RwanLink Unveils Stunning Studio Ghibli-Inspired Ocarina of Time Castle Town Animation

RwanLink Celebrates Ocarina of Time’s 25th Anniversary with Studio Ghibli-Inspired Castle Town Animation In a remarkable tribute to one of the most beloved titles in gaming history, celebrated YouTube animator RwanLink has released an awe-inspiring animated film that reimagines Castle Town from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in the artful style of Studio Ghibli.

This fan-made project, launched on November 21st to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Nintendo 64 classic, has already garnered widespread attention for its breathtaking visuals and passionate craftsmanship. RwanLink’s latest release follows a teaser unveiled earlier this month, offering fans an initial glimpse of what a collaboration between Nintendo’s iconic adventure series and Studio Ghibli’s whimsical aesthetic could look like.

The completed animation, which required over 600 hours of meticulous work, features memorable characters such as Malon, Talon, and Ganondorf, as well as a host of nods to the original Ocarina of Time that fans are sure to appreciate.

In total, RwanLink created 30 distinctive characters in this signature art style, drawing from Studio Ghibli’s recognizable visual motifs and Zelda’s timeless charm. The YouTube creator has previously generated buzz with lifelike renditions of Zora’s Domain and Lake Hylia using Unreal Engine 5, but this latest effort has set a new benchmark for the channel.

Commenting on the project’s completion, RwanLink expressed deep gratitude: “I have poured immense love, passion, and hard work into crafting this project.

I am excited to share it with everyone to celebrate Ocarina of Time’s anniversary and extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have offered their support.” In a notable development, the animation also transitions to showcase how this unique Ghibli-inspired visual style might appear from a third-person perspective — a testament to the animator’s technical skill and grasp of both cinematic and interactive aesthetics.

While RwanLink is clear that this work is intended as a non-playable animation rather than a working game, the final product has prompted renewed excitement among fans hoping for bold artistic directions in future Zelda titles.

The visual approach has invited comparisons to previous Nintendo Switch releases such as Skyward Sword and the cel-shaded expanses of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, demonstrating the enduring appeal of experimentation within the Zelda franchise. It is important to note that, despite the fanfare, RwanLink’s animation is an independent project and does not represent an official partnership between Nintendo and Studio Ghibli.

However, to date, RwanLink’s portfolio of Zelda-themed animations has remained publicly accessible, and the artist continues to gain recognition for celebrating Hyrule’s enduring legacy in creative new ways. As The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time celebrates its 25th anniversary, fan-driven tributes like RwanLink’s demonstrate the vibrancy and passion of the community, offering new perspectives on cherished classics and inspiring ongoing conversation around the future of the Zelda franchise.

Fans can view the completed animation and explore more of RwanLink’s work on the creator’s official YouTube channel.

Zelda Ocarina of Time The Legend of Zelda The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Legend of Zelda YouTube Studio Ghibli Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Legend RwanLink Nintendo Unreal Engine 5 Ghibli