related)
• There are 5 additional Treasure Charts that replace the removed Triforce Charts. (see my comments above about the Shard Quest - this is directly related)
• The Hero's Charm is no longer obtained from Mrs. Marie. It is found at the bottom of the Savage Labyrinth. The Piece of Heart that was there in the original game was moved to an underwater chest, found via the new Treasure Chart #46. (this pretty much removes some of Mrs. Marie's function as well as the motivation to do the Savage Labyrinth)
• Forest Water lasts for 30 minutes instead of 20. (it wasn't impossible originally, and with the Swift Sail it makes it very manageable, so the extra 10 minutes reduces the challenge to almost nothing)
• The chest that Treasure Chart 18 leads to contains 50 Rupees instead of one. (now no longer funny)

[Editor's note - Majora's Mask 3D would normally go here, but I'm giving it its own post]

Twilight Princess HD (TPHD)

Good

• Twilight Princess HD features reworked graphics with primarily new textures, giving the game a cleaner and higher-definition look. As opposed to the 480p resolution of the GameCube and Wii versions, Twilight Princess HD uses the 1080p resolution that is standard on Wii U. The textures look less muddy and blurred than in the original. The game also sports brighter lighting and less intense bloom than the original releases. 
• Twilight Princess HD uses the world orientation of the GameCube version in normal mode, in which Link is left-handed, which had previously been reversed on the Wii version to better accommodate players. Similar to The Wind Waker HD, Twilight Princess HD uses the larger resolution to display a less-intrusive HUD during gameplay. Items can now be equipped to three slots — X, Y, and R, while the L Button calls Midna. The Right Stick can be used to move the camera freely. The mini-map has been shrunk and now features a translucent black background.
• The GamePad screen can display a separate map screen for dungeons, and can be used to instantly equip items without having to pause and bring up the inventory menu. It also enables the use of the GamePad's gyroscope to aim items such as the Gale Boomerang or the Bow. The GamePad screen can also be tapped to instantly transform between Link's human and wolf forms without having to talk to Midna, once the ability has been unlocked. The game also features off-TV play and is compatible with the Wii U Pro Controller.
• Hero Mode is featured in the game, which is available from the start. Unlike The Wind Waker HD, normal and Hero modes cannot be switched between once a file has been created. Link receives twice as much damage during this mode, and the world orientation is also mirrored like the Wii version. Hearts are not dropped in this mode.
• The game also supports the use of Miiverse and features 50 Miiverse Stamps scattered around Hyrule, including the game's Hylian alphabet, characters faces with different expressions, items such as Rupees, and objects such as Treasure Chests. These Stamps are found inside of dungeons as well as in fields, usually replacing Rupee chests, while others are received or bought, and must be found before they can be used.
• Twilight Princess HD is compatible with the Wolf Link amiibo, along with the Super Smash Bros. series Zelda amiibo, including Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Sheik, and Toon Link. All amiibo can be scanned once light returns to the Faron Province. They can either give items, hearts, or increase difficulty.
• The Wolf Link amiibo unlocks a new optional dungeon called the Cave of Shadows, which can be accessed anytime from the collection screen. If Link has the Giant Wallet when he clears the dungeon, he will receive the Colossal Wallet, allowing him to carry up to 9,999 Rupees. The Wolf Link amiibo is also compatible with Breath of the Wild. Tapping it when using the amiibo Rune will spawn Wolf Link in the game to serve as a companion. The number of hearts remaining when completing the Cave of Shadows determines Wolf Link's total life energy, with a minimum of three hearts.
• Rupees are no longer returned to their Treasure Chests if Link's Wallet is full.
• Rupees no longer show a text box with their value after being picked up once.
• The Wallet sizes are different: the default wallet now fits 500 Rupees, the Big Wallet 1,000 Rupees, and the Giant Wallet 2,000 Rupees, as opposed to 300, 600, and 1,000 Rupees respectively.
• A new item, the Ghost Lantern, lights up when a Poe is nearby even during the day. This item is received from Jovani after collecting 20 Poe Souls. The number of Poes defeated and remaining in each area is now also tracked on the map screen.
• The map now shows the location of Horse Grasses, minigames, sidequests, and the last location where the game was saved.
• Link must catch a fish for Sera's cat only once during the beginning of the game as opposed to twice.
• Link no longer hits his Sword against walls; instead, it simply goes through them, making combat more manageable in close quarters.
• Swimming and climbing animations are sped up.
• A new credits sequence for the HD version staff now plays at the end of the original credits. It features the orchestra piece previously used during the teaser trailer of the original version of the game.

Neutral

• The isolated rock in Ordon Village with the cradle is now walled off.
• The heat wave graphic effect in the lava areas in Goron Mines is removed.
• Picture frames of Breath of the Wild screenshots appear as an easter egg inside Chudley's Fine Goods and Fancy Trinkets Emporium.
• Green Chu Jelly now has a text when scooped and a description in the items menu.
• Link's slashing animations now have trails.
• The controls and handling for swimming and riding Epona have been altered.
• Damage dealt by falling into lava is reduced from two Hearts to only one.
• Darkhammer's tail is now armored; however, this does not affects the battle against it.
• Midna now has a reflection, whereas she did not in the original game.
• Various dialogues have been modified to fix typos and errors.

Bad

• Only 12 Tears of Light have to be collected in each Province, as opposed to the original 16. (reduces difficulty)
• A trailer for the game no longer plays when the title screen is left idle. The title sequence simply loops back to the start. (I like when a game does this)

Link's Awakening (LAHD)

Good

• The game features HD, 3D graphics with a fully modeled world rather than a sprite based one. The game also features a new diorama-like art style.
• The game's introduction and ending cutscenes are fully animated.
• Many dungeon and caves that have big rooms no longer have separate screens in each zone; instead, the screen scrolls with Link continuously within the big room.
• The Hero Mode is available at the beginning of the game and can be selected upon the creation of a new save file.
• Link can slash his Sword in eight directions instead of the four directions of the Game Boy's D-Pad.
• Link now swings his sword with his left hand all the time; in the original, when facing east, he would use his right hand due to his sprite being flipped. The only exception is on sidescrolling sections where Link always swings his sword downwards when facing left or right.
• Markers and Pins can be placed on the Map.
• A new screen called Memories can be accessed from the Map, which shows previous conversations with characters, such as the Owl and Marin, and the location of already obtained Pieces of Heart and Secret Seashells.
• New Warp Points have been added, and Link can choose where to warp instead of there being a preset sequence.
• The Sword, Shield, Power Bracelet, and Pegasus Boots are always equipped and have their own dedicated buttons.
• Some houses have stands where figures based on characters and enemies can be placed.
• The Trendy Game has been completely revamped, having still items and small platforms moving from left to right. Items grabbed by the Crane are subject to physics.
• Pieces of Heart, Secret Seashells, and Figures can also be obtained as rewards at the trendy shop.
• The Fishing Pond features a new green variation of the big Fish, Bloopers, and Cheep Cheeps. A Fairy Bottle can also be found in the bottom of the pond.
• One of the plants around the entrance to the Bottle Grotto has been replaced with a rock, allowing access to it even without the Magic Rod after BowWow is taken home.
• The Rapids Ride has been altered to allow using the hookshot.
• The name of a character appears when talked to.
• Enemies with shields can now be staggered to make them vulnerable by blocking their attacks first.
• Many bosses are now able to face in any direction instead of just south, removing such limitations like Master Stalfos unable to use his shield if Link is on the right side of the boss.
• Angler Fish now moves from side to side of the room.
• New Pieces of Heart and Heart Containers have been added.
• The number of Secret Seashells was increased to 50.
• All Secret Seashell are no longer Permanently Missable Items
• The maximum Rupee count was increased from 999 to 9,999.
• The Seashell Mansion now awards Link if he has a certain amount of Secret Seashells at minimum; in the original and DX version, he must have exactly five or 10 Secret Seashells to obtain the additional two Secret Seashells.
• The Secret Seashell near the entrance of Kanalet Castle has a Tree Stump that Link can Hookshot to, no longer requiring the Flying Rooster to cross. Additionally there is now an opening on the railing that Link can use to escape into the moat.
• The Hookshot can grapple from Trees.
• The item traded to the Item Trader such as the Bow or Shovel can now be bought for 300 Rupees after obtaining the Boomerang.
• Agahnim now fires his four orb decoy spell from A Link to the Past as well as his main fireball spell. Originally, he only used his main fireball spell.
• Contact with and fighting against enemies that can fly now operate on the Z-Axis as well as X- and Y-Axes, with enemies not on Link's plane only hurting him through contact if they are low enough to the ground.
• "Manbo's Mambo" can now be played to warp Link to any Warp Point.
• A Middleweight Lure can be obtained when reeling a big Fish in the Fishing Pond. It allows Link to cast into deep water. A Heavyweight Lure can obtained when reeling a Blooper in the Fishing Pond. It drops much more quickly than the other two lures.
• Figures of Super Mario enemies can be collected and placed on stands inside houses.
• The soundtrack has been re-arranged, using a mixture of live instruments, synthesized and electronic instruments, and samples from the original Game Boy soundtrack.
• DethI is given a new musical theme when it is fought. Originally, it reused the Sub-Boss theme music.
• Angler's Tunnel has a new original melody for the majority of the song, incorporating the original theme into the background of the track. This was likely done to give the dungeon a more unique piece of music, as the original song was almost identical to the regular cave theme music.
• In addition to re-arrangements of the secret file select screen songs that play when the player enters their name as "Zelda" or "Totakeke" respectively, a third, new song has been added for when the player enters their name as "Marin".
• The Overworld, Mysterious Forest and Tal Tal Heights themes recieve an additional re-arrangement for when Marin is following Link. The Tal Tal Heights theme recieves an additional re-arrangement that plays in the Tal Tal Mountain Range area after Marin has been rescued from the bridge.
• Southern Face Shrine features dynamic music, where strings are added to the song only once Link observes the relief at the end of the shrine.
• The Owl's theme recieves an additional re-arrangement that plays before Link enters the Wind Fish's Egg.
• Brand new music has been composed for all content related to Dampé and the Chamber Dungeon gameplay.
• The message that appears when Link tries to lift something without the Power Bracelet only appears when pressing the A Button.
• Horse head puzzle pieces that appear in certain dungeons now must be placed on holes found on the floor. Their movement when thrown also resemble the knight chess pieces movement.
• Because of the 3D mechanics of the game, Link and enemies moving vertically (jumping and falling) no longer counts as their hitboxes moving north and south in top-down perspectives, only on the Z-axis.
• The boomerang can now move above ground on return, eliminating the ability to have it hover below you when flying with the Flying Rooster. Its use against DethI is seemingly no longer a one-shot kill.

Neutral

• On a similar note, Link is now depicted as having blond hair throughout the game. In the original and DX versions, the blond hair was only apparent in the opening and ending cutscenes (and in the case of the latter, during the photograph quests), with his sprite depicting him with dark hair due to a limited color palette.
• Enemy models resemble their A Link Between Worlds and Tri Force Heroes counterparts.
• Doors that require a pot to be thrown at to open shows a picture of a pot on it.
• The overworld no longer has screen transitions as areas are loaded in their entirety.
• The maximum amount of Heart Containers Link can have has been increased from 14 to 20. (on the one hand, more life makes it easier, but that also means there are more things to find)
• Link can now receive a quarter heart of damage (most damages at minimum is half-heart, but quarter damage can be done via Guardian Acorn).
• amiibo functionality has been added, with The Legend of Zelda series amiibo unlocking content for the Chamber Dungeon.
• Doors in dungeons that require all enemies in the room to be killed will permanently be open even when they respawn, no longer requiring Link to re-kill enemies when backtracking.
• The interior of houses are much more decorated and feature tropical styled furniture, such as palm trees and hammocks.
• The size of the patch of grass near BowWow has been reduced.
• The Town Tool Shop sells six items instead of four.
• There are more Trees and Bushes outside of Sale's House o' Bananas.
• The entrance to the Mysterious Forest has more Trees but less grass.
• A Piranha has been added near the entrance of Bottle Grotto.
• The size of the island where a bush with a Secret Seashell is located in Ukuku Prairie has been reduced.
• The spot where a Secret Seashell is buried on top of the Key Cavern has been moved up.
• Kanalet Castle's second floor has ledges where Link can drop off.
• Some Rocks have been replaced by wooden crates in the Signpost Maze.
• One of the skulls in the Yarna Desert has been moved slightly upward.
• The Raccoon has been moved to the left of the grass.
• Dampé appears in the game, running the Chamber Dungeon in his Shack.
• When returning to the Town Tool Shop after stealing from it, the shopkeeper now has a furious facial expression when saying "Now you will pay the ultimate price!" and promptly killing Link, only returning to his default facial expression after Link dies.
• Moblins appear as pigs instead of dogs, making them less distinct from Boarblins.
• Cukemen no longer shock Link when slashed with the Sword.
• Visible cracks are now displayed every time Genie's bottle is thrown, indicating how much more damage Link has to inflict until it breaks.
• The rooms where Master Stalfos is fought no longer feature blocks showing the fight number; instead, tiles on the floor are colored to reflect this.
• In addition to Hardhit Beetle changing colors to indicate health, cracks are displayed on its shell.
• The pre-fight scene for the Shadow Nightmares now has them emerging from within Link. Originally, they appeared beneath Link immediately after the boss fight started.
• The Secret Medicine is now modeled after a cream bottle.
• Three Fairy Bottles have been added, which can hold Fairies.
• A Seashell Sensor has been added to help Link find Secret Seashells
• Red and green Apples can fall down when dashing into Trees. These can be collected and eaten by Link.
• Items in the inventory remain fixed at all times, with the Boomerang obtained through the Item Trader occupying the remaining slot, while the item used to trade for it disappearing from its respective slot.
• The Mabe Village Fishing Hole, the Trendy Game and the area under the bridge at Martha's Bay, which previously shared their background music, now have unique re-arrangements of the song for each respective location.
• While the majority of music cues are identical to the original game, the opening cut-scene where Link is caught in a storm no longer features any music.
• The Sea Urchin near Link's Sword on Toronbo Shores have been moved between the rocky structures.
• New Signs have been added to the overworld.
• The Sign in Mabe Village about Dampé's Shack is made of stone.
• Some stone stairs are made of wood.
• Stairs leading into water and some taller cliffs have been changed to ladders.
• Some platforms in side-scrolling areas are made of rock instead of bricks.
• The Angler Keyhole is no longer part of a wall but rather a fish-shaped stone.
• The Color Dungeon adds geometric patterns to all the colored puzzle elements, making them understandable for players who have difficulty discerning color. Orb Monsters now bear patterns on their sides; Red Orb Monsters bear circles, Blue Orb Monsters bear squares, and yellow Orb Monsters, which replace the Green Orb Monsters, bear triangles. Switches that change from red to blue also follow this pattern, though they no longer appear as yellow. Goo Specters emerge from squares on the floor with specific patterns. Red Camo Goblins emerge from square patterns, Blue Goo Specters emerge from diamond patterns, and Green Camo Goblins emerge from square patterns. The breakable floors which change from green to yellow to red to indicate their durability also now bear increasing signs of damage when stepped on. Yellow floors are cracked into four pieces while red floors are cracked into 10 pieces.
• Some previously unnamed characters are given names.
• The values and locations of Green Rupees and Blue Rupees have been swapped.

Bad

• There is a new dungeon creator in Tal Tal Heights called the Chamber Dungeon. (my main reason for putting additional content in the "bad" section is because it's not terribly deep, dungeons created can't be shared and there's too much that's automated, and it gets tedious to do them all for 100% completion)
• The number of arrow hits has been reduced from 16 to 10 in order to defeat  DethI (final boss). (reduced difficulty)
• Dampé's Shack replaces the Camera Shop from Link's Awakening DX. (the picture quest was a really nice addition to the DX version, and shouldn't have been removed)
• Christine's photo no longer has her name on it when it is shown to Mr. Wright, and the photo itself has been altered to utilize promotional artwork of Princess Peach with a parasol. (the picture being changed is fine - I'm just sad they took out the name on the bottom; it helped sell the in-game catfishing joke)
• Moldorm's room is now squared and there are fewer holes for Link to fall in. (meaning reduction in difficulty)
• Genie's battle has been changed. It will throw fireballs, which Link can stand under, while circling around the room instead of flying from left to right. The room is squared instead of having corners. (again - reduced difficulty)
• The regular Shield takes the appearances of the Hylian Shield. (It doesn't break lore as much as some people complain about, but it should have been the shield from the LttP artwork; i suspect the designers included this just for recognition's sake)
• The item to give the Mermaid is now the Necklace across all versions rather than outside Japan (and in the case of the DX version, within Europe). (I prefer the original Japanese, even if it's a bit risqué)
• The Magic Powder and Magical Rod can no longer kill Cuccos or Mutts. (it removes some of the dark humor of the original game)

Skyward Sword HD (SSHD)

Good

• Players can choose to replace motion controls with button controls, allowing the game to be played in both handheld mode and on the Nintendo Switch Lite. The camera can be fully manipulated with the right stick when playing with motion controls or by also pressing the L button while playing with button controls or in handheld mode.
• Most of Fi's advice is now optional and must be triggered manually. Dialogues can be fast-forwarded by pressing the A Button, and skipped entirely by pressing the B Button, and cutscenes can be skipped with the Select Button (which initially was a Hero Mode-exclusive feature in the original game). Instead of interrupting, some characters will now have a speech bubble over them when wanting to talk to Link. Item information only appears the first time an Item is obtained, with the lone exception of Gratitude Crystals.
• The introduction of the game has been made faster; for instance, Link does not need to talk to Horwell the second time during the climbing tutorial.
• The Sheikah Stone has been removed entirely.
• The interface options are available from the start, rather than being unlocked right before Link descends to the Sealed Grounds for the first time. As a result, Fi's dialogue that unlocked it in the original no longer includes the part about said options. In addition, there are only two options instead of the original three.
• The motion controls of the Joycon are more accurate than were the Wii Motion Plus, so whether the player chooses button or motion controls, it is an improved experience. 

Neutral

• The game now has a standard resolution of 1080p and runs at 60 FPS.
• An image of where the game is saved at is now found on each save file.
• Link's Rupee count is now on the bottom left of the screen.
• Character names have been added during dialogue. Fi, Ghirahim and Impa are not initially identified until their names are revealed.
• The character icons seen on the map have been revamped.
• Upon retrieving Mia from the Knight Academy's roof, Horwell will now give Link a Red Rupee as a reward.
• Various areas like the Thunderhead (before Bilocyte is defeated) and Tentalus' boss arena now have a rain effect attached to the camera.
• The game also features amiibo support. By using the Zelda & Loftwing amiibo, Link can travel between saved points in the Sky and on the surface.
• The game now has an autosave feature. As a result, the option of saving after completing a Dungeon has been removed. When using a Bird Statue, it is now possible to save to any of the three save files. Hero Mode can now also be saved into its own save slot when unlocked.
• Hearts sink in lava more slowly.
• There are slight changes in dialogue and punctuation and colors of words highlighted
• File quests are shaped like rectangles instead of feathers.
• The moon is rotated.
• The cezanne effect is lessened.
• There is a slight light bloom in the thunderhead.
• Wii Remote representation around dungeon keys has been removed. 
• Some Bazaar animations have been removed.
• There are fewer frame drops.
• The camera follows Link to Batreaxu;s ladder faster.
• Some skydiving cutscenes have been removed.
• Dowsing cues are now more subtle.
• Fi talks about amiibo functionality.
• Fledge doesn’t bother Link as he’s leaving the academy for the first time.
• Dialogue concerning the pointer controls was moved to the title screen.
• Bombs don’t roll under bokoblin towers anymore.

Bad

• Due to not needing to calibrate the Wii Motion Plus, the game's startup doesn't play the first 5 notes of "Ballad of the Goddess" as an Easter Egg. (That's honestly the only thing I can think of)

Remake Changes Part 3