The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 reviews are in, and the remake has a Metascore of 96, based on 70 critic reviews, with none rated mixed or negative, on Metacritic (checked 11:30 UTC, November 4). OpenCritic shows a Top Critic Average of 95, and 100% of critics recommend it, from 26 reviews (checked 11:33 UTC). Most Western reviews went live at 11:00 UTC (6 AM ET) today, one day before the remake launches on November 5.
Japan’s Famitsu got there first, scoring it 37/40. Below is every score we confirmed on the outlet’s own review page, plus what the critics agree on and where they disagree.
Table of Contents
Ocarina of Time Switch 2 review scores
| Outlet | Score | Verdict in brief |
|---|---|---|
| Famitsu (via Nintendo Life) | 37/40 (9/9/9/10) | The first review in; the N64 original scored 40/40 |
| Destructoid | 10/10 | “A must-play” and the best version of the N64 classic yet |
| Shacknews | 10/10 | “Greatest of all time”; reworked dungeons still challenge |
| GamesRadar+ | 5/5 | “A remake for the ages” |
| TechRadar | 5/5 | Faithful and loving, but light on challenge |
| VGC | 5/5 | The definitive way to discover or rediscover it |
| Eurogamer | 5/5 | The remake rediscovers a masterpiece |
| NME | 5/5 | “Feels loving” rather than a cash-in |
| Dexerto | 5/5 | “A masterpiece made better” |
| ComicBook | 5/5 | Worthy of its legendary status |
| Game Informer | 9.25/10 | “Exceptionally familiar”: it looks new but plays much as before |
| Nintendo Life | 9/10 | “A stunning remake, but not quite definitive” |
| RPG Site | 8/10 | Built for new players first, “even with its blemishes” |
| Polygon | No score | “Still perfect on Switch 2” |
We only counted reviews that went live when the Western embargo lifted. Reviews posted early and impressions from unofficial early copies are left out.
A Goron hints at a bomb flower puzzle. Reviewers single out the remake's expanded dialogue and new cutscenes. Image: Nintendo
What reviewers praise
The visuals come first. Destructoid calls the remake “an utterly gorgeous 60 FPS visual feast” and the best-looking Switch 2 game yet. Dexerto says the same about it being the best-looking game on the system. Nintendo Life calls it “comfortably the most visually stunning work Nintendo has ever put out.”
Faithful, with modern controls. VGC says Nintendo “carefully refined what made it special” instead of reinventing it. ComicBook notes you no longer open a menu to equip the Iron Boots or switch to first person to aim the bow and hookshot. Game Informer singles out full camera control and the new jump button as the biggest changes.
Story and music. The expanded dialogue, new voiced cutscenes and re-orchestrated soundtrack get credit almost everywhere. Shacknews says Navi is “an actual character now.” ComicBook calls the new score phenomenal.
What critics did not like
- It’s easy. Destructoid, TechRadar and Nintendo Life say there’s little challenge, especially for veterans, and RPG Site found the boss fights far more forgiving. GamesRadar+ disagrees: it calls the game “challenging and fun without ever feeling grueling.”
- No Master Quest or hard mode. Nintendo Life calls the missing Master Quest “particularly glaring.” TechRadar hopes it comes later, and not as DLC.
- One manual save file. Nintendo Life and RPG Site both object. Destructoid also dislikes having to reload an old save after the final boss to reach 100%.
- Very safe. Game Informer says “it all looks new, but doesn’t feel particularly new.” ComicBook points to very little brand-new content, and Game Informer and Shacknews mention stiff or limited voice acting.
Playing the Song of Time. Reviewers liked the option to hum songs into the microphone. Image: Nintendo
Is the Ocarina of Time remake worth it?
The reviews say it’s worth your time if you’ve never played Ocarina of Time or haven’t touched it since the N64 or 3DS. Most reviews call it the best way to play the game. If you know every dungeon by heart and want a new challenge, expect the same game with a new look. Several critics say the lack of a harder mode is its biggest gap.
For how long reviewers took to beat it and to reach 100%, see our Ocarina of Time remake length breakdown. Our rundown of the eight new features Nintendo highlighted covers the Hall of Fallen Foes, playing songs with the microphone and other additions the reviews mention.
What’s next
Ocarina of Time launches on Switch 2 on Thursday, November 5. In the US the eShop version unlocks at 12:00 AM ET, and pre-loading is already open. Our Ocarina of Time Switch 2 release time guide lists every region, and our editions and prices guide covers the physical and digital versions. Metacritic and OpenCritic numbers will move as more reviews arrive. Nintendo Life has said it plans a review round-up of its own.
Sources: Metacritic, OpenCritic, Nintendo Life (Famitsu), VGC (Famitsu), and each outlet’s review linked in the table above.
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Featured image: Nintendo
