Nearly 28 years after The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time changed video games forever, Nintendo’s legendary adventure is reportedly making history all over again.
The Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has reportedly earned a remarkable 96 on Metacritic, making it the highest-rated video game of 2026 and placing it among the most critically acclaimed games ever released.
According to DiscussingFilm on X, the remake has entered Metacritic’s top 30 highest-rated games of all time. A separate review roundup from Pirat Nation also reports a 97 on OpenCritic, alongside an impressive collection of perfect review scores.
‘THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME’ remake is the highest rated game of 2026 with a Metacritic score of 96.
It has also become one of the top 30 highest rated games OF ALL TIME. https://t.co/dVorwweRJi
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 4, 2026
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However, even this extraordinary reception hasn’t been enough to surpass the original Nintendo 64 masterpiece.
The Original Ocarina of Time Remains the Highest-Rated Game Ever
Released in November 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains the highest-rated video game in Metacritic history, holding a nearly perfect score of 99.
The original revolutionized three-dimensional adventure games with its innovative Z-targeting combat system, groundbreaking dungeon design, memorable characters, and expansive world of Hyrule.
Its influence can still be felt throughout modern gaming, with countless developers borrowing elements from Nintendo’s landmark achievement.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
Ocarina also became the first title to receive a perfect 40/40 from the Japanese gaming publication Famitsu, further cementing its place in gaming history.
Now, nearly three decades later, Nintendo has apparently managed to recapture much of that magic.
The Switch 2 remake’s Metacritic score of 96 places it just three points behind the original. Meanwhile, the 2011 Nintendo 3DS version earned an impressive 94, meaning three different versions of the same adventure have achieved extraordinary critical acclaim.
Perfect Scores Pour In for Nintendo’s Latest Masterpiece
The remake has reportedly received widespread praise from gaming publications around the world.
According to the review roundup shared by Pirat Nation, VGC, GamesRadar, Destructoid, Eurogamer, Console Creatures, Nintenduo, Gameliner, and Saudi Gamer all awarded the game perfect 10/10 scores.
Meanwhile, IGN, GameSpot, and Nintendo Life reportedly awarded the remake 9/10, while Wccftech gave it 9.5/10.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time reviews are out
-96 on Metacritic
-97 on OpenCritic-10/10 – VGC
-10/10 – GamesRadar
-10/10 – Console Creatures
-10/10 – Destructoid
-10/10 – Eurogamer
-10/10 – Nintenduo
-10/10 – Gameliner
-10/10 – Saudi Gamer
-9.5/10 – Wccftech
-9/10 – IGN
-9/10 – GameSpot
-9/10 – Nintendo Life
-8/10 – RPG Site
-Famitsu – 37/40— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) November 4, 2026
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Interestingly, Famitsu reportedly awarded the remake 37/40, falling just short of the original game’s historic perfect score.
Nevertheless, the overwhelming enthusiasm suggests that Nintendo has successfully modernized one of its most beloved adventures without sacrificing the qualities that made it special.
A Timeless Adventure for a New Generation
The success of Ocarina of Time also demonstrates something increasingly rare in modern entertainment: a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
For longtime Nintendo fans, the remake offers an opportunity to revisit Link’s unforgettable journey through Hyrule with modern technology. For younger players, it provides a chance to experience one of gaming’s most influential adventures for the first time.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
And while the remake may not have dethroned the original’s historic Metacritic record, its reported reception reinforces the enduring brilliance of the game’s original design.
Nearly three decades after its debut, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains a benchmark for the entire video game industry.
Some adventures simply never grow old.
Are you planning to play The Ocarina of Time Remake? Sound off and let us know!
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