The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 has been awarded a 5/5 review score, with Nintendo praised for balancing the magic of the 1998 original with modern features and visuals.
Originally released on the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time remains the only game to receive a 99 rating on Metacritic, above titles such as Soulcalibur, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Breath of the Wild. Expectations for the remake were therefore high, and the review concludes that Nintendo has delivered one of its best-ever games.
A faithful yet modernised experience
The remake retains the feel of the original despite a vast visual upgrade, updated controls and new gameplay features. Small details such as the weightiness of Link's movement, the sound of the Iron Boots, the iconic soundtrack, and the way Link looks back after a door slams shut all evoke nostalgia and take players back to 1998.
The visuals are described as incredible, potentially the most visually impressive Switch 2 game yet. The detail, scale and variety of environments and character design are highlighted, with the way the sun shines off Link's shield in Hyrule Field cited as a personal highlight. The tunics feature unique designs, including the hand-woven Kokiri Tunic, the scale-like Zora Tunic, and the thicker, tougher Goron Tunic.
The game's art director, Aya Shida, has confirmed that the development team's efforts to evoke nostalgia led to an analogue, puppet-show-like feel. The doll-like character models of Link, Zelda and other main characters are noted as a style that may not appeal to everyone but works well in this version of Hyrule.
Improved controls and new features
The updated control scheme has a significant impact on the player experience. One-button equipping and unequipping of items such as the Iron Boots and the Lens of Truth, along with the ability to move the camera at any time, make previously frustrating sections like the Water Temple far less painful. The new quick-swap feature for weapons and items makes swordplay feel more immersive.
The review notes that the aiming system remains janky, possibly intentionally to match the original. New features include notes left by fairies offering help or replenishing health, a rare Business Scrub Seed allowing players to buy items in a pinch, new holes to drop into by playing the Song of Storms, and the Hall of the Fallen Foes area. This area unlocks later in the game and allows players to observe and rematch foes and monsters encountered along the way, as well as learn about their strengths and weaknesses.
Cutscenes are longer, with mostly fully voiced dialogue, and there are more of them, adding context to characters and their personalities. The remake also includes more side quests, more lore to discover through dialogue, and more characters, such as a bearded man who has a radar for other bearded men.
Final verdict
The review describes the remake as a triumph, with Nintendo having nailed the balance between preserving the feel and magic of the original while adding modern, accessible features. It is described as the best-looking game played on Switch 2 yet. Small gripes include the inability to have more than one save per profile, with the suggestion that players can save on each profile on the Switch 2.
The reviewer, who loved the original, states they have loved every second of playing the remake, concluding that Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 is a triumph.
