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. 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?
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. ImUnavailable
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    No more needs to be said about this game. The best game ever? I'm not sure but if any game has to have that title then I don't mind it being this one. Games don't come much better than this.
  9. TradeMark_XIII
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    There's nothing left to say. This is widely considered THE BEST GAME OF ALL TIME. Look it up :) I just hope the 3D remake can reach the same (if not better) Metacritic score!!!!!
  10. Caestus
    Feb 24, 2013
    10
    The game that is considered by many the greatest of all time. I am just thankful to have witnessed this epic adventure back then and i´ll never forget the experience that i have made with OoT.
  11. LemonlyFresh
    Dec 23, 2011
    10
    Just play it, if you don't think it's the greatest game ever (considering it's time) then sell all of your consoles, give away all of your games, and never play a video game again, you are not worthy!
  12. fogcuttooth
    Sep 12, 2011
    10
    The greatest game ever made. Simple as that. Playing it again, 13 years after first play, and may not feel as fresh and original but the levels are still as brilliantly fun to play through and the redoing of the puzzles still feels a joy, never a chore. There is nothing to fault this game over.
  13. TipsyMcBee
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is not only the best game on the N64 in 1998, but one the greatest action adventure games of all times. Does it hold up today? In my personal opinion, it holds up pretty well and was pretty close to perfection. The visuals may look outdated today, but you cannot deny yourself that the atmosphere in the destinations within Hyrule are mesmerizing toThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is not only the best game on the N64 in 1998, but one the greatest action adventure games of all times. Does it hold up today? In my personal opinion, it holds up pretty well and was pretty close to perfection. The visuals may look outdated today, but you cannot deny yourself that the atmosphere in the destinations within Hyrule are mesmerizing to explore in this game. The locations, the character designs, the temples, the story and the soundtrack (especially the soundtrack) are absolutely memorable through out this game and this game practically made me became a Zelda fan in the first place. I could see why there are some people whether they are Zelda fans or not that they are too fond with this Zelda title. It's a bit identical to A Link to the Past on the SNES, but with 3D rendered visuals and there is a lack of personality within many characters compared to the later Zelda games where character personalities has improved in. However, for Nintendo to produce an engaging story for their first 3D Zelda game, it became forgivable for its time. This maybe a really overrated Zelda game, but there's a reason why people prefer Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as an instant classic.… Expand
  14. makosheva7
    Mar 29, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Definitely greatest game on the N64, and the best game ever created. Ocarina of Time gave us revolutionary 3D gameplay and an epic story not to mention one of the nicest looking games on the N64. The game design is truly second to none. You'll be exploring dungeons set in a desert, underwater, in a haunted mansion, in a graveyard and other interesting locales. Although the water dungeon can be infuriating if you miss a small key, the concept of having access to different rooms with different water elevations is genius. Although the music is in MIDI format, it was a staple in 1998, and the scores are amazing anyway! So many memorable tunes and epic pieces in this game!

    If I'd mention the story once more, it's that it is an amazing coming of age story. Link as a child is not taken seriously by anyone and is even one shotted by Ganondorf before the time leap. (Also, this is the best incarnation of Ganondorf in a Zelda game in my opinion, as he antagonizes you throughout the game, and it becomes the players desire to finally put him in his place.... not to mention he screws all of Hyrule over after 7 years have passed!! The first time I saw that he followed you into the sacred realm was actually awe inducing. There I was expecting myself to continue on my journey with this sick sword and BAM there comes Ganondorfs theme and im like wtf!). Link then ages 7 years and has to find 6 sages before the showdown with Ganondorf with a totally warped Hyrule. They nailed the story in this game, And for people in 1998, it probably blew their minds. (especially with that Sheik reveal near the end). Honestly, I could go on and on about this game (also the final boss is my favorite final boss in gaming) but I'll stop here.

    One of the most deserving games of a 10/10 ever.    … Expand
  15. Suits
    May 14, 2012
    10
    It's sad that until today there hasn't been anything that grasps the sense of magic that OoT brought forth upon playing. However that is simply the game being so vastly superior at what it does. To this day Koji Kondo's soundtrack for this is the one that strikes at an emotional level, where it never gets old. Characters are so well-made they stick with you and feel alive even long afterIt's sad that until today there hasn't been anything that grasps the sense of magic that OoT brought forth upon playing. However that is simply the game being so vastly superior at what it does. To this day Koji Kondo's soundtrack for this is the one that strikes at an emotional level, where it never gets old. Characters are so well-made they stick with you and feel alive even long after you played through once again. Graphically it's still really pleasing, because the aesthetics are so good. Pretty famous for it's story that keeps you involved at all times, never getting less climactic and leading to a huge pay-off and closure. Dungeon and level design is top notch and so clever they can be learned from even now. So much excellent extra content in exploring, secrets, mini-games and collectables that actually matter and improve your character and enhance the gameplay and is fun to do. Combat has alot of puzzle elements imbedded as well, especially the bosses require finding a solution whilst in the heat of the battle. It's all controlled rather intuitive with the Z-targetting being used for the first time and the handy hotkey buttons for sidegrade weapons and items. The HUD was also non intrusive and nicely designed for the time. Navigating through the expansive open world and dungeon is made user friendly by the clear map system, has no problems with mulitple floors and levels. The array of gadgets and weapons to your disposal is astounding and let's you find several ways to reach your goal. Still playing it when I need to be reminded what games should strife to be like and I can't help myself but going for all the side content every time getting lost in the world of Hyrule.… Expand
  16. Keeny
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    I had no idea that at the ripe age of 10 I would play one of the best video games ever made. Ocarina of Time has shaped my standards for all games following it, and despite the now out-of-date graphics, continues to be one of the best, most groundbreaking games in a wonderful franchise. Ocarina of Time, I tip my hat to you.
  17. ryfleman
    Jan 7, 2012
    10
    Whenever I find the rare game that I might give a 10 out of 10, the first thing I do is think 'Is it better than Ocarina of Time?' and always come up with no. This truly is the only game that is a 10 that I have played and probably the only one that exists. Remember, sometimes things become popular for a good reason (or because Will Smith is in it). The gameplay, story, length and puzzlesWhenever I find the rare game that I might give a 10 out of 10, the first thing I do is think 'Is it better than Ocarina of Time?' and always come up with no. This truly is the only game that is a 10 that I have played and probably the only one that exists. Remember, sometimes things become popular for a good reason (or because Will Smith is in it). The gameplay, story, length and puzzles all mesh together so well that this game can not be called anything but flawless.… Expand
  18. hawaiianhappy
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    The game is the quintessence of the word EPIC. The game has one of the best stories of all time, the gameplay is incredible for it's time. Link is the perfect example of what a hero should be.
  19. Someguy151015
    Aug 23, 2012
    10
    First time I played this game was 2011. At first, I was annoyed at the cut-scenes, but then after finishing the Deku Tree, I continued to play for an additional five hours. Overall - best game I've ever payed.
  20. Andrevv14
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    Simply brilliance. Combat is amazing, puzzles are well thought out, best video game soundtrack in my opinion (sorry Final Fantasy fans), perfect game time (not so long that it gets boring, but not too short that you wish there was more), interesting story and cool items. This is a game that just screams "Hello Childhood". 10/10 :)
  21. Kurtisawesome01
    Oct 15, 2015
    8
    Ocarina of Time a good game, but since everyone has a pair of nostalgia glasses on and looks at it now as a "perfect" game. A perfect game, as I would classify it, would have no glitches or problems with graphics, which this game doesn't have. Story is probably the best part of this. Gameplay wise, however, this game is sort of bad at. Z-targeting is such a mess, and enemies wait too longOcarina of Time a good game, but since everyone has a pair of nostalgia glasses on and looks at it now as a "perfect" game. A perfect game, as I would classify it, would have no glitches or problems with graphics, which this game doesn't have. Story is probably the best part of this. Gameplay wise, however, this game is sort of bad at. Z-targeting is such a mess, and enemies wait too long to be attacked. If you want a real review, watch Egoraptor's video on Youtube comparing it to Link to the Past.… Expand
  22. LudwigBeethoven
    Apr 3, 2017
    10
    Just came here to pay my tribute to the best game ever made. This game is so ahead of its time, the title alone is genius. The music is easily the best soundtrack you can find in a video game.
  23. SparkzPlayzGame
    Jan 20, 2018
    10
    The time has come

    Graphics=9.5, Back in the day these were some of the best
    Music=10, WONDERFUL
    Story=9.5, Good
    Replayability/Length=10, I play it all the time
    Gameplay=10, SOOOOO GOOD

    This leads to a grand total score of .......

    98!

    So good, the only way it could be better is improved story
  24. Zelda
    Aug 7, 2004
    10
    Greatest Game ever!!!
  25. Kalchabear
    Dec 26, 2019
    5
    This. This is the very definition of overrated. Ocarina of Time’s game mechanics feel incredibly clunky and outdated. Ocarina of Time’s models and sprites DO NOT hold up in today’s world in the least.

    Even the games story, which is praised again and again, feels incredibly average. It’s good, but it doesn’t stand out when compared to the other Legend of Zelda games. It certainly doesn’t    This. This is the very definition of overrated. Ocarina of Time’s game mechanics feel incredibly clunky and outdated. Ocarina of Time’s models and sprites DO NOT hold up in today’s world in the least.

    Even the games story, which is praised again and again, feels incredibly average. It’s good, but it doesn’t stand out when compared to the other Legend of Zelda games. It certainly doesn’t come close to being the best.


    Overall, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” is a game that’s aged poorly and is only rated so highly due to its nostalgic fanbase. It’s not bad, but certainly not “Best game ever” material.    … Expand
  26. steven14329
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    People that don't like this game... just don't like video games, and I'm surprised they're here reviewing them. 10/10. King of kings. Ocarina of Time.
  27. SoulRipper117
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    One of the best games ever made. An absolute must play for everyone ever. If you call yourself a gamer and have never played this or Majora's Mask, you are a fail.
  28. Puffy
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best games for the n64...... i luv this game ....its got plenty of action ....... ive read reviews of the ones who gave it bad scores..... most likey they havent played it at all......if u dont have or get this game u dont no what ur missin ... the graphics are great they are not bad..... the sound is cool...... it has plenty of cool ideas .......hardest level. to me isThis is one of the best games for the n64...... i luv this game ....its got plenty of action ....... ive read reviews of the ones who gave it bad scores..... most likey they havent played it at all......if u dont have or get this game u dont no what ur missin ... the graphics are great they are not bad..... the sound is cool...... it has plenty of cool ideas .......hardest level. to me is water temple .... favorite temple is the forest temple that temple is just whoa...... that temple says it all....... very challagein.... makes u think.......... n cool music......if i were anyone who wanted a great game this be the game i recomend .......so go buy it dont wait u dont no what ur missing.… Expand
  29. asggamefan
    Jun 18, 2011
    10
    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. What to say about it? Perfection? Well... no game is perfect but Ocarina of Time came pretty damn close. Few games in history have ever come close to what Ocarina of Time has achieved in greatness and popularity. If you have never played it. Play it! Even if it isn't your cup of tea, I promise you can still respect what it did for the gamingThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. What to say about it? Perfection? Well... no game is perfect but Ocarina of Time came pretty damn close. Few games in history have ever come close to what Ocarina of Time has achieved in greatness and popularity. If you have never played it. Play it! Even if it isn't your cup of tea, I promise you can still respect what it did for the gaming world and how it is influencing it to this day.… Expand
  30. markh.
    Feb 12, 2008
    10
    I base this rating not on nostalgia but on the simple fact that, when i played ocarina at the time it came out it was a perfect game. No game before or since has come close to the experience that this game was. Now like with all games of that period the graphics are dated, making the game look crude to people who have not played it before. However, it still stands up for many who had the I base this rating not on nostalgia but on the simple fact that, when i played ocarina at the time it came out it was a perfect game. No game before or since has come close to the experience that this game was. Now like with all games of that period the graphics are dated, making the game look crude to people who have not played it before. However, it still stands up for many who had the good fortune to explore hyrule in 98-99 as the best gaming experience ever, and will be forever remembered by them.… Expand
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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

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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
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