In this story 3 min read
There was always one difficult question hanging over this project: how do you remake a game whose reputation has spent decades becoming part of gaming history? The first Ocarina of Time reviews suggest Nintendo has found a convincing answer. The response is overwhelmingly positive, but the interesting part is that critics are praising the remake less for replacing the original and more for understanding what should be changed.
Ocarina of Time reviews
Quick facts
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Release date
- 5 November 2026
- Metacritic
- 96/100
- Publisher
- Nintendo
The broad agreement is unusually clear. Reviewers highlight the completely rebuilt visuals, smoother movement, free camera control, expanded dialogue and fully voiced cutscenes, while Nintendo's orchestral treatment of the soundtrack gives familiar scenes a different scale. For me, the important point is that these changes appear to modernize the rhythm of the adventure without turning it into a different kind of Zelda game.
What critics praised
- Modern controlsMovement, camera control and jumping make the adventure considerably easier to navigate. Bronze
- A rebuilt HyruleLocations keep their recognizable structure while gaining much richer visual detail. Silver
- Faithful modernizationThe strongest praise is reserved for changes that improve the experience without erasing its identity. Platinum
Where critics disagree
That balance matters to me. A remake this important does not automatically become better by changing more; the real test is whether every change earns its place.
What happens next
- 4 November 2026 Reviews published The first major wave of international reviews arrives ahead of launch.
- 5 November 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 release The remake officially launches on Nintendo Switch 2.
The score can still move as more reviews are added, so 96 should be treated as the snapshot available on November 4 rather than a permanent number. What is already firmly supported is the direction of the reception: critics largely believe Nintendo preserved the foundation of Ocarina of Time while removing enough friction to make it comfortable in 2026. Anything beyond that becomes a conversation for players once the game launches.
FAQ
What score did the Ocarina of Time remake receive?
Its Metacritic score was 96/100 on November 4, 2026. Aggregate scores can change as additional reviews are added.
What do critics like about the Zelda remake?
The recurring positives include modernized movement and camera controls, rebuilt visuals, orchestral music and a faithful approach to the original structure.
What are the main criticisms?
Some reviewers consider the combat relatively easy or feel the remake could have taken greater creative risks.
When does The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launch?
Nintendo lists the Nintendo Switch 2 release for November 5, 2026.
Written by Mohamed Essam Desoki Ebrahiem.
Mohamed Badr, specializing in digital marketing, social media management, Media Buying, and marketer at Games 2 Egypt. A gamer who loves exploring, especially drawn to open-world games. I write clearly about my experiences, appreciating what’s done well and offering fair criticism of what could be better.
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