😮 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has a Metacritic score of 96
👏 It means it’s received universal acclaim from critics
⚔️ It’s a faithful remake of the 1998 N64 game
📅 The game is available November 5 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, and a Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 and Zelda Pro Controller are also available now
Reviews for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 are now live – and it’s clear Nintendo has delivered an exceptional remake of the beloved N64 game.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is currently sitting on an impressive Metacritic score of 96 after 71 critic reviews, making it one of the highest-rated games of the last few years. It’s also the Nintendo Switch 2’s most critically-acclaimed game as a result.
Here’s what critics made of Nintendo’s long-awaited remake, which is available on November 5, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Destructoid was one of several outlets that gave Ocarina of Time a perfect score:
”An iconic all-time story has been reborn for a new generation, and it's the best iteration of the classic Nintendo 64 favorite we've gotten yet. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 is a must-play, whether you're a franchise fan or not, and one of the best examples of how to properly reimagine an enduring masterpiece.”
GamesRadar+ also gave The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time full marks in its review, saying:
“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a remake for the ages, blending the charm and whimsy of the original with more digestible gameplay and stunning visuals. It's as timeless as it ever was, managing to recreate one of the most beautiful games to date without compromising the magic of its 1998 predecessor – only adding to it. Between newly voiced dialogue, revamped dungeons, fresh puzzles, and more, Hyrule has never felt so alive.”
VGC was another outlet that awarded Ocarina of Time a perfect score, and said it’s the definitive way for a new generation to discover the game:
“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Switch 2 remake is a remarkable restoration of one of gaming’s most beloved adventures. Rather than reinventing a masterpiece, Nintendo has carefully refined what made it special, creating the definitive way for a new generation to discover it and returning players to fall in love all over again.”
GameSpot were also thoroughly impressed by Ocarina of Time on Switch 2, though stopped short of giving it 10/10:
“Ocarina of Time is still a wonder of game design and a thrilling adventure. This remake smooths over some rough edges, leaves others intact, and lets what was so special about the original shine through. It can be easy to forget after so many years, but the core structure and design ethos are as strong as they ever were. By approaching this remake with a degree of reverence and respect for the source material, Nintendo has shown that a true masterpiece can stand the test of time.”
Nintendo Life also enjoyed Nintendo’s remake, giving the game 9/10:
”Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 is a stellar reimagining of the original, one that completely revamps the experience with stunning visuals, modernised gameplay, and vastly improved audio. Despite some minor blemishes, this is comfortably the most visually stunning work Nintendo has ever put out, and it’s unquestionably the best way to play one of the most seminal games of all time. That said, it is a very safe remake. Despite lots of minor changes throughout, it’s still essentially the same game you’ve likely already played, and so you might find it offers little challenge if you’re familiar with the N64 original or 3DS remake. This makes the lack of Master Quest — or really any kind of hard mode — particularly glaring, but I’m hopeful it’ll be added in the future.”
RPG Site was one of the few sites to score The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time lower than a perfect score or 9/10, giving the game 8/10 instead:
“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake feels designed for new players first and foremost, letting new generations see what made us fall in love with it back in the day, and in that regard, it succeeds with flying colors. While some decisions and directions in this remake may keep me from reaching for it again anytime soon, Ocarina of Time is a classic tale and remains a standout among the pantheon of the Zelda titles, and this remake is a great showing of why, even with its blemishes.”
Judging by the reviews, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will please fans of the original and newcomers alike, with many calling it the best-looking game Nintendo has ever made. It’s widely seen as the best iteration of the classic N64 game, and a must-play for Switch 2 owners.
Up next: Zelda Switch 2 restock update: Nintendo admits it ‘underestimated’ demand
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.