Some games simply never get old. Even after nearly three decades, certain titles remain benchmarks for the entire video game industry. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of them. Considered one of the most important games in history, the classic returns today, November 5, 2026, in a new version for the Nintendo Switch 2.
And its initial reception couldn't be better. The Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake debuted with an impressive 96 on Metacritic, making it the highest-rated game of 2026 so far. This score places the release among the most acclaimed titles of all time and raises expectations for a potential run at the Game of the Year (GOTY 2026) award.
We're talking about a game that has defined generations since its original release in 1998 and now has the opportunity to win over longtime fans once again while introducing its incredible adventure to a whole new audience.
A 96 on Metacritic: One of the Best Games of 2026
Scoring 96 on Metacritic is an extraordinary achievement. The platform gathers reviews from various specialized publications and calculates a weighted average, providing an overview of critics' reception of the industry's major releases.
In the case of Ocarina of Time Remake, this result becomes even more significant when we consider the franchise's historical importance. The new version has managed to impress critics despite carrying the responsibility of updating one of the most respected games of all time.
According to the reviews collected by the aggregator, the game reached 96 points with approximately 80 reviews from specialized publications. This surpasses the 94 points earned by Ocarina of Time 3D, released for the Nintendo 3DS, although it remains below the original Nintendo 64 version's historic score of 99.
Among the aspects praised by critics, the visual presentation received considerable attention. Ollie Reynolds from Nintendo Life highlighted the quality of Nintendo's artistic work:
"By far, the most stunning visual work Nintendo has ever produced."
Ollie Reynolds – Nintendo Life
In addition to the graphics, critics also praised the reorchestrated soundtrack, improved controls, and preservation of the original dungeon and puzzle design. These elements demonstrate how Nintendo sought to modernize the experience without losing what made the original so special.
Why Is Ocarina of Time Considered One of the Greatest Games in History?
To understand the greatness of this release, we need to go back to 1998. At the time, the video game industry was still exploring the possibilities of three-dimensional environments. It was in this setting that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time arrived on the Nintendo 64 and helped establish standards that continue to influence modern games.
One of its greatest achievements was bringing exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and storytelling together in an exceptionally well-crafted adventure. Hyrule wasn't simply a setting to travel through: it was a world filled with characters, secrets, memorable locations, and discoveries that rewarded players' curiosity.
The Z-Targeting system, which made combat against enemies in three-dimensional environments easier, became a reference point for numerous action-adventure games. The use of the ocarina also went far beyond being a narrative element, turning music into a gameplay mechanic directly connected to exploration and story progression.
Another remarkable aspect is Link's journey through different stages of his life. The transition between childhood and adulthood allows players to witness Hyrule's transformation and understand how the protagonist's actions influence the fate of that world.
The dungeons, bosses, soundtrack, and world design complete an experience that managed to go beyond the technical limitations of its time.
Ocarina of Time wasn't simply a great Nintendo 64 game. It was one of the works that helped define how 3D adventures would be developed in subsequent generations.
What's New in the Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake?
Updating such an important game is an enormous responsibility. After all, there's a difference between improving a game's technical aspects and changing the very elements that made people fall in love with it.
The new Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake features a modern visual reconstruction, accompanied by improvements to the controls and overall gameplay experience. New features include a free-moving camera, a dedicated jump button, and fully voiced dialogue, including Brazilian Portuguese support.
These changes bring the classic closer to modern gaming standards, making the adventure more accessible to players who have never experienced the original version, while preserving the nostalgia of those who grew up exploring Hyrule on the Nintendo 64.
Another interesting aspect is the opportunity to introduce this adventure to a new generation. Many players discovered the franchise through Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but have never experienced the title that helped establish so many of Zelda's traditional elements.
Now, this adventure can be rediscovered with a completely renewed presentation.
Will Zelda Compete for GOTY 2026 Against GTA 6?
With a debut score of 96 on Metacritic, it's impossible not to consider Ocarina of Time Remake one of the leading contenders for Game of the Year 2026.
Although critics' scores alone don't determine the winner of an award, they demonstrate just how positively the game has been received. And there's one detail that makes this potential competition especially interesting: the return of a 1998 classic is sharing the spotlight with completely new and highly anticipated productions.
The main potential competitor is Grand Theft Auto VI, from Rockstar Games. The new GTA is one of the most anticipated games of recent years and arrives with enormous expectations. The scale of the production and the franchise's popularity make it impossible to overlook its potential in the race for Game of the Year.
However, Zelda has an important advantage in this competition: its reception tends to be far more consensual. While Grand Theft Auto VI, due to its themes and approach, may generate controversy and divide opinions, Ocarina of Time offers an adventure experience that traditionally appeals to different types of players and critics. This could represent an advantage in the GOTY race, especially considering that many of the publications and professionals responsible for reviewing games also participate in the voting or selection of nominees for the industry's major awards. With such an impressive score and overwhelmingly positive reception, Zelda has plenty of reasons to remain among the favorites for Game of the Year.
With its current score, the game has firmly entered the conversation. It will be interesting to see whether GTA 6 can surpass Zelda's initial reception and how the major award ceremonies will evaluate both releases.
Regardless of who takes home the award, having two highly anticipated titles competing for attention among the year's biggest releases makes 2026 an especially exciting year for video game fans and already sets up this year's GOTY race as one of the biggest of all time.
What Can We Expect From This Release?
The release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake represents much more than the arrival of an updated version of an old game. It's an opportunity to revisit one of the most important adventures in video game history and discover how it can be presented to a new generation.
The 96 Metacritic score has already placed the title among the year's biggest highlights, but an equally important stage is just beginning: the players' reception. Will this experience win over those who have never played the original? And will longtime fans consider this the best way to revisit Hyrule?
One thing is certain: few games can remain relevant for nearly three decades. Ocarina of Time defined a generation in 1998, and now it has the opportunity to make history once again.
If it manages to maintain the impact it had upon its original release, we could be looking at another one of those games capable of defining generations. And in such a competitive year, it wouldn't be surprising to see Link competing for the industry's biggest award.
And you, are you planning to play Ocarina of Time Remake? Do you think Zelda has a chance to surpass GTA 6 and win the Game of the Year award in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments!
