The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

 Nintendo 64
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 8290 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7,394 out of 8290
  2. Mixed: 307 out of 8290
  3. Negative: 589 out of 8290
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  1. ReviewAvenue
    Mar 13, 2011
    10
    The face of god, I just saw it.
  2. Corvix
    Mar 8, 2011
    9
    I played A Link To The Past so many times in my childhood i lost count. When i got OoT for Christmas it was BYE BYE childhood! This game is the very definition of epic, i loved every second of it!
  3. iplayguitar
    Feb 26, 2011
    9
    Very influentail. you should know that. Exploring an open hyrule is amazing to this day. Great sounds and good music mix well with great graphics. it has flaws. The first is the god-damn water temple. Impossible to play without a walkthrough. Also, cancleing the bow just dosn't work. You have to waste an arrow. Also, during one part that I won't spoil, you have to do something you neverVery influentail. you should know that. Exploring an open hyrule is amazing to this day. Great sounds and good music mix well with great graphics. it has flaws. The first is the god-damn water temple. Impossible to play without a walkthrough. Also, cancleing the bow just dosn't work. You have to waste an arrow. Also, during one part that I won't spoil, you have to do something you never would have though of. Alright. I tell. go to the temple of time to change to a child or adult. How was I suposed to know that?!? how? HOW?!?! IT SUCKS! IT SUCKS! amazing game. go buy it now.… Expand
  4. Nosidda89
    Jan 20, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is do doubt the greatest game in existance. Non, except for Nintendo haters, have been able to play this game without admiting it is at least one of the best of the best, if not THE best of the best. Super Mario 64 was the first game to make 3D conversion work, but this was the game that perfected it. It introduced a large 3 dimensional world to explore, which at the time was a huge deal. It also introduced new gameplay mechanics that made the action adventure genre work out even more. Like the lock-on targeting system, which helped to keep your eye on the enemy much easier, but without making the fighting too easy, as you had to meneuver around the enemy and dodge his attacks. Another big new feature was horse-back riding. Riding your horse around the huge field was big and new. It had an engaging story, that really sucked you in, which had lots of twists and turns. Like when Ganondorf attacked the castle, destroying your plan to get the Triforce before Ganon did. Or near the end, when Shiek, the man who helped you on your journey as an adult, reveals himself to be Princess Zelda, the person Link had been searching long and hard for. Another thing was the conversion from Young Link to Adult Link. This was the first Zelda game that introduced Adult Link, making him look more epic, and more like the hero of the legends. But the bigger twist is how you can play as both Young Link and Adult Link. Not only that, but the story counts on you using both of them to make it all the way through the story. There are alot of complicated dungeons with puzzles to solve, which can sometime twist your brain, and make the game much more challenging. What I loved about Zelda was the flawless gameplay and beautiful landscapes. Zelda Ocarina of Time was a first, it brought forth the perfection of 3D conversion, and made it beautiful, but also made the 3D mechanics work with how the game played out, and it worked beautifully. Of course the game isn't perfect, there are a few flaws in Ocarina of Time. Like the Water Temple, which is the most unpopular dungeon in the game. Everyone had a hard time with it, so it proved to be a bit too challenging. Plus in some parts of the game, the graphics don't look good at all. However, these flaws are not severe enough to interfere with the games overall greatness. There may be no such thing as a perfect game, but this game is as close to a perfect game as you can get. Zelda Ocarina of Time won Game of the Year in 1998, and got an honorable award in outstanding gaming achievement in 1999, and it didn't win these awards without good reason. This game is truley the best game of all time, and anyone who thinks they can make a game better than this is absolutely crazy. Sure Ocarina of Time may not be outstanding by todays standards, but considering the technology of gaming at the time, it was the best gaming could offer. Even 13 years after the game came out, Ocarina of Time is still selling like nuts via the Wii Virtual Console, which re-released Ocarina of Time in 2007. In my opinion, Ocarina of Time is, and will always be, the greatest game ever made, and I'm not alone in that statement. I have yet to meet a person who is not a Zelda hater who played Ocarina of Time and thought the games was horrible. Ocarina of Time is the best of the best in gaming, hands down, and it deserves a perfect score more than any game.… Expand
  5. Bathmat
    Jan 19, 2011
    10
    ...And yet there's negative reviews. (I laugh hysterically for three quarters of an hour) A ten from me requires a lot of work, but why should I give it a nine or below? OK, Link moves a bit too slow, it's never really clear what to do and the first dungeon is boring but as much as I wanted to give it a lower score for that, I just couldn't. It's such a fun game and it really gets you...And yet there's negative reviews. (I laugh hysterically for three quarters of an hour) A ten from me requires a lot of work, but why should I give it a nine or below? OK, Link moves a bit too slow, it's never really clear what to do and the first dungeon is boring but as much as I wanted to give it a lower score for that, I just couldn't. It's such a fun game and it really gets you thinking. If you don't smile as you're playing this, you're dead insane.… Expand
  6. Itsapaul
    Jan 15, 2011
    7
    I still don't see why this game is so good. You literally beat it the exact same way every one else who played it beat it; what's the point? It obviously didn't age well but I would rate Paper Mario and Shadows of the Empire way above this on gameplay anyway.

    HEY.

    LISTEN.
  7. pittsburghboy91
    Jan 12, 2011
    10
    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is without a doubt one of the greatest video games of all time. To say that this game was great is an understatement. Ocarina introduced the gaming world to the aspect of open world play with a wonderfully sized map that was large and full of exploration but not in the slightest bit unnecessary. The level and dungeon design was the best of it's time andThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is without a doubt one of the greatest video games of all time. To say that this game was great is an understatement. Ocarina introduced the gaming world to the aspect of open world play with a wonderfully sized map that was large and full of exploration but not in the slightest bit unnecessary. The level and dungeon design was the best of it's time and in still to this day remains one of most brilliant, beautiful, and interesting worlds of any video game on the market. Every area you explore from the moment you wake up in the lush and green forest of the Kokiri to the vast and deep desert of the Gerudos' is crafted to perfection. The combat system in Ocarina was also a shining star. Not only did weapons feel right, react well, and play out perfectly, but they were always interesting and had their own advantages. Not once did a weapon outshine another because they all had a great purpose. The Z-Targeting system was added for a more cinematic feel that worked flawlessly and it even made combat easier and more interesting. The music and sounds of the game brought it to life as well. Every area had it's own theme music that was unique to that zone and always felt right and gave the player that more personal feeling wherever he/she went. Kokiri Forest felt like a wonderful place of happiness while Hyrule Field had an epic and powerful tone to it. The addition of musical gameplay made things more interesting as well and showed an importance to every area the player visited. Now, most importantly to the Zelda series itself and to any video game for that matter, comes the story. The Legend of Zelda has always been a series shining in the glory of it's adventures and this was the biggest and most powerful of them all. You begin as a young boy who has always felt left out and who has nightmares of dark visions that would become realities. As you start your quest you realize your true destiny and embark on a journey filled with adventure and courage like no other. The dark king of the Gerudo's Gannondorf seeks the legendary Triforce and will stop at nothing to rule the land of Hyrule. By unleashing monsters from the Temples' of Hyrule and by turning the once good and just land to pure evil, Gannondorf attempts total rule over the world. Link being the Hero of Hyrule must journey to the different lands and temples' of the land in order to gain power from the mystical "sages" and stop Gannondorf. The story in Ocarina beings great and never lets go. In fact the game gets better every second that it progresses. You meet many interesting characters such as Princess Ruto, Malon, Darunia, and the mysterious Sheik that not only have their own individual traits, but also contain important roles in your quest. Also, each character is easily remembered and full of emotion which grasps the player and gives them a sense of caring and passion for each one. The many temples and dungeons visited during the game are all fun, unique, and interesting and reward the player as he/she progresses. The game has quite a few side quests that are entertaining and it follows through right up to the end. There is nothing negative about this game and to this day it stands on a pedestal as one of if not the greatest game of all time and for good reason. Since it's release very few games have captured the true story, art, and power Ocarina of Time had mastered back in 1998. To this day I myself still play it and still consider it my favorite game ever. Not because of great graphics, or online play, or anything else that current games have fallen into but because Zelda is a game that touched my heart like no other game ever has. Current game developers and enthusiasts need to look back at The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and reconsider the direction that games are going. Zelda mastered it, and for that we should honor it.… Expand
  8. DomF
    Jan 8, 2011
    10
    Greatest game in history. The entire Legend of Zelda series has an incredible storyline and every character had it's own unique personality that made them instantly recognisable and very easily loved or hated, including the silent hero Link, the annoying yet lovable Navi, the temperamental and enigmatic Happy Mask Salesman; the list could go on. At the time of the game's release, nothingGreatest game in history. The entire Legend of Zelda series has an incredible storyline and every character had it's own unique personality that made them instantly recognisable and very easily loved or hated, including the silent hero Link, the annoying yet lovable Navi, the temperamental and enigmatic Happy Mask Salesman; the list could go on. At the time of the game's release, nothing could compare to the experience this game gave you - it encapsulated you. Despite having only a linear single player, many people return again and again to play through the game, and that is a testament to it's greatness.… Expand
  9. NoBS
    Dec 28, 2010
    10
    This is the best fking game in existence. It is right up there with the original Super Mario Bros. Classics like this and compelling and such enriched stories like this don't come often. Regardless of age, this game will wisk you into the zelda world and have you fulfilling Link's task as if it were you own. it's a chef d'oeuvre and an exemplary title of what any game should aspire to be.This is the best fking game in existence. It is right up there with the original Super Mario Bros. Classics like this and compelling and such enriched stories like this don't come often. Regardless of age, this game will wisk you into the zelda world and have you fulfilling Link's task as if it were you own. it's a chef d'oeuvre and an exemplary title of what any game should aspire to be. This is the highest rated game in Metacritic and deserves it. There are moments when you will cry out of sadness or joy, this is truly a magnificent masterpiece and Nintendo's most cherished game.… Expand
  10. Azlaksar
    Dec 17, 2010
    10
    Not only was Ocarina of Time a great game, but it was much more. It was the cornerstone of the game industry's transition to 3D, and proof of concept that a franchise could make that quantum leap. Others had tried and failed, and the results ranged from mediocre to horrid (the older 3D Castlevania titles certainly come to mind, or Superman 64... and those are just the first two that INot only was Ocarina of Time a great game, but it was much more. It was the cornerstone of the game industry's transition to 3D, and proof of concept that a franchise could make that quantum leap. Others had tried and failed, and the results ranged from mediocre to horrid (the older 3D Castlevania titles certainly come to mind, or Superman 64... and those are just the first two that I thought of.) The gameplay was flawless and the graphics were a marvel for their time and the constraints of the Nintendo 64. It's not just the game itself, it's what it did for the industry and for console gaming in general. Add in a plot that remains the best of any Zelda game and you have an instant classic that remains a legend today. This isn't just nostalgia speaking - I just finished what was about my 20th replay. It's still just as good now as it was twelve years ago. If that's not the mark of a truly amazing game, I don't know what is. It's a shame I can't give this game an 11, because it is the one game that truly deserves one.… Expand
  11. AZWification
    Dec 15, 2010
    10
    OK.Ocarina of Time is a amazing game, but is not the best game ever.It was the best game until the release of Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2.Ocarina of Time got really good graphics(better than Super Mario 64's graphics), great music and incredible gameplay.People who give an 0, 1, 2,3 or 4 maybe didn't played it enough to find out the coolness of the game.The 3D gameplay is reallyOK.Ocarina of Time is a amazing game, but is not the best game ever.It was the best game until the release of Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2.Ocarina of Time got really good graphics(better than Super Mario 64's graphics), great music and incredible gameplay.People who give an 0, 1, 2,3 or 4 maybe didn't played it enough to find out the coolness of the game.The 3D gameplay is really impressive, just like the Mario franchise was turned from 2D to 3D it became amazing, the same to Ocarina of Time.Maybe if I could made this review in 2007 before Mario Galaxy I could say is the best game ever, but I can't........Still this game got a perfect 10!… Expand
  12. yedo
    Dec 11, 2010
    7
    A l'instar du Zelda II sorti sur Nintendo, Majora's Mask est un épisode qui se pose en porte à faux vis à vis de la série. Point question de sauver la princesse Zelda. Le héros prend place dans un monde totalement neuf, un univers parallèle à Hyrule. Enfin totalement neuf, mais plus pourA l'instar du Zelda II sorti sur Nintendo, Majora's Mask est un épisode qui se pose en porte à faux vis à vis de la série. Point question de sauver la princesse Zelda. Le héros prend place dans un monde totalement neuf, un univers parallèle à Hyrule. Enfin totalement neuf, mais plus pour très longtemps, car il est au bord de l'apocalypse, proche de l'implosion, si Link ne remets pas la main sur un petit lutin masqué, nommé Skull Kid, qui fout la pagaille aux quatre coins de la planète. On est ainsi balancé dans un nouvel environnement, qui change de nos bonnes vieilles habitudes. Enfin, pas tout à fait. Car, fidèle à ses préceptes, Nintendo a farci le jeu de références aux épisodes précédents. Majora's Mask ressemble même au meilleur cross over de la série. En premier lieu, le jeu est une refonte assumée d'Ocarina Of Time. La plupart des personnages de ce dernier sont recyclés, dans des rôles parfois différents, souvent différents même et des noms changés. Je pense aux sorcières, boss du Temple du Désert dans le précédent épisode, reconverties en marchandes de potions. Les relations qu'entretient Link avec ces différents personnage sont ainsi totalement inversées.… Expand
  13. jaga420
    Dec 4, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm usually against overrated games, but this game is deservedly so. The game starts out like a cheesy kids' game, and seems innocent enough. Then, a third of the way through, link gets imprisoned in a deep sleep for 7 years. The awakening is one of the most powerful things I've experienced in a game. You leave the building you slept in, and you immediately notice a darker tone to the area than when you entered. A red ring hovers over a previously dormant volcano ominously, signifying its turning active. The castle town, once thriving and bustling, now has its buildings charred and undead (the enemy's name is called redead) walk the streets. The castle itself, once peaceful, is replaced by a dark and sinister tower hovering over a pool of lava.
    There are many more reasons why everyone should play this game obviously, but that is my favorite moment in the game, and even the series. The other games are great too, but they don't quite live up to this.    … Expand
  14. Shinjiro
    Dec 2, 2010
    10
    "The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time" is probably the best Zelda, if not (one of) the best game(s) of all time. This game has everything an Action Adventure fan can ask for: Excellent gameplay, great music and even though the graphics are not up-to-date, the style fits the game. The level-design is great and the story is good too. The puzzles are never too difficult nor too easy and the"The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time" is probably the best Zelda, if not (one of) the best game(s) of all time. This game has everything an Action Adventure fan can ask for: Excellent gameplay, great music and even though the graphics are not up-to-date, the style fits the game. The level-design is great and the story is good too. The puzzles are never too difficult nor too easy and the whole world contains many secrets. The only negative point is the framerate, but after all, this game is over 10 years old. And the framerate is a barely an issue at all. "The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time" is a game where you never get bored, no matter how many times you play it and if there's one game that can be called "perfect", it's this one. If your still haven't played this masterpiece, you can either download it for the Virtual Console or wait for the 3DS version with a better graphics.… Expand
  15. Headshot
    Nov 28, 2010
    10
    This is, without a doubt, the best game ever created. Even to this day, years after it was made, I still love the game. If you haven't played the game, and own a Wii, pick it up on the virtual console, it is well worth the $10 they are charging for it.
  16. Jacody
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    Anyone who gives the masterpiece below a 7 or an 8 is either just here to hate on the astounding zelda franchise, doesn't know a DAMN good game or is insane. The dungeons are interesting and unique, the characters are interesting and have personality, the story is highly engaging, the combat is varied, fluid, and fun, the items are amazing, there are a plethora of interesting side questsAnyone who gives the masterpiece below a 7 or an 8 is either just here to hate on the astounding zelda franchise, doesn't know a DAMN good game or is insane. The dungeons are interesting and unique, the characters are interesting and have personality, the story is highly engaging, the combat is varied, fluid, and fun, the items are amazing, there are a plethora of interesting side quests and collectibles, and considering the fact that this game was made in 1998 the graphics are amazing. The only real downside is that the game is somewhat linear and you can't continue on after beating the final boss, but that doesn't detract from the huge amount of fun I had playing this game. This has to be one of if not the best games ever made just as the others have said.… Expand
  17. AmakuraKyon
    Nov 19, 2010
    10
    I don't have word for this game. Maybe... Perfect? Epic? Unstoppable? Unbeatable? Irresistible? Sensational......? The songs, bgs, sfx, graphifcs, characters, history, all of this game is incridlebe. 11/10
  18. GhostSquad57
    Nov 16, 2010
    10
    Probably the best game in the series (and probably best game ever ). Why? Fun, Easy to learn controls, Good story, Not to long - not to short, Amazing replay value. this game is simply a masterpiece! can't wait for the 3DS remake.
  19. StevenA
    Mar 21, 2010
    10
    This game is the highest rated game on Metacritic and for good reasons. It takes elements from every other game that existed before it and multiplied it several times over. Almost 12 years later, I can play Ocarina of Time and STILL see things that it does, that games of this 2010 decade cannot d. It stands the test of time and will forever be in my heart as the greatest game of all time This game is the highest rated game on Metacritic and for good reasons. It takes elements from every other game that existed before it and multiplied it several times over. Almost 12 years later, I can play Ocarina of Time and STILL see things that it does, that games of this 2010 decade cannot d. It stands the test of time and will forever be in my heart as the greatest game of all time ever in the world. Many games have tried to conquer that title. All have failed. I'm more than happy to say that.… Expand
  20. BrandonJ
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    Best and longest story line of its time still holds the record for the highest metacritic rating, and who can post bad about it?
  21. Justinc
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    Just brilliant, JUST OMG AWESOME STORY! I kept playing this for like 23th times and still haven't get enough for this. It brought back memories of classic zelda :3
  22. JesseR
    Jan 18, 2010
    10
    I don
  23. StevenS
    Jan 16, 2010
    10
    As a gamer who celebrates this game's birthday with friends, I have to say I will forever love this game. I have gone through the game over 50 times and collected every item at least 15 times. It will forever have a spot in my heart.
  24. PhilMad
    Jan 11, 2010
    10
    Simply the greatest game of all time, with engaging story, enemies and puzzles this game will have you being nostalgic fr the rest of your life.
  25. WinterC
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    This game is one of the best games ever created. It just disappoints me that so many people who play games on the Xbox360 or PS3 find this game as crap because of the graphics. They don't realize that this game came out in 1998.
  26. Shane95
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    This game is the definition of GREATNESS. This is the 2nd best game ever. Story is awesome, the graphics for the 90s makes you feel in the game. The Gameplay is... do i have to say it? really? This game deserves a 99999999 out of 10, but since i can't do that, it gets a 10.
  27. EvanL
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    Undoubtedly the greatest game ever created. For such an amazing game to be released so early in the lifetime of console games is a feat nothing short of miraculous and has yet to be repeated. Nintendo conceived this game with such pure brilliance that all future games will stand upon its shoulders in attempts to duplicate its massive successes. The art of gaming has never felt so amazing Undoubtedly the greatest game ever created. For such an amazing game to be released so early in the lifetime of console games is a feat nothing short of miraculous and has yet to be repeated. Nintendo conceived this game with such pure brilliance that all future games will stand upon its shoulders in attempts to duplicate its massive successes. The art of gaming has never felt so amazing and probably never will again. Simply perfect.… Expand
  28. MarkA
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    When this game first came out in 1998 I was 6 years old, and when I got this game for my birthday, I must have beaten the game at least 5 times by now. When I went back to play this game, it still felt just as magical that first day I played it. This is a game that everyone must play, or at least try to play it is that good, and people will still be alking about this game 10, 20, even 50 When this game first came out in 1998 I was 6 years old, and when I got this game for my birthday, I must have beaten the game at least 5 times by now. When I went back to play this game, it still felt just as magical that first day I played it. This is a game that everyone must play, or at least try to play it is that good, and people will still be alking about this game 10, 20, even 50 years down the road. A Masterpiece… Expand
  29. RickyD
    Dec 15, 2009
    10
    Simply the best game that has ever been made, nothing will ever top this. Also the replay value of this game is simply amazing, i think ive beaten this game like 100 times and i enjoyed it no less than the first time i ever did.
  30. Harry
    Dec 14, 2009
    10
    Gaming perfection. This stands among an elite selection of games against which all other games should be judged.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best N64 Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Shared N64 Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
99

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. My Gamer
    Mar 24, 2016
    94
    The player will be drawn into the Zelda fantasy world from the moment the opening sequence bursts onto the screen, and the game won't let go-not even after finishing the quest.
    Read full review
  2. Happy Puppy
    Mar 24, 2016
    90
    Realism is one of the major reasons this title is so amazing. After playing for a while it feels as though you have actually been to Hyrule.
  3. Gaming Age
    Mar 24, 2016
    95
    Featuring unparalleled 3D environments, a deep and involved quest, brilliant and intuitive play controls, and a well-developed cinematic quality that enhances rather than overwhelms the whole game experience, Miyamoto's latest soon-to-be-classic title deserves to be played by each and every person who might deign to consider themselves a fan of great games.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »